Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Ohio

Ohio issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed. For private vehicles, the credential typically consists of a temporary tag and a registration receipt. For commercial operations, applicable credentials may include an International Registration Plan (IRP) trip permit, an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) trip permit, or a combined IRP/IFTA permit.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Ohio?

In Ohio, a temporary motor vehicle license registration for a standard private motor vehicle is typically a temporary tag or temporary registration certificate issued for short-term use when permanent plates cannot be issued immediately. Under Ohio law, a purchaser of a motor vehicle, upon application and proof of purchase, may be issued a temporary motor vehicle license registration valid for 45 days from the date of issuance. This credential is not transferable or renewable. For All-Purpose Vehicles (APVs) and off-road motorcycles, Ohio offers a 45-day temporary tag for APVs and a 30-day temporary tag for off-road motorcycles.

For commercial carriers, Ohio distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and special permits for specific operations. Under Ohio's IRP regulations, a commercial vehicle subject to IRP must obtain the required permit before entering Ohio if full credentials are not active. The 72-hour trip permit is available for qualified IRP vehicles that do not have apportionment in Ohio and that require immediate travel. For fuel tax purposes, IFTA single-trip permits are issued to companies transporting goods through or into Ohio that do not currently have an active IFTA license, valid for up to four consecutive days. Oversize and overweight operations require separate permits through the Ohio Department of Transportation via the Ohio Hauling Permits System.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent plates cannot be issued immediately.
• Title application documents or ownership records are delayed or incomplete.
• A commercial vehicle enters Ohio before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
• A vehicle qualifies as an APV or off-road motorcycle, and permanent registration is pending.
• For commercial carriers, the vehicle is not apportioned in Ohio or lacks active fuel-tax licensing.
• A vehicle or load exceeds Ohio's size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Ohio

For private vehicles, Ohio allows a temporary tag and a temporary registration certificate for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. If a vehicle will be driven prior to a title being issued, a temporary tag can be purchased from any local deputy registrar license agency or online through OPLATES.

A temporary motor vehicle license registration is issued only for the applicant's use to enable legal operation of the motor vehicle while proper title, license plates, and a certificate of registration are being obtained. The registration must be displayed in plain view from the rear of the vehicle, either in the rear window or on an external rear surface.

For all-purpose vehicles and off-road motorcycles, a temporary registration is available for out-of-state residents, valid for 1 year. The temporary tag options include a 45-day temporary tag for APVs only and a 30-day temporary tag for off-road motorcycles only. These temporary tags require presentation of the Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Ohio

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Ohio recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• IRP 72-hour trip permit for vehicles subject to International Registration Plan requirements that do not have apportionment in Ohio
• IFTA single-trip permit for fuel-tax licensing, valid up to four consecutive days
• Combined permits for vehicles requiring both IRP and IFTA coverage
• Oversize/overweight permits for extra-legal loads or vehicles requiring special hauling authorization

A commercial trip permit must be obtained before entering Ohio. Each permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation. The Ohio 72-hour trip permit is a registration option for qualified IRP vehicles that do not have apportionment in Ohio, for which immediate travel is desired, and is issued in lieu of IRP credentials for vehicles properly registered in their base jurisdiction.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag when a permanent Ohio plate cannot be issued immediately after purchase. Common circumstances include delayed title application documents or incomplete ownership records.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when it is subject to IRP and not apportioned for Ohio travel, when it is subject to IFTA and fuel-tax licensing is not active, or when the movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions or weights. Additionally, commercial vehicles not registered under IRP or IFTA may purchase temporary trip permits for $15.00 per day.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Ohio

Where to Apply

Private Vehicles

For private vehicles, application for a temporary tag or temporary registration is made through a local deputy registrar license agency or online at OPLATES.com. All registrants must visit a local deputy registrar license agency and sign a proof of Financial Responsibility Statement.

Commercial Vehicles

IRP trip permits and 72-hour trip permits are obtained through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or online through the Ohio Business Gateway. IFTA single-trip permits are requested through OH|TAX eServices. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through the Ohio Department of Transportation's Hauling Permits System.

Documents Commonly Required

For Private Vehicle Temporary Registration

Ohio requires the following basic documentation when obtaining a temporary tag or temporary registration:

• Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum of Title, or proof of ownership
• Valid Ohio driver license, Ohio state ID, or proof of Social Security number
• Proof of Financial Responsibility (proof of liability insurance or proof that the owner has obtained acceptable financial responsibility)
• Approved identity documentation list as specified in BMV form 2424

For vehicles subject to E-Check requirements in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit counties, an E-Check inspection is required if the vehicle qualifies.

For Commercial Vehicle Permits

The required documentation varies by permit type and may include vehicle ownership documents, federal tax identification numbers, motor carrier safety documentation, proof of financial responsibility, and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). For IRP permits, documentation typically includes the vehicle title, proof of USDOT compliance, and financial responsibility information. For IFTA permits, applicants must provide business information, vehicle identification number, mailing address, and email address.

Temporary Permit Fees in Ohio

Ohio publishes official fees for temporary tags and commercial trip permits through state agencies. The following table summarizes principal permit costs:

*Trip permit fees are established by individual permit processing services authorized by the state and may vary.

Can an Ohio Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Ohio allows a temporary tag to be purchased from a licensed dealer or the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. The temporary motor vehicle license registration is valid only within Ohio; however, some commercial trip permits offer interstate coverage.

For commercial carriers, a valid, current 72-hour trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within Ohio, provided all applicable regulatory requirements are met. IFTA single-trip permits are issued for companies transporting through Ohio and may allow limited operations in adjacent states, depending on the specific permit terms. Oversized and overweight movement remains subject to separate state-specific ODOT permitting, even when registration-related credentials are valid. Carriers should verify specific permit limitations before crossing state lines.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Ohio imposes penalties for failing to display, operating with expired temporary credentials, and commercial operation without required trip permits.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.21, failure to display a temporary motor vehicle license registration in plain view from the rear of the vehicle or covering a temporary motor vehicle license registration by any material that obstructs its visibility is a minor misdemeanor. Additionally, under Section 4503.182, whoever violates provisions related to temporary registration application or display is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for application violations or a misdemeanor of the first degree for dealer violations.

Commercial motor carriers face additional penalties. Operation of a vehicle subject to IRP requirements without a valid registration is a violation of the commercial registration law. Operation of a vehicle subject to IFTA requirements without a valid fuel-tax license is similarly prohibited and subject to enforcement action. Failure to maintain required trip permits or operating with expired temporary authority may result in citations, fines, and operational restrictions.

Late registration penalties include a $10.00 late fee charged for certain vehicle registrations renewed more than 30 days late. Any person required to register a motor vehicle in Ohio who operates an unregistered vehicle may face suspension of registration or other enforcement actions.

Contact Information

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Phone: (844) 644-6268
Official Website: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles