Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Kentucky

Kentucky issues temporary credentials that authorize limited vehicle operation when permanent registration cannot be issued immediately or when commercial carriers operate before securing full credentials. For private vehicles, the credential is typically a temporary tag valid for a defined period while permanent registration is processed. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may include an International Registration Plan (IRP) trip permit, an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) trip permit, a combined IRP/IFTA permit, or an oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal movement.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Kentucky?

A temporary vehicle permit in Kentucky authorizes the short-term operation of a motor vehicle when permanent registration cannot be obtained immediately. For private vehicles, temporary tags are issued by county clerks or motor vehicle dealers and are valid for specified periods. Under KRS 186A.100, a temporary tag for a vehicle being titled and registered in Kentucky is valid for 60 days from the date of vehicle delivery. Additionally, a county clerk may issue a temporary tag to the owner of a motor vehicle currently registered and titled in Kentucky for emergency or unusual purposes, valid for 24 hours to 7 days, as determined by the clerk. A temporary tag issued for a currently registered vehicle cannot be reissued to the same owner and the same motor vehicle within 1 year of issuance.

For commercial carriers, Kentucky distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. Under regulations established by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Motor Carriers, a vehicle subject to IRP or IFTA requirements must obtain the required permit before entering the state if full credentials are not active. Separate permits are required for oversize and overweight movements through the Kentucky Automated Permit 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 registration cannot be completed immediately
Title or ownership documentation needed for registration is delayed
A commercial vehicle enters Kentucky before IRP or IFTA credentials are active
A vehicle or load exceeds Kentucky's legal size or weight limits
An owner of a currently registered vehicle requires emergency or temporary operational authority

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Kentucky

For private vehicles, Kentucky allows a temporary tag and a temporary registration receipt for limited operation until permanent registration is completed. KRS 186A.100 establishes that a motor vehicle dealer who sells a vehicle shall equip the vehicle with a temporary tag valid for 60 days from the date the vehicle is delivered to the purchaser.

A county clerk may issue a temporary tag to any vehicle owner submitting a properly completed application for a Kentucky certificate of title and registration when the vehicle is not currently registered and titled in Kentucky. Such temporary tags are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and are issued for operating the vehicle in Kentucky while the owner assembles the necessary documents to title and register the vehicle.

For vehicles currently registered and titled in Kentucky, county clerks may issue emergency or unusual-purpose temporary tags. These temporary tags are valid for 24 hours to 7 days, as the clerk determines necessary. Proof of motor vehicle insurance is required before a temporary tag is issued under this provision.

A designated agent, such as an authorized motor vehicle or motorcycle dealer, may apply to the county clerk for temporary registration license plates by presenting a photo identification card and written authorization from the dealership. Under the 601 KAR 9:140, a county clerk shall not issue more than one 60-day temporary registration license plate to a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor vehicle owner.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Kentucky

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority when full credentials are not yet in place. Kentucky recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

IRP trip permit for apportioned registration allowing interstate and intrastate commercial operations
IFTA trip permit for fuel-tax licensing compliance
Combined IRP/IFTA trip permit for vehicles requiring both registration and fuel-tax authorization
Oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal loads or vehicles exceeding standard dimensions and weight limits

Commercial trip permits are typically valid for 10 days. Each permit is vehicle- and route-specific, and, in the case of oversize/overweight permits, load-specific. All permits must be carried in the vehicle during operation and displayed upon request to law enforcement.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may require a temporary tag after purchase when a permanent Kentucky registration certificate cannot be issued immediately. Circumstances warranting temporary tag issuance include delays in processing title applications or missing ownership documentation.

A commercial vehicle may require a temporary permit when the vehicle is subject to International Registration Plan requirements and is not apportioned for Kentucky travel, when the vehicle is subject to IFTA requirements and fuel-tax licensing is not active, or when movement involves dimensions or weights exceeding Kentucky's legal limits.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Kentucky

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications are made through a local county clerk's office in the county of vehicle ownership or intended registration or through authorized motor vehicle dealers.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA trip permits may be obtained through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Motor Carriers or authorized permit vendors. Oversize and overweight permits are processed through the Kentucky Automated Permit System.

Documents Commonly Required

Depending on the transaction, the required records for private vehicle temporary tags typically include:

Photo identification (Kentucky Driver's License, Kentucky ID Card, or Social Security card)
Proof of Kentucky liability insurance (issue date within 45 days)
Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title and Registration (TC96-182 form) if applicable
Completed and signed title or bill of sale
For out-of-state vehicles, evidence of passed Sheriff's inspection by a certified inspector

For commercial vehicle trip permits, carriers must provide documentation confirming vehicle specifications, gross vehicle weight rating, axle configuration, vehicle identification number, and proof of appropriate commercial insurance.

Temporary Permit Fees in Kentucky

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

Permit Type	Official Fee
Private vehicle temporary tag	$3.00
County clerk retains	$2.00
IRP trip permit (10 days)	$95.00
IFTA trip permit (10 days)	$105.00
Oversize/overweight single-trip permit	$100.00
Non-divisible annual permit (<14 ft. wide)	$250.00
Non-divisible annual permit (14-16 ft. wide)	$500.00
Farm annual permit (<14 ft. wide)	$80.00
Farm annual permit (14-16 ft. wide)	$150.00
Non-divisible steel annual permit	$500.00
Metal commodities annual permit	$1,250.00
Annual feed certificate	$150.00
Annual manufactured home permit	$1,500.00

Note: Commercial trip permit costs may vary and depend on vehicle classification and gross vehicle weight rating. Service fees of 4% for credit card or $3 for ACH transactions apply to oversize/overweight permits. For current pricing and permit-specific fees, contact the Division of Motor Carriers or visit the Motor Carrier Portal.

Can a Kentucky Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Kentucky provides transit tags to out-of-state residents purchasing Kentucky vehicles for relocation to another jurisdiction. Transit tags cost five dollars ($5.00), are valid for 15 days, and may be obtained through the Motor Vehicle Licensing Division in Frankfort via mail or in person. Transit tags are not available to Kentucky residents relocating out-of-state vehicle purchases back into Kentucky; sellers' DMV providers should furnish temporary registration in such cases.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP or IFTA trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within Kentucky if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate Kentucky permitting even when registration-related credentials are valid, and interstate movements require adherence to regulations in all states traversed.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Kentucky imposes penalties for operating a vehicle without the required temporary permits or for operating it after the temporary credentials expire. Under KRS 186.990 and related statutes, penalties include the following:

Driving with an expired or invalid temporary tag is subject to fines and court costs
False statements in temporary tag applications constitute violations of motor vehicle registration requirements
Operation of a vehicle without a valid, required registration is subject to penalties, including fines
Commercial carriers operating without required IRP or IFTA trip permits face enforcement action and potential citations
Operation of oversize or overweight vehicles without valid permits results in permit confiscation, enforcement penalties, and liability for bridge or road damage

Contact Information

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Carriers
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-1257
Official Website: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet