What is the difference between a trip permit and a temporary registration tag?
A trip permit is a state DOT-issued authorization to operate a commercial motor vehicle on a specific route or for a specific purpose, typically for short-term operations where the carrier doesn't hold full IRP/IFTA registration in the state. A temporary registration tag (often called a "temp tag") is a state DMV-issued short-term registration for a vehicle that hasn't completed permanent registration yet. Different documents, different purposes.
Trip permits are state DOT authorizations for commercial operations that don't fit the IRP/IFTA framework. Common scenarios: a carrier operating a single trip into a state where they don't hold IRP apportioned plates, a carrier operating fuel-tax-exempt vehicles, or a carrier needing temporary authority for a one-time move. The trip permit covers the specific trip; once the trip ends, the permit is no longer effective. Trip permits cost typically $25-$150 per state per trip.
Temporary registration tags are state DMV products for vehicles in the registration pipeline. A newly-purchased truck waiting for permanent IRP registration uses a temp tag for the interim period. A truck with title issues holds a temp tag until the title clears. Temp tags are typically valid 30-60 days and are not specific to a route or trip — they authorize operation of the vehicle generally.
For commercial operations, both documents may be relevant in sequence. A carrier purchasing a new truck might run on a temp tag during the title-and-registration setup period, then transition to permanent IRP plates once registration completes. Trip permits are typically used for one-off moves where neither IRP plates nor a temp tag is the right tool — for example, hauling a used truck back to the carrier's base state for registration.
For oversize/overweight permits, neither trip permits nor temp tags are substitutes. Oversize permits are separate state DOT products specific to load configuration; they are required regardless of whether the carrier holds IRP plates, temp tags, or trip permits. Multi-permit operations stack — a carrier running an oversize load on a one-off trip might hold an oversize permit, a trip permit, and IRP apportioned plates all at the same time.