Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Indiana

Indiana issues temporary registration permits that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration is active.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Indiana?

In Indiana, a temporary vehicle permit is available in multiple forms, depending on vehicle classification and operational purpose. A 96-hour temporary delivery permit is valid for 96 hours beginning with the time of issuance and authorizes operation of a vehicle for purposes of delivering or transporting the vehicle to a place of storage, including a residence or place of business, an inspection station for emissions testing, or a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch location or full service provider for registration purposes. This permit may also be issued for the delivery of a currently impounded vehicle upon proof of impoundment.

A 30-day temporary registration permit is valid for 30 days beginning with the date of issuance and authorizes vehicle operation on a roadway if specific conditions exist.

For commercial carriers operating under the International Registration Plan authority, a 60-day temporary permit may be issued to vehicles currently registered or in the process of registration in an established International Registration Plan fleet. This permit is issued when a delay in completing a transaction occurs or when a carrier is converting an Indiana base plate to an apportioned plate.

Commercial carriers may also obtain 3-day trip permits that allow base-plated carriers from another state to enter Indiana and pick up or deliver freight. A 5-day trip permit allows carriers to travel outside or inside the state with a base plate and be exempt from fuel taxes. Hunter's permits allow owner-operators to operate commercial motor vehicles between lessors in search of employment at unladen weight for a 30-day period.

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 obtained immediately
• An Indiana resident has purchased a vehicle and will be titling or registering it in another state
• An Indiana resident is moving to another state, and their current registration will expire before the move
• A vehicle requires delivery to an inspection station for emissions testing purposes
• A vehicle is currently impounded and requires delivery authorization
• A commercial vehicle operates under the International Registration Plan authority, and permanent apportioned credentials are not yet active
• A motor carrier from another state needs temporary authorization to enter Indiana for freight pickup or delivery
• A commercial owner-operator seeks employment between different lessors

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Indiana

For private vehicles, Indiana allows two temporary permit options:

96-Hour Temporary Delivery Permit: This permit allows vehicle owners to deliver or transport a vehicle without immediately obtaining title or registration. The temporary license plate must be placed on the back of the vehicle or on the left side of the rear window and must be kept inside the vehicle at all times, ready to present to law enforcement if required.

30-Day Temporary Registration Permit: This permit is available for Indiana residents in specific circumstances: purchasing a vehicle in Indiana for title or registration in another state or foreign country, moving to another state when current registration will expire before the move, applying for an Indiana title after out-of-state registration has expired, moving an empty vehicle from one lessee-carrier to another, or owning a vehicle requiring emissions testing with further mechanical repairs needed (proof of failed emissions test and proof of purchase required if newly purchased).

A temporary license plate must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle or on the left side of the rear window during operation. The temporary permit must be carried inside the vehicle at all times during operation.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Indiana

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Indiana

3-Day Trip Permit: Allows a base-plated carrier from another state to enter Indiana and pick up or deliver freight without proportional registration. Available online through the Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services portal.

5-Day Trip Permit: Allows a carrier to travel outside or inside the state with a base plate while exempt from fuel taxes. Available only through permit service providers.

60-Day Temporary Permit (International Registration Plan): Issued to vehicles currently registered or in the process of registration in an established IRP fleet when delays occur in completing a transaction or when converting an Indiana base plate to an apportioned plate.

Hunter's Permit: Allows an owner-operator to operate a commercial motor vehicle at unladen weight while seeking employment between lessors. Valid for 30 days, issued only to the owner and operator, and must be carried in the vehicle during operation.

Yard Tractor Permit: Issued to non-apportioned tractors to move semi-trailers at terminal, loading, or spotting facilities. Ineligible to carry cargo or transport on public highways. Operating with improper authorization on public highways results in vehicle impoundment.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a 96-hour temporary delivery permit when immediate transportation to an inspection station, Bureau of Motor Vehicles location, or storage facility is necessary, and permanent registration is not yet available.

A private vehicle may need a 30-day temporary registration permit when an Indiana resident has purchased a vehicle in Indiana and will transfer title and registration to another state, when moving to another state with a vehicle that will expire before relocation is completed, when applying for an Indiana title after out-of-state registration has expired, or when transferring a vehicle between lessee-carriers.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to International Registration Plan requirements, and permanent apportioned credentials are not active
• A motor carrier from another state needs temporary authorization to enter Indiana for freight operations
• A motor carrier requires a temporary exemption from fuel-tax licensing
• An owner-operator seeks employment between different lessors
• A non-apportioned tractor requires authorization to move semi-trailers at the terminal or loading facilities

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Indiana

Where to Apply

For private vehicle temporary permits, an application is submitted at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch. Proof of ownership and proof of financial responsibility must be provided at the time of application. Proof of ownership may include a certificate of title, registration from any state, a bill of sale, or a certificate of origin.

For commercial trip permits, 3-day trip permits, 5-day trip permits, hunter's permits, yard tractor permits, and repair and maintenance permits may now be completed online through the Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services portal. Applications may also be made through authorized wire services designated to issue permits.

For 60-day temporary permits under the International Registration Plan, an application is submitted to the Indiana Department of Revenue's Motor Carrier Services Division, International Registration Plan Section.

Documents Commonly Required

For private vehicle temporary permits, applicants must provide proof of ownership and proof of financial responsibility. Proof of ownership may include a certificate of title, registration from any state, a bill of sale, or a certificate of origin. For 30-day temporary permits issued for vehicles requiring emissions testing, a failed emissions test result from an inspection station must be provided.

For commercial trip permits, applicants must select the permit type, provide payment information, and complete the online application through the Motor Carrier Services portal. All required fields must be completed before permit issuance and printing.

Temporary Permit Fees in Indiana

Indiana publishes official fees for temporary vehicle permits through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The table below summarizes principal permit costs:

Can An Indiana Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a 30-day temporary registration permit issued to Indiana residents who purchased a vehicle in Indiana may be used to title and register the vehicle in another state or foreign country. The permit is specifically authorized for transporting newly purchased vehicles across state lines.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid 3-day or 5-day trip permit authorizes operations both within Indiana and in other jurisdictions, provided all applicable regulatory requirements are met. A 60-day temporary permit under the International Registration Plan authorizes both interstate and intrastate movement if all International Registration Plan regulatory requirements are met.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Indiana treats improper operation without the required permit or registration as an enforcement matter under its motor vehicle and motor carrier rules.

For private vehicles, operating outside the limits of a temporary permit, failing to maintain the permit in the vehicle, or failing to complete registration within the applicable statutory time frame may result in enforcement under Indiana registration laws.

For commercial operations, a yard tractor using a public highway is subject to impoundment. A carrier stopped without the required UCR registration may be ticketed.

For oversize or overweight operations, Indiana requires a permit before travel when legal limits are exceeded, and the state separately addresses oversize-overweight carrier violations through 45 IAC 22.

Contact Information

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N400, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (888) 692-6841
Official Website: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles