How Long Washington Permits Are Valid and When They Can Be Extended

Nov. 19, 2025, 6:16 p.m.
Understanding the validity period of Washington trucking permits is essential for planning moves, avoiding enforcement issues, and preventing unnecessary reapplications. Washington State issues a variety of trucking permits—each with its own rules for duration, expiration, and extension options. Here’s a breakdown of what carriers need to know.
How Long Washington Permits Are Valid

1. Washington Permit Validity Periods by Permit Type

Single-Trip Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Permits

  • Valid for: 3 days (72 hours)

  • Used for one specific load, along one approved route.

  • Must be executed within the dates listed on the permit.

  • If weather, breakdowns, or road closures prevent movement, carriers may qualify for an extension (details below).

Annual Oversize Permits

  • Valid for: 1 year

  • Authorizes repeated movement of oversize vehicles or loads within preset size limits (typically for non-divisible loads).

 Annual Overweight Permits (including Washington Envelope Permit)

  • Valid for: 1 year

  • Covers overweight configurations up to specific bridge formula limits.

  • Cannot be used for loads exceeding envelope limitations.

 Superload Permits

  • Valid for: Typically 3–7 days, depending on:

    • Load size/weight

    • Required engineering review

    • Coordination with State Patrol escort schedules

  • May require resubmission if major changes occur.

Trip Permits (Non-IRP Vehicles)

  • Valid for: 3 days

  • Allows operation of a vehicle not registered under IRP within Washington.

Temporary Fuel Permits (IFTA)

  • Valid for: 3 days

  • For out-of-state carriers operating a qualified vehicle without IFTA credentials.

 Farm & Agricultural Transport Permits

  • Certain exemptions and permits can be:

    • Seasonal (30–180 days) or

    • Annual, depending on equipment and commodity.

2. When Washington Permits Can Be Extended

Washington DOT allows permit extensions under specific conditions:

 Single-Trip Permits

Extensions may be granted only for valid operational reasons, such as:

  • Severe weather

  • Road closures

  • Mechanical breakdowns

  • Delays caused by state escort scheduling

  • Other documented circumstances outside the carrier’s control

Important:

  • Extensions are not automatic.

  • Carriers must submit a request before the permit expires.

  • Documentation of delay is usually required.

  • Typically extended up to 1–2 additional days, depending on circumstances.

Annual Permits

  • Cannot be extended beyond 1 year.

  • Carriers must reapply once the permit expires.

  • Renewal can occur before expiration to avoid gaps.

 Superload Permits

  • Extensions are possible if:

    • Engineering reviews are still valid

    • No route or bridge restrictions have changed

  • If conditions change, WSDOT may require a new permit.

 Trip & Temporary Fuel Permits

  • Extensions are rarely approved.

  • Carriers typically must purchase a new permit.

3. When Carriers Should Request an Extension

Request an extension immediately when any delay affects the planned move, especially if:

  • Weather shuts down mountain passes

  • Construction closes a segment of the authorized route

  • The load requires re-inspection or re-escort

  • A breakdown stalls movement

  • A bridge restriction appears during the active permit window

The carrier will need:

  • Permit number

  • Reason for delay

  • Documentation (if applicable)

  • Updated movement schedule

4. What Happens If a Permit Expires During Transport?

Operating under an expired trucking permit in Washington can result in:

  • Fines

  • Roadside shutdown until a new permit is obtained

  • Additional enforcement review

  • Escort requirements depending on size/weight

Washington State Patrol takes expired OS/OW permit violations seriously—especially when overweight.

5. Best Practices for Staying Compliant in Washington

  • Start moves early in the validity window, especially for mountain-pass routes.

  • Monitor weather and WSDOT road alerts daily.

  • Check expiry dates before dispatching.

  • Renew annual permits at least 7–10 days in advance.

  • Request extensions immediately when disruptions occur.