Self-Issue Permits in Washington-Eligibility and Limits

What Is a Self-Issue Permit?

• WSDOT allows carriers to self-issue oversize/overweight (OSOW) permits using its online system called www.washingtontruckingonline.com.  

• This system is available 24/7, so companies can issue permits on their own schedule. 

Eligibility: Who Can Self-Issue

Here are the main criteria and requirements for a carrier to become a self-issuing company:

1. No Special Authorization Needed

   • For many standard OSOW permits (below certain thresholds), there’s no special extra approval beyond registering as a self-issuer. 

   • However, some permit types are not eligible for self-issuing. 

Limits & Restrictions for Self-Issued Permits

WSDOT places maximum limits on the dimensions and weight for self-issued permits. Here are the key limits:

• Width: up to 16 feet 

• Height: up to 16 feet 

• Trailer / Load Length: up to 125 feet 

• Gross Weight: up to 200,000 pounds for a single trip, non-divisible load (tractor/trailer combos) 

• Eligible Vehicle Combinations: limited to tractor/trailer (can include “jeeps” and “boosters” for weight distribution) 

• Axle Spacing Report: needed for weight permits — carriers must supply an axle spacing report number. 

• Double Trailers: Self-issue permits are not valid for double trailers under overweight/self-issue. 

Permit Types That Can Be Self-Issued

Here is the  number of permit types that self-issuing companies can create via  www.washingtontruckingonline.com

• Single-trip oversize/overweight (non-divisible) permits. 

• Monthly and annual permits for certain types:

  • Single trailer (divisible or non-divisible) up to a certain length.  

  • Double trailer permits (for divisible loads) — but note: double trailers are not eligible for overweight self-issue, only dimension, per other rules.  

  • Non-divisible dimensional permits (width/height/length) up to certain envelopes.  

  • Manufactured home transport (monthly/annual) with dimensional limits.  

  • Empty apple bins & hay bales (special monthly/annual permit).  

  • Fixed-load 3- or 4-axle vehicles (e.g., cranes), with a required axle spacing report.  

  • Log tolerance permit (for unprocessed logs hauled by certain combos).  

Permit Types Not Eligible for Self-Issue

Certain permits require WSDOT’s direct review or are disallowed via self-issue:

• Superloads: Loads exceeding 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft load length, or 200,000 lb must go through WSDOT (not self-issue).

• Night travel permits that exceed certain dimensions: e.g., over 12 ft wide, 14 ft 6 in high, or 105 ft overall length need approval. 

• 8-tire axle weight permits above certain limits (e.g., 8-tire with very high axle weight) are not self-issuable. 

• Farm implement permits (if exceeding certain thresholds) may not be eligible. 

• Manufactured housing permits that exceed the state’s predefined dimension allowances (per the “manufactured home map”) require WSDOT’s direct handling. 

Costs & Fees

• For self-issuing, there is no extra surcharge compared to getting a permit through WSDOT: self-issue cost = same as if done by a WSDOT office. 

• The weight permit fee uses the standard WSDOT overweight fee schedule. 

• Example: dimensional single-trip permit (self-issued) is $10 per trip (for certain dimension-only permits). 

Responsibilities & Liabilities for Self-Issuers

• Route Restrictions: Even though you self-issue the permit, you must check for and obey any road or bridge restrictions shown on the permit.  

• Over-Height Clearance: Carriers are fully responsible for verifying vertical clearances (bridges, overpasses). WSDOT does not guarantee height clearances for every route.  

• Local Jurisdictions: Self-issued permits only cover state routes. If traveling on city or county roads, the carrier must get approval from the relevant local authority.  

• Accurate Data Required: When self-issuing, the carrier must provide correct information (vehicle, axle spacing, route, etc.). Errors can lead to non-compliance or even safety risks.

• No Permit Modification: According to WSDOT self-issuer training, once a self-issued permit is issued, it cannot be modified.  

System & Process Notes

• WSDOT is upgrading its self-issue system: they received a federal grant to modernize the eSNOOPI system with better routing, automated checks, and a more user-friendly interface.  

• The new system includes tools like the Bridge Vertical Clearance Trip Planner to help carriers avoid height issues. 

• There is self-issuer training available (self-study PDF) to help companies learn how to properly issue permits.  

Pros and Cons of Self-Issuing

Pros:

• Speed & Convenience: Permit issuance 24/7, without waiting for a WSDOT office or agent.

• Control: Carriers can manage their own permit issuance, especially for routine or frequent moves.

• Cost Efficiency: No extra fee for self-issuing; same cost as through WSDOT.

Cons / Risks:

• Route Risk: If the carrier fails to check route restrictions or clearance, they may pick a risky route.

• Human Error: Self-issuing requires inputting technical data (axle spacing, route details) — higher chance of mistakes.

• Responsibility: The carrier bears responsibility for verifying overhead clearance, restrictions, and local road approval.

• Non-modifiable: Once issued, the permit can't be changed, which could be problematic if details were entered incorrectly.

Summary

• Self-issuing permits via www.washingtontruckingonline.com is a powerful and efficient option for many oversize/overweight moves.

• But there are defined limits: 16 ft wide, 16 ft high, 125 ft length, and up to 200,000 lb (single trip), with required axle spacing reports.

• Not all permit types are eligible — superloads, very heavy axle permits, some night-permit requests, and certain housing or farm implement permits require WSDOT’s direct review.

• As a self-issuance carrier, you're responsible for route planning, checking for restrictions, and ensuring you comply with all regulations.