Understanding Washington State Trip Permits for Out-of-State Carriers

What is a Washington “Trip Permit” (for Out-of-State or Unlicensed Commercial Vehicles)

A “trip permit” in Washington is a temporary license/permit that allows a commercial vehicle — whose regular registration or apportioned registration (like under the International Registration Plan, IRP) is missing or not valid for Washington — to operate legally on Washington highways for a short period.
For a valid trip permit: the vehicle must meet certain criteria (weight, axles, registration status) and cannot be under an “out-of-service” order.

Here’s what you need to know about how a Washington trip permit works (or when it’s required) for out-of-state / non-IRP vehicles:

Validity period — The standard trip permit covers 3 consecutive days.
Weight limits under the permit:
- Up to 40,000 pounds for a single unit vehicle.
- Up to 80,000 pounds gross for combination vehicles (truck + trailer) under permit.
Vehicle eligibility: Commercial vehicles needing registration (e.g. 2-axle vehicle over a threshold weight, 3-axle vehicles, or any vehicle whose registered weight is insufficient for the load) may need a trip permit if unlicensed or unregistered properly under Washington rules.
Permit issuance limits: A single vehicle (identified by VIN/plate) can have no more than 3 trip permits within any 30-day period.

Out-of-state carriers or operators typically need a trip permit in these scenarios:

When a vehicle is not permanently registered in Washington (not under IRP or another apportioned registration) but needs to enter or traverse the state for a single haul or short-term job.
If the carrier recently acquired or leased a vehicle and has not yet completed the normal licensing/registration process.
When a vehicle is temporarily operating outside its home jurisdiction and is not properly licensed for Washington — a trip permit allows legal short-term operation.

The standard fee for a 3-day trip permit is US $95.00, according to official WSDOT / DOL documentation.
Permits may be obtained through:
- https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/
- (206) 339-6683
The permit must be filled out completely (including VIN, plate, dates), signed, and dated before operating the vehicle. Corrections to the permit invalidate it.

A trip permit is not a substitute for proper licensing or apportioned registration for long-term or repeated commercial operations — it is meant for temporary, short-term use.
If the vehicle (or carrier) is under a Washington “out-of-service” order (for safety or compliance issues), a trip permit cannot be used.
The permit allows operation only at “maximum legal weight” — but oversize, overweight, or special loads may require separate or additional permits (oversize/overweight permits) beyond a standard trip permit.

If you're planning to bring a truck (or fleet vehicle) into Washington briefly:

Confirm your vehicle’s registration status — if it’s not apportioned or licensed for Washington, get a trip permit before entry.
Ensure you request the permit for the correct VIN/plate and fill it out correctly (dates, signatures) before driving.
Track your count — no more than 3 per vehicle per 30 days.
Plan your load: if you expect to exceed legal dimensions/weight, get the appropriate oversize/overweight permits (don’t assume trip permit covers everything).
Keep the permit document in the vehicle at all times during your trip — compliance officers may request it.