When trucks need a trip permit in Washington

Nov. 29, 2025, 9:05 a.m.
Here’s when trucks need a trip permit in Washington State Department of Licensing / Washington State Department of Transportation (WS-DOT / DOL) in Washington
Trip permit in Washington

Apply for the trip and fuel permits in https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/

 

When a trip permit is required for a truck

  • If the truck (or combination) is not registered in Washington — e.g. out-of-state vehicle arriving temporarily.  

  • If the truck has gross vehicle weight (GVW) > 26,000 lb or has 3 or more axles, and you don’t have full apportioned registration (such as under International Registration Plan — IRP). 

  • If the current license/registration is insufficient for the load weight — e.g. licensed for a lower weight than what you’re hauling. In that case you may use a trip permit temporarily.  

  • If you have a newly acquired or leased vehicle and it’s not yet registered under IRP or Washington registration — trip permit enables a short-term haul or move within Washington.  

  • If you’re entering Washington for a one-time job or haul, and don’t intend to register permanently in Washington — a temporary trip permit (for 3-day duration) can be used instead of full registration.  

 Key Conditions & Limits of a Trip Permit

  • A trip permit authorizes operation for 3 consecutive days (72 hours) from first day of use.  

  • A single vehicle may have at most 3 trip permits in any 30-day period.  

  • The permit allows a single vehicle up to 40,000 lb, or a combination vehicle (truck + trailer) up to 80,000 lb. 

  • Trip permits cannot be used by vehicles already registered with valid tonnage in WA as a substitute for full registration (unless trying to temporarily increase weight allowance).  

  • Both the truck and the trailer (if not licensed/registered) need valid licensing or a trip permit. 

 When you don’t need a trip permit

You don’t need a trip permit (and in fact it’s inappropriate) when:

  • The vehicle is properly registered under IRP (for interstate commercial trucking) and has apportioned plates for Washington.  

  • The vehicle is registered in Washington with valid weight/tonnage licensing matching your load.  

  • You are hauling loads within legal weight/size limits and within scope of your registration — no overweight/oversize issues, no need for temporary licensing.