1. Trip Permit (Registration/Weight Authorization)
You need a trip permit if:
- Your truck is not registered in Washington or not IRP-apportioned
- You are doing a temporary haul in Washington
- Your registration doesn’t cover the weight you’re hauling
- The vehicle is newly purchased or temporarily operating in WA
A trip permit:
- Is valid for 3 consecutive days
- Lets you legally operate the truck on WA highways without full registration
Think of this as: “permission to drive the truck in WA”
2. Fuel Permit (Fuel Tax Compliance)
You need a fuel permit if:
- You do NOT have IFTA credentials, and
- Your truck meets weight/axle rules (typically):
- Over 26,000 lbs GVW, or
- 3+ axles, or
- Combination vehicle over 26,000 lbs
A fuel permit:
- Covers fuel tax for operating in Washington
- Is also typically valid for about 3 days
Think of this as: “permission to use fuel legally in WA without IFTA”
So… Do you need one or both?
You need BOTH if:
- You are an out-of-state carrier
- You are not IRP registered in WA
- AND you don’t have IFTA
This is the most common scenario for temporary trucking into Washington.
You only need a trip permit if:
-
You already have IFTA fuel tax account
- You just need temporary registration/weight authority
You only need a fuel permit if:
-
Your truck is already properly registered (IRP/WA plates)
- BUT you do not have IFTA coverage
You need neither if:
-
You are fully registered under:
- IRP (for registration)
- IFTA (for fuel tax)
Simple way to remember
-
Trip permit = truck registration authority
- Fuel permit = fuel tax authority
- Many out-of-state trucks need both together
Do You Need a Trip Permit, Fuel Permit, or Both in Washington?