Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Minnesota

Minnesota issues temporary vehicle permits that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full registration and fuel tax licensing are in place. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary permit affixed to the rear of the vehicle. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be an IRP trip permit, an IFTA fuel permit, a combined IRP/IFTA base plate, or a weight increase permit.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a permit issued for short-term use when permanent license plates cannot be issued immediately. Under Minnesota Statute 168.092, a temporary permit is valid for 60 days. The permit must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle where a license plate would normally be mounted and must be plainly visible. Each permit is valid only for the vehicle for which it was issued.

For commercial carriers, Minnesota distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and weight-related permits. Under Minnesota's IRP and IFTA programs, a vehicle subject to international registration must obtain the required permit before operating in Minnesota if full credentials are not active. Separate permits are required for weight increases through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

A private vehicle has been purchased from a Minnesota-licensed dealer, and a permanent license plate cannot be issued immediately.
Ownership documents needed for title or registration are delayed or missing.
A person has recently moved to Minnesota and requires time to register a vehicle within the 60-day grace period.
A commercial vehicle enters Minnesota before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
A vehicle requires registration authority before permanent credentials can be obtained.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Minnesota

For private vehicles, Minnesota allows a temporary permit for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. Licensed dealers and the commissioner of public safety may issue a temporary permit to a vehicle purchaser to allow a reasonable time to register the vehicle and pay applicable fees and taxes.

Minnesota residents are issued a 60-day temporary permit when a vehicle is purchased from a Minnesota-licensed dealer or when applying for a new license plate type at a deputy registrar office. Non-residents are also issued a 60-day temporary permit, which allows the vehicle to be removed from Minnesota to the owner's state of residence.

Dealers must issue all temporary registration permits through online services for business. The temporary permit must be affixed to the rear license plate holder, not in the vehicle window.

Additionally, the commissioner may issue a temporary permit under Minnesota Statute 168.09, subdivision 7, in conjunction with the conclusion of a registration period or a recently expired registration if the current registration tax and all fees have been paid in full and special plates have been applied for. This permit is also valid for 60 days and is issued only for the vehicle to which it applies.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Minnesota

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Minnesota recognizes the following temporary commercial permits under its IRP and IFTA programs:

120 Hour Trip Permit for apportioned registration and interstate operations
120 Hour Fuel Permit for fuel-tax licensing requirements
Base Plate (30, 60, or 90 days) for full registration and fuel authority
Weight Increase Permit (30, 60, or 90 days) for vehicles requiring weight authority beyond 80,000 pounds

A vehicle owned and currently registered by an out-of-state resident and not apportioned with Minnesota may obtain a temporary Minnesota registration permit if it meets qualified vehicle requirements. A truck, truck tractor, or bus registered to an out-of-state resident with a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, three or more axles regardless of weight, or used in combination when the gross weight of such a combination exceeds 26,000 pounds may qualify.

Important restrictions apply: Minnesota residents do not qualify for temporary permits, except for a weight increase permit; only one permit may be issued to a vehicle within a 30-day period; and the maximum weight on a trip permit is 80,000 pounds. A valid interstate U.S. Department of Transportation number is required.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary permit after purchase if a permanent Minnesota license plate cannot be issued immediately due to processing delays or missing documentation. Dealers commonly issue temporary permits when permanent registration cannot be processed on the same day as the vehicle purchase.

New residents to Minnesota have 60 days to register their passenger vehicle, motorcycle, utility trailer, or house trailer. Registration must be renewed immediately if it has expired or if the vehicle is a commercial trailer or truck.

A commercial vehicle may require a temporary permit when it is subject to IRP and is not apportioned for Minnesota or interstate travel, is subject to IFTA and fuel-tax licensing is not active, or requires weight authority for movements exceeding 80,000 pounds.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Minnesota

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications are generally made through a deputy registrar office located throughout the state or through a licensed dealer, who may issue temporary permits online through MNDRIVE e-Services for Business.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA permits are obtained through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division, or through authorized online permitting services. Commercial vehicle operators must submit applications for trip permits and base plates through these official channels.

Documents Commonly Required

Minnesota requires specific documentation depending on the transaction type. For new vehicle purchases at a licensed dealer, the dealer may issue a temporary permit without additional documentation. For other applications, registrants must provide:

A completed Application to Title/Register a Vehicle
Current vehicle title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin for vehicles from another U.S. state or jurisdiction
For out-of-state vehicles, a current registration card that is not expired for more than one year, a copy of the out-of-state title, a Title Application Receipt, or electronic title documentation
Proof of vehicle ownership, such as a bill of sale or court order for non-titled vehicles
Current odometer reading
Driver's license or acceptable form of identification
Name and address of any lien holders
For commercial vehicles, a valid Interstate U.S. Department of Transportation number

For new Minnesota residents, the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle must be submitted with appropriate fees either in person at a deputy registrar office or by mail.

Temporary Permit Fees in Minnesota

Minnesota, through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, publishes official fees for temporary permits and registration. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs:

Permit Type	Official Fee
Temporary vehicle permit (60-day)	$12 filing fee
120-hour trip permit	One month's registration based on gross weight plus $12 filing fee
120-hour fuel permit	$25
Base plate (30, 60, or 90 days)	One month's registration based on gross vehicle weight plus $12 filing fee
Weight increase permit (30, 60, or 90 days)	$4.17 per ton (rounded to nearest whole dollar) plus $12 filing fee

Additionally, a $2 late transfer penalty applies if a transfer is not submitted within 20 calendar days of the sale date.

Can a Minnesota Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a temporary permit issued by Minnesota may be used to remove the vehicle from the state if issued to a non-resident or for a resident relocating out of state. However, the permit's validity is limited to the 60-day period specified on the permit itself.

For commercial carriers operating under IRP and IFTA programs, a valid temporary permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within Minnesota if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. The 120-Hour Trip Permit is specifically designed for interstate operations and allows commercial vehicles to travel across state lines during the designated permit period.

A base plate (30, 60, or 90 days) does not have a maximum weight limit for interstate operations, but weight over 80,000 pounds will be charged $4.17 per ton, rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Weight increase permits do not replace the requirement for a separate overweight permit from MnDOT if the vehicle or load exceeds Minnesota's legal weight limits.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Minnesota imposes penalties for operating vehicles without valid registration, expired permits, and commercial operation without required permits.

Under Minnesota Statute 169.79, no person may operate, drive, or park a motor vehicle on any highway unless the vehicle is registered in accordance with the laws of this state and displays the number plates or permit confirming valid registration. Violations may result in fines and other penalties.

Under Minnesota Statute 168.31, if an owner of a vehicle fails to pay registration tax or installments when due, the vehicle must not be used on public streets or highways until payment is made in full. A penalty accrues at the rate of $1 per day for the remainder of the month in which the balance becomes due and $4 per month for each succeeding month or fraction of a month during which the balance remains unpaid.

Under Minnesota Statute 168.09, no person may be charged with violating registration requirements by reason of failure to renew a previously registered motor vehicle if the person produces a statement from the registrar indicating that the person was not notified of the annual renewal and the person renews registration and pays all taxes and fees due within ten days of being cited.

For commercial vehicles, operation without valid IRP or IFTA credentials when required may result in violations and penalties as specified in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety IRP and IFTA procedures.

Contact Information

Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 195, Town Square Building, St. Paul, MN 55101-5190
Phone: (651) 201-7777
Official Website: Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services