You’ve landed a new haul — the route looks profitable, the deadline is tight, and your truck’s ready to roll.

But then comes the question every carrier dreads:
“Do I have the right Trip and Fuel Permits?”

Ignoring that question could mean steep fines, downtime, or getting pulled off the road entirely. Let’s break down how these permits work — and how to secure them quickly so your operations never stop moving.

What Are Trip and Fuel Permits?

Trip Permit

A Trip Permit is a temporary registration that allows a truck not enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP) to legally travel in a state where it’s not registered.

Use case:
If your truck is based in one state but needs to haul through or deliver in another, a Trip Permit replaces full IRP registration for that route.

Fuel Permit

A Fuel Permit is similar but applies to fuel tax compliance under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

If your vehicle isn’t IFTA-registered, a temporary Fuel Permit allows you to operate in that jurisdiction and pay taxes legally for the fuel you use there.

Who Needs Trip and Fuel Permits?

You need these permits if:

• Your vehicle weighs over 26,000 lbs or has three or more axles.

• You’re operating across state or provincial borders without IRP or IFTA credentials.

• You’re leasing or borrowing a vehicle that’s not registered for interstate operations.

Psychology cue (Fear of Loss): Even one missing permit can turn a simple trip into an expensive setback — most states impose instant roadside fines for non-compliance.

How Long Are Trip and Fuel Permits Valid?

• Trip Permits: Usually valid 3–10 days, depending on the state.

• Fuel Permits: Typically valid 3–7 days.

• Both are non-renewable, meaning you must purchase a new one for each trip.

The Real Cost of Not Having Trip and Fuel Permits

1. Immediate Fines

Each state enforces its own penalty system. Some states charge $500–$1,000 per violation — others may impound your vehicle until compliance is verified.

2. Lost Time

Every hour your truck sits idle at a weigh station costs your company money — not to mention reputation.

3. Lost Clients

Carriers known for compliance issues often get passed over by freight brokers and logistics managers.

How to Get Trip and Fuel Permits Fast

Step 1: Know Your Route

Each state has unique rules. Before starting your trip, determine which states require temporary permits.

Step 2: Submit Key Info

You’ll need:

• Vehicle details (VIN, license, weight, axles)

• Route information (origin, destination, transit states)

• Dates of travel

Step 3: Apply Online

At OSOWPermits, our team secures Trip and Fuel Permits within minutes, ensuring full compliance for your haul — no phone calls, no paperwork headaches.

👉 See related: Annual Trip Permits – The Smart Way to Simplify Compliance

FAQs About Trip and Fuel Permits

Are Trip and Fuel Permits required in every state?

Not always — but most U.S. states and Canadian provinces require them for unregistered trucks.

Can I buy one permit that covers multiple states?

No. Each state issues its own temporary permits, but services like OSOWPermits handle multi-state coordination for you.

Do I need both Trip and Fuel Permits for the same trip?

If your vehicle isn’t IRP and IFTA-registered — yes, you’ll need both.

Running interstate loads without Trip and Fuel Permits isn’t worth the risk. These short-term permits protect your fleet, your reputation, and your bottom line.

👉 Request a quote from OSOWPermits today and get your Trip and Fuel Permits approved fast — so you can focus on what really matters: keeping your trucks moving.