Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Connecticut

Connecticut provides temporary vehicle credentials that allow limited operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing are activated.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a period determined by the commissioner. Temporary registrations may be renewed from time to time at the commissioner's discretion under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-12. The temporary registration serves as legal authorization to operate the vehicle while awaiting completion of the safety inspection, emissions testing, or VIN verification, before a permanent registration can be issued.

For commercial carriers, Connecticut distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and inspection-only permits. Under Connecticut's IRP overview and regulations, a vehicle subject to the International Registration Plan (IRP) must obtain the required permit before entering the state if full apportioned credentials are not activated. Qualified motor vehicles traveling between jurisdictions and meeting IRP requirements must possess a valid cab card or a valid trip permit prior to entering Connecticut.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and a permanent registration cannot be issued immediately.
• The vehicle requires a safety inspection or emissions test before permanent registration processing.
• A VIN verification or assignment is needed before title and registration can be completed.
• A commercial vehicle enters Connecticut before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
• The vehicle or load exceeds Connecticut's size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Connecticut

For private vehicles, Connecticut allows a temporary registration and a temporary tag for limited operation until permanent registration is completed. The temporary registration is valid for 10 days and costs $21. For commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,000 pounds or less, the temporary registration is valid for 10 days at a cost of $27. Commercial vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 6,000 pounds can obtain a 10-day commercial temporary registration for $49.

Inspection-only temporary registrations, which carry a fee of $49 for 10 days, are required for any commercial vehicles with a GVWR over 18,000 pounds and trailers with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. Vehicles receiving temporary plates for inspection purposes are restricted and cannot carry any load of any kind under any circumstances. These inspection-only temporary registrations permit vehicles to move only to or from the place of sale or transfer, travel to a plant or job location, obtain repairs, or drive to a location offering a safety inspection.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Connecticut

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Connecticut recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• IRP trip permit for vehicles operating across state lines that are not apportioned for Connecticut travel. If a vehicle does not have apportioned plates but needs to cross the Connecticut border with either a multi-axled vehicle or a vehicle (or combination) with a combined gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, a trip permit for each jurisdiction traveled must be obtained.
• IFTA trip permit for fuel-tax licensing when vehicles do not possess a valid IFTA licensure but operate in multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversize/overweight permit for movement outside dimensional or weight limits.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary registration after purchase if a permanent Connecticut registration cannot be issued immediately due to pending documentation, a safety inspection, or an emissions test. Connecticut does not impose a specific timeline, but the commissioner may issue and renew temporary registrations based on documented need.

An in-transit registration, a specialized temporary registration for out-of-state residents purchasing vehicles in Connecticut for permanent registration in another state, is issued solely for driving the vehicle to another state for permanent registration. The in-transit registration is issued with a fee of $21 and is valid only for operation between Connecticut and the out-of-state jurisdiction where permanent registration will be completed.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not apportioned for Connecticut travel.
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not active.
• The vehicle operates at weights or dimensions beyond statutory limits.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Connecticut

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, application is made through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles at any DMV hub or branch office. The DMV offers appointment-only service for temporary vehicle registrations. Applicants must make an appointment at a DMV office before applying.

For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits are obtained through the Connecticut DMV IRP Unit at 60 State Street, Room 102A, Wethersfield, CT 06161. New applicants may drop off forms for review and make payment by mail or through the online portal. IFTA licenses and permits are obtained through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) via the myconneCT online portal. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through the Connecticut Department of Transportation permitting system.

Documents Commonly Required

Connecticut lists the following registration prerequisites. Depending on the transaction, required documents for private vehicle temporary registrations may include:

• Application for Registration and Title (Form H-13B), if the vehicle is not previously registered in the applicant's name.
• Certificate of title from the former owner, which must show assignment of ownership.
• Bill of sale (Form H-31), if the vehicle was recently purchased.
• Current Connecticut insurance identification card from the insurance company, demonstrating minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
• Acceptable form of identification, such as a driver's license or state ID.

For commercial temporary registrations, the required documents include the following:

• Completed registration application (Form H-13B).
• Bill of sale (Form H-31) for recently purchased vehicles.
• Proof of ownership, such as an original title or valid registration.
• Acceptable form of identification.
• Proof of insurance, with the insurance card including required liability information.

For vehicles registered at 55,000 pounds or greater gross vehicle weight:

• File and pay the federal heavy vehicle use tax (Form 2290) with the Internal Revenue Service by filing Form no. 2290 (IRS E-filing)
• Upon confirmation of receipt of title documents, allow 5 business days for the DMV to process the vehicle into the system before visiting a branch office

For IRP applications, required documents include:

• IRP application Form IRP-31
• IRP deposit Form IRP-24 with deposit check for new accounts
• Certificate of liability insurance form with Connecticut DMV IRP listed as certificate holder
• Valid driver's license copies
• Proof of Connecticut business filing with the Secretary of State
• Unified Carrier Registration verification
• Property tax payment confirmation
• USDOT number documentation
• Proof of established place of business
• Email address

Temporary Permit Fees in Connecticut

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-49, the following fees apply to temporary vehicle registrations and permits:

Sales tax is collected on newly purchased vehicles at 6.35% for vehicles purchased at $50,000 or less and 7.75% for vehicles purchased at over $50,000.

Can a Connecticut Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Connecticut allows in-transit registrations for vehicles purchased in Connecticut by out-of-state residents and driven to a different state for registration. The in-transit registration is valid solely for driving the vehicle to another state where permanent registration will be completed and cannot be used for any other purpose.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations. The trip permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation. IFTA trip permits provide fuel-tax licensing authorization when operating in multiple jurisdictions.

Oversized and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting requirements even when registration-related credentials are valid. Operators should consult the Connecticut Department of Transportation or Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for any additional specialized permits, such as waste transporter permits for hazardous materials.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Connecticut imposes penalties for operating a motor vehicle without proper registration, for using expired temporary credentials, and for commercial operation without the required permit.

Additional Compliance Requirements:

• Failure to obtain proper vehicle registration compliance results in suspension of vehicle registration
• Vehicle registration suspension prevents registration of new vehicles until all compliance issues are resolved
• Insurance lapses exceeding 14 days trigger automatic registration suspension

Contact Information

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Official Website: Connecticut DMV