Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Wyoming

Wyoming issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing are in place. For private vehicles, the credential is a temporary registration issued by the county treasurer, an in-transit permit, or a temporary worker permit. For commercial operations, the applicable credential is a trip permit issued under Wyoming's trip permit authority or an oversize/overweight permit issued through the WYDOT Electronic Permitting System.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, a temporary vehicle permit is a short-term credential issued to operate a vehicle on state highways when full annual registration is not yet in place. Under W.S. 31-2-201, any owner of a motor vehicle operated on Wyoming highways shall obtain registration within the period specified by statute. County treasurers may issue 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day temporary registrations upon presentation of qualifying ownership and insurance documents. Vehicle dealers separately issue temporary operating permits at the point of sale.

For commercial carriers, a trip permit allows a single entry, single exit, or single in-state trip in lieu of full International Registration Plan (IRP) or International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) credentials. Wyoming also issues oversize and overweight permits under W.S. 31-18-804 for movements exceeding the size and weight limits administered by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been acquired, and current Wyoming plates are not available.
• Ownership documents for a non-titled or recently purchased vehicle are incomplete.
• A non-resident worker in Wyoming operates a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction for an extended stay of fewer than 120 days.
• A private vehicle was obtained from a non-dealer source and shall be removed from the state before a title is available.
• A commercial vehicle enters Wyoming before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
• A vehicle or load exceeds Wyoming's statutory size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Wyoming

For private vehicles, Wyoming recognizes three categories of temporary credentials administered through county treasurers.

County Treasurer Temporary Registration

A county treasurer may sell a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day temporary registration that expires on the corresponding anniversary of the vehicle purchase date. The following conditions apply:

• The applicant shall present a properly executed title or bill of sale containing the purchase date, buyer, seller, vehicle identification number, make, and year.
• Sales tax and verification of insurance are required.
• One temporary registration only may be issued to a vehicle within any 12-month period.
• A temporary registration cannot be extended; once expired, the owner shall purchase a regular annual registration.
• Vehicles that hold a current or recently expired Wyoming registration are not eligible.

In-Transit Permit

An in-transit permit may be purchased for $20 by any person who obtains a vehicle from a source other than a licensed Wyoming dealer. The permit authorizes operation on Wyoming highways for the sole purpose of removing the vehicle from the state. The permit expires 48 hours after issuance or upon the vehicle leaving the state, whichever occurs first.

Temporary Worker Permit

A non-resident owner, lessee, or operator employed in Wyoming on a temporary or full-time basis may obtain a temporary worker registration permit from the county treasurer in lieu of full Wyoming registration. Under W.S. 31-2-201(j), the applicant shall present:

• A current out-of-state registration displaying a valid registration and license plate from another jurisdiction
• Proof of valid insurance

The temporary worker registration permit shall be issued in 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, or 120-day increments at a rate of $50 per 30-day period. A temporary worker permit shall not exceed 120 days per vehicle; any longer period requires the purchase of regular Wyoming registration and the display of Wyoming plates.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Wyoming

Commercial vehicles that have not established full apportioned registration or fuel tax licensing with Wyoming may operate under a single-trip permit. Wyoming also recognizes oversize and overweight permits for movements exceeding statutory limits.

The recognized commercial temporary permits are:

• IRP trip permit for apportioned registration
• IFTA trip permit for fuel tax licensing
• Mileage-based trip permit for operations exceeding IRP or IFTA thresholds
• Oversize/overweight permits for extra-legal vehicles or loads

A commercial trip permit authorizes a single trip into, within, or out of Wyoming for a period not to exceed 96 hours. Trip permits are vehicle-specific and shall be carried in the vehicle during operation. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, fuel and registration trip permits are available at any port of entry upon entry into the state.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

Both private and commercial vehicles are subject to Wyoming's registration requirement under W.S. 31-2-201.

A private vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• A vehicle has been purchased, and full annual registration cannot be completed immediately.
• A non-resident employee operates a foreign-plated vehicle in Wyoming for fewer than 120 days.
• A vehicle shall be transported out of Wyoming before title documentation is available.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not apportioned for Wyoming travel.
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel tax licensing is not active.
• The vehicle or load exceeds Wyoming's size or weight limits administered by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Wyoming

Where To Apply

For private vehicle temporary registrations and worker permits, applications are made through the county treasurer of the applicant's county of residence or the county where the vehicle is housed. In-transit permits are likewise issued through the county treasurer.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA trip permits are issued at any Wyoming port of entry upon entry into the state. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through the WYDOT Electronic Permitting System.

Documents Commonly Required

The following records are commonly required at the point of application:

• Properly executed certificate of title or bill of sale
• Vehicle identification number, make, year, and weight class
• Proof of liability insurance
• Proof of payment of Wyoming sales tax
• Current out-of-state registration, when applying for a temporary worker permit
• USDOT number, when applicable for commercial operations

For commercial trip permits issued at a port of entry, payment of the applicable trip permit fee is required at the time of issuance.

Temporary Permit Fees in Wyoming

The table below summarizes the principal permit costs in Wyoming.

Can a Wyoming Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

A private vehicle temporary registration issued by a Wyoming county treasurer is valid only for operation within Wyoming. Wyoming maintains reciprocity agreements with Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, and New Mexico under which resident plate displays of those jurisdictions are exempt from Wyoming registration for stays of fewer than 120 days.

A commercial trip permit authorizes a single trip into, within, or out of Wyoming for no more than 96 hours; the permit does not extend reciprocity into other IRP or IFTA member jurisdictions. Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting in each state of travel.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Wyoming imposes penalties for late registration, operation outside the scope of a temporary credential, and commercial operation without the required trip permit.

• Under W.S. 31-2-201, operation of an unregistered vehicle on Wyoming highways is a violation subject to statutory penalty, and the department shall assess back registration fees for any period of unlawful operation.
• Operation of a commercial vehicle subject to IRP without a valid Wyoming registration or a trip permit is subject to enforcement at the port of entry under Wyoming Highway Patrol authority.
• Operation of a commercial vehicle subject to IFTA without a valid fuel tax license or a trip permit is subject to enforcement at the port of entry under the same authority.
• Movement of an oversize or overweight load without an issued permit is subject to enforcement and additional fees assessed under W.S. 31-18-801 et seq..

Contact Information

Wyoming Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009
Phone: (307) 777-4709
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Transportation