Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Illinois

Illinois issues temporary registration permits that allow limited operation of a vehicle before permanent registration is completed.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Illinois?

In Illinois, a temporary vehicle permit is available in multiple forms, depending on vehicle classification and operational purpose. A Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) is issued to new purchasers of vehicles who have filed a valid registration application with the Secretary of State but have not yet received permanent license plates. The TRP is a polymer license plate with a yellow background and black letters, affixed to the rear plate bracket where the metal license plate will eventually be placed. Each TRP is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and must be removed from the vehicle upon receipt of permanent license plates.

A 7/30-day intrastate and interstate transport permit provides temporary credentials to licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents, and currency exchanges. This permit allows out-of-state purchasers to operate newly purchased vehicles from the place of sale to a destination outside Illinois. The permit may also be issued for a non-registered first or second-division vehicle for the purpose of moving it within the state. Any second-division vehicles operating under an intrastate or interstate transport permit may operate only on empty weight. This permit is available for $10.

For commercial carriers operating on the International Registration Plan, a 45-day Temporary Apportionment Authorization Permit may be purchased once an original invoice is filed and the IRP file is in good standing. The purpose of this permit is to provide temporary operations until the permanent credential can be obtained.

For motor fuel use tax compliance, a single trip permit allows a motor carrier operating commercial motor vehicles to travel into or through Illinois for a 96-hour period without being registered in a motor fuel use tax program. Single-trip permits must be purchased before entering Illinois.

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 license plate cannot be issued immediately
• An out-of-state resident purchased a vehicle in Illinois and requires temporary credentials before permanent registration can be arranged
• A commercial vehicle operates on the International Registration Plan and requires temporary authority before full apportioned registration is active
• A motor carrier operates interstate without current fuel-tax licensing credentials
• A vehicle requires temporary transport authority within Illinois for relocation purposes
• A licensed vehicle dealer needs to demonstrate vehicles at the place of business

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Illinois

For private vehicles, Illinois allows a TRP to be issued to new vehicle purchasers who have filed a valid registration application but have not yet received permanent license plates. The TRP is distributed by Secretary of State facilities, licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents, and currency exchanges.

Illinois also provides a 7/30-day intrastate and interstate transport permit for non-residents and dealers. This permit allows out-of-state purchasers to operate newly purchased vehicles from the place of sale to a destination outside Illinois for 30 days. An intrastate and interstate transport permit may also be issued for a nonregistered first- or second-division vehicle to move it within the state of Illinois. Any second-division vehicles operating under an intrastate or interstate transport permit may operate only on empty weight.

Additionally, a person who purchases a vehicle from a private party may legally operate the vehicle for a 24-hour period while in possession of the title for transit to an agent or a Secretary of State facility. Once an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) is filed with the Secretary of State, a Temporary Registration Permit will be issued for display in the same location as the rear license plate. In cases where an individual applies for title and registration without the service of a dealer or remittance agent, the vehicle may legally be operated if a copy of the completed, signed, and verified application is displayed in the lower-right corner of the front windshield.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Illinois

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority through specific credential types. For carriers operating on the International Registration Plan, a 45-day Temporary Apportionment Authorization Permit provides temporary authorization once the original invoice has been paid and the IRP file is in good standing. Once a 45-day Temporary Apportionment Authorization Permit has been issued, the applicant must submit the application for the permit within five days. Failure to submit on time may result in forfeiture of future temporary permit privileges.

For commercial carriers operating without fuel-tax licensing, a single trip permit satisfies motor fuel use tax obligations for each jurisdiction in which the carrier travels. A single-trip permit for Illinois allows a motor carrier to travel into or through Illinois for 96 hours without being registered in a motor fuel use tax program.

Commercial vehicles may also operate under dealer, manufacturer, transporter, or repossessor permits when properly licensed and operating within authorized purposes. These permits must be displayed in the vehicle at all times during operation.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary registration permit when a new vehicle purchase has been completed, and permanent license plates have not yet been received from the Secretary of State.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to International Registration Plan requirements, and permanent apportioned credentials are not active
• The motor carrier is operating interstate without current fuel-tax licensing credentials
• The vehicle requires temporary transport authority for relocation within Illinois
• The power unit is newly registered and awaiting permanent apportioned plates
• The carrier needs authorization to conduct temporary operations until permanent credentials are obtained

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Illinois

Where to Apply

For private vehicle temporary registration permits, applications are submitted through the Secretary of State's facilities, licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents, or currency exchanges. The TRP number must be indicated on the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190).

For 7/30-day intrastate and interstate transport permits, licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents, and currency exchanges may purchase and issue the permits. Agents must complete and mail the 7/30-Day Vehicle Permit Application (VSD 193) along with fees to the specified Secretary of State address.

For commercial carriers, 45-day Temporary Apportionment Authorization Permits are obtained through the Commercial and Farm Truck Division office in Springfield once an original invoice has been paid and the IRP file is in good standing. For single trip permits, motor carriers must contact a single trip permit provider, as Illinois is currently not accepting new providers.

Documents Commonly Required

For Private Vehicle Registrations:

• Valid certificate of title assigned to the purchaser
• Vehicle identification number
• Date of sale
• Odometer reading certified on the title
• Applicable sales tax documentation
• Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) number (when indicating a TRP on the application)

For Commercial Carriers Operating on the International Registration Plan:

• Proof of ownership
• Receipted FORM 2290, Schedule 1 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) if the vehicle is being registered at a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more
• USDOT number
• Proof of established place of business
• Corporation documents proving good standing
• Completed International Registration Plan application
• Completed Schedule G for first-year applicants, describing applicant history and operational intent

Temporary Permit Fees in Illinois

Illinois publishes official fees for temporary vehicle permits through the Secretary of State. The table below summarizes principal permit costs:

Can An Illinois Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a 7/30-day intrastate and interstate transport permit issued by the Secretary of State may be used to transport newly purchased vehicles from the place of sale to a destination outside Illinois. This permit is specifically authorized for out-of-state purchasers and dealers to move vehicles across state lines.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid 45-day temporary apportionment authorization permit authorizes operations within and outside Illinois if all applicable International Registration Plan regulatory requirements are met. A single-trip permit for motor fuel use tax compliance authorizes operations across multiple jurisdictions during the 96-hour permit period.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Illinois imposes penalties for operating vehicles without proper temporary permits and registration credentials.

• Operation of any vehicle required by Illinois Vehicle Code to be registered in Illinois without displaying proper Illinois registration is a misdemeanor. Proper registration includes a temporary registration permit, a properly required Illinois trip permit, a temporary apportionment authorization, or other valid Illinois registration credentials.
• Improper use of Illinois trip permits, expired permits, or altered permits result in arrest, citation, and issuance of required trip permits by law enforcement.
• Failure to comply with vehicle registration requirements may result in apprehension of the vehicle, issuance of a summons, arrest, and any penalties specified by Illinois Vehicle Code and corresponding administrative rules.
• Improper use of evidence of registration, including displaying false or fictitious credentials, in addition to fines or penalties prescribed by code, may result in vehicle impoundment and additional enforcement action.

Contact Information

Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department
501 S. 2nd Street, Room 055, Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: (217) 785-3000
Official Website: Illinois Secretary of State