Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Michigan

Michigan issues temporary registration credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration is in place. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary registration permit issued for either 30 or 60 days. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be an IRP trip permit, an IFTA trip permit, or an oversize/overweight permit for vehicles or loads that exceed legal size or weight limits.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Michigan?

In Michigan, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration permit issued for limited short-term use. Under Michigan Vehicle Code Section 226b, each temporary registration is valid for either 30 days or 60 days from the date of issue, at the discretion of the vehicle owner. A vehicle with a temporary registration shall not be used for the transportation of passengers for hire, for the transportation of goods or merchandise, or to draw other vehicles transporting goods or merchandise.

For commercial carriers, Michigan distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. Under Michigan's IRP provisions, a vehicle subject to apportioned registration or fuel tax requirements must obtain the required permit before operating if full credentials are not active. Separate permits are required for oversize and overweight movements through the Michigan Department of Transportation permitting system.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent registration cannot be issued immediately
Vehicle ownership documents required for registration are delayed or pending
A commercial vehicle operates in Michigan before IRP or IFTA credentials are active
A vehicle or load exceeds Michigan's size or weight limitations

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Michigan

For private vehicles, Michigan allows a temporary registration permit for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. The permit is available for either 30 or 60 days, at the vehicle owner's discretion. Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) plates may use a temporary registration if they do not carry a load.

Temporary registration permits are intended for vehicle owners who use their vehicle only occasionally, have extended overseas travel plans, or have other reasons that limit their vehicle's use.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Michigan

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

IRP trip permit for vehicles subject to apportioned registration
IFTA trip permit for vehicles subject to fuel-tax licensing
Oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal loads or vehicles

A commercial IRP trip permit must be obtained before operating in Michigan and is valid for up to 72 hours. Each permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation. Temporary permits may be purchased directly from the Michigan IRP Office through electronic services or from a third-party trip permit service provider.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary registration permit after purchase if permanent registration cannot be issued immediately. Michigan provides registration procedures, but a temporary permit may be necessary if ownership documentation or insurance verification is pending and prevents immediate processing.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not registered for Michigan travel
The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not active
The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions that require special authorization

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Michigan

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications are made through a Secretary of State office or at self-service stations. Vehicles may also be registered through online services available on the Michigan Department of State website.

For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits are obtained through the Michigan IRP Office or through electronic services. IFTA permits are processed through the Michigan Department of Treasury. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through the Michigan Department of Transportation permitting system.

Documents Commonly Required

For private vehicle temporary registration permits, applicants must provide the following:

Proof of vehicle ownership, such as the title or a current or expired vehicle registration
Proof of valid Michigan No-Fault insurance for the vehicle (no proof of insurance is required for a trailer)
Payment for the temporary registration fee

For commercial vehicle IRP registration, applicants must provide proof of ownership, proof of Michigan no-fault liability insurance, actual distance traveled in each jurisdiction, and proof of federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payment if applicable.

Temporary Permit Fees in Michigan

Michigan publishes official fees for temporary registrations through the Michigan Vehicle Code. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs.

Permit Type	Official Fee
Private vehicle temporary registration (30 days)	1/10 of annual tax or $20, whichever is greater, plus $10 service fee
Private vehicle temporary registration (60 days)	1/5 of annual tax or $40, whichever is greater, plus $10 service fee
IRP trip permit (72 hours)	$20
Oversize/overweight single-trip permit	Varies

Can a Michigan Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Michigan states that a temporary registration permit may be issued for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations in Michigan and other IRP member jurisdictions if all applicable regulatory requirements are met.

Oversized and overweight movement remains subject to separate Michigan Department of Transportation permitting, even when registration-related credentials are valid. Commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce must also carry IFTA fuel decals and obtain any additional special permits required by individual states or provinces.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Michigan imposes penalties for operating vehicles without required registration and for the expiration of temporary credentials.

Under Michigan Vehicle Code Section 215, it is a misdemeanor for any person to drive or move a vehicle of a type required to be registered if it is not registered or if the appropriate fee has not been paid.

Under Michigan Vehicle Code Section 255, a person who operates a vehicle required to be registered without a valid registration plate is responsible for a civil infraction. However, if the vehicle is a commercial vehicle required to be registered according to the schedule of elected gross vehicle weights, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, a fine of not more than $500, or both.

A person who operates a vehicle licensed under the International Registration Plan without a valid registration due to nonpayment of the apportioned fee is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by a fine of not more than $100, or both. A police officer may impound the vehicle until a valid registration is obtained. If the vehicle is impounded, the towing and storage costs, and the care of any load in the vehicle, are the owner's responsibility.

Contact Information

Michigan Department of State
7064 Crowner Drive, Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 335-6119
Official Website: Michigan Department of State - Vehicle Services