Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Iowa

Iowa 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.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Iowa?

In Iowa, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a “Registration Applied For” card issued for short-term use when permanent registration plates cannot be issued immediately. Under Iowa Code 321.25, a vehicle may be operated without registration plates for up to 45 days after delivery if a “Registration Applied For” card is displayed on the rear of the vehicle. This card must include the dealer's registration number and the date the vehicle was delivered to the purchaser.

For commercial carriers, Iowa distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. A registration trip permit is a temporary credential valid for 72 hours and is used for vehicles that do not have apportioned registration. A fuel trip permit is valid for one trip within a 72-hour period and is used for vehicles that do not have an IFTA sticker. Separate oversize and overweight permits are issued for vehicles or loads exceeding Iowa's statutory size and weight limits.

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 plates cannot be issued immediately
• Ownership documents or title applications are delayed from a dealer or other seller
• A commercial vehicle enters Iowa or is operated before International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials are active
• A commercial vehicle is operated before International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) credentials are active
• A vehicle or load exceeds Iowa's statutory size or weight limits

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Iowa

For private vehicles, Iowa allows a “Registration Applied For” card for limited operation until the permanent registration is completed. A dealer licensed to sell vehicles in Iowa may issue a “Registration Applied For” card, allowing the buyer to operate the vehicle for up to 45 days after delivery.

The “Registration Applied For” card must include the following information:

• The dealer's registration number
• The date the vehicle was delivered to the purchaser

A dealer cannot issue a “Registration Applied For” card under the following circumstances:

• The dealer knows the buyer already has license plates that could be used on the vehicle
• The buyer has not applied for registration and title
• The buyer has not received a receipt showing that the registration fee was paid

Under Iowa Code 321.25, dealers must send the buyer's application to the county treasurer or state office within 30 calendar days after the vehicle is delivered.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Iowa

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

• Registration trip permit for vehicles that do not have apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan
• Fuel trip permit for vehicles that do not have an IFTA sticker or fuel tax license
• Oversize or overweight permit for vehicles or loads exceeding statutory size and weight limits

For both private and commercial in-transit operations, an in-transit permit may be purchased for a fee of $2 each. These permits are used for vehicles not currently registered in Iowa that are purchased by dealers, for vehicles purchased from dealers by nonresidents, or for motor vehicles brought into the state for the installation of special equipment. The permit must be displayed in the rear window and is valid for 15 days.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a “Registration Applied For” card after purchase if a permanent registration plate cannot be issued immediately. The 45-day temporary credential allows time for the permanent registration to be processed, though a registration-applied-for card may be needed when documentation delays prevent immediate processing.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to the International Registration Plan and does not have apportioned registration credentials
• The vehicle is subject to the International Fuel Tax Agreement and does not have an IFTA sticker or fuel tax license
• The vehicle or movement involves dimensions or weights exceeding Iowa's statutory limits

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Iowa

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, a “Registration Applied For” card is issued through authorized dealers licensed to sell vehicles in Iowa. The dealer must verify that the buyer has applied for registration and paid the associated fees before issuing the card.

For commercial carriers, registration trip permits and fuel trip permits are obtained through the Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services. Oversize and overweight permits are processed through the state's online permitting system or through an in-person application at the Motor Carrier Services office in Ankeny.

Documents Commonly Required

The specific documents required for a temporary permit depend on the type of application. For private vehicle “Registration Applied For” cards, dealers must maintain records showing where and when the registration fee was sent. For commercial carriers applying for trip permits or oversize and overweight permits, applicable documents may include:

• Proof of vehicle registration or title
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) documentation
• USDOT number (for motor carrier trip permits)
• Proof of insurance
• Bill of sale or vehicle ownership documents

Temporary Permit Fees in Iowa

Iowa publishes official fees for temporary permits and registration charges through the Department of Transportation. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs.

Can an Iowa Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a dealer may issue a “Registration Applied For” card for a vehicle that is to be permanently licensed in any state, not only Iowa. This allows interstate operation during the 45-day temporary period.

For commercial carriers, a registration trip permit may not be used to satisfy International Registration Plan requirements for oversize and overweight loads and is valid only for travel within Iowa. A fuel trip permit is also valid only for travel within Iowa and is a temporary credential for vehicles without IFTA stickers.

Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate Iowa DOT permitting, even when registration-related credentials are valid. Carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions must comply with each state's permitting requirements.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Iowa imposes penalties for operating a vehicle without valid registration or required temporary permits. Under Iowa Code 321.17, it is a simple misdemeanor to violate registration provisions. The specific penalties include:

• Operating a vehicle without either a valid permanent license plate or a valid temporary registration applied for card is a misdemeanor violation
• False statements in a registration or temporary permit application may result in additional penalties
• Operating a commercial vehicle subject to apportioned registration without valid credentials is subject to motor carrier regulations and penalties
• Operating a commercial vehicle subject to fuel tax licensing without valid credentials is subject to fuel tax compliance penalties

Contact Information

Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
6310 SE Convenience Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone: (515) 237-3264
Official Website: Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division