Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in North Dakota

North Dakota authorizes several temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration or full commercial compliance is completed. For private vehicles, the applicable document may be a self-issuing temporary registration permit, a resident temporary registration, or a drive-out permit issued through the state’s motor vehicle system. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may include a 72-hour trip permit, a 72-hour fuel permit, an unladen permit, or a size-and-weight permit issued for extra-legal movement under state permitting procedures.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, a temporary vehicle permit is a short-term registration or operating credential issued under state law or agency procedure for limited use before full registration is in place. A temporary registration certificate for 75 days after the date of acquisition may be issued for newly acquired private vehicles.

For commercial carriers, North Dakota distinguishes among registration-related permits, fuel-tax permits, and oversize or overweight permits. A nonresident carrier operating a qualified vehicle without full registration for North Dakota travel may need a 72-hour trip permit. A qualified vehicle operating without IFTA licensing may need a 72-hour fuel permit. Extra-legal movements require the appropriate Highway Patrol size-and-weight permit.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following circumstances:

• A vehicle has been newly acquired, and permanent title or registration has not yet been completed.
• The 5-day post-acquisition operating period has expired, and the vehicle must continue to be operated lawfully.
• A North Dakota resident needs a temporary registration certificate pending completion of registration.
• A nonresident employed in North Dakota elects temporary registration under the state’s nonresident provisions.
• A nonresident carrier enters North Dakota without apportioned registration recognized for in-state travel.
• A qualified commercial vehicle lacks active fuel-tax licensing for North Dakota operations.
• A vehicle must be moved in unladen status before full apportioned registration is completed.
• A vehicle or load exceeds statutory size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in North Dakota

North Dakota allows a buyer to operate a newly acquired vehicle for up to 5 days from the date of acquisition without visible registration, provided the vehicle carries dated evidence of ownership. The state identifies dated evidence of ownership as a dated bill of sale or a dated copy of the certificate of title.

If registration cannot be completed within that period, the state’s public guidance provides for a self-issuing temporary registration permit valid for 30 days from the date of acquisition. That permit may be available on the reverse side of the seller’s registration card, through a motor vehicle office, or through the state’s online permit service for eligible applicants.

North Dakota also provides a resident temporary registration service described by the state as a 75-day registration permit for North Dakota residents only. The online service states that the permit is valid only on non-junked and non-salvaged vehicles and that the applicant agrees to pay the applicable excise tax and title and register the vehicle within 30 days.

A separate 30-Day Drive Out Permit is also maintained by the state for eligible vehicle transactions involving non-junked and non-salvaged vehicles.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in North Dakota

North Dakota recognizes several temporary permits for commercial vehicles:

• 72-Hour Trip Permit for a nonresident carrier operating a qualifying out-of-state registered vehicle that is not properly registered for North Dakota under IRP. The permit fee is $20.
• 72-Hour Fuel Permit for a nonresident carrier operating a qualified vehicle without IFTA credentials. The permit fee is $15, it is valid for one trip only, and it expires after 72 hours or when the vehicle leaves the state, whichever occurs first.
• Unladen Permit for an operator needing temporary registration to move an apportionable unladen vehicle. The permit fee is $30, and the permit is valid for up to 14 days.
• Oversize Or Overweight Permits for extra-legal movements under the Highway Patrol permitting system. These include single-trip and annual permit options for specific movement types.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may require a temporary permit after purchase when the buyer cannot complete title and registration within the standard time allowed by state law and agency guidance. A buyer may operate the vehicle for 5 days with dated ownership evidence, but continued operation beyond that period requires proper registration or the applicable temporary permit.

A commercial vehicle may require a temporary permit when any of the following applies:

• The vehicle is subject to apportioned registration requirements and is not properly registered for North Dakota travel.
• The vehicle is subject to fuel-tax licensing requirements and does not have IFTA authority.
• The vehicle must be moved temporarily in unladen status.
• The route involves an oversize or overweight movement requiring prior authorization.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in North Dakota

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, temporary registration may be obtained through a North Dakota motor vehicle office, through the online temporary registration service, or, in the case of the self-issuing permit described by the state, from the reverse side of the seller’s registration card.

For commercial carriers, trip permits, fuel permits, and size-and-weight permits are processed through the Highway Patrol’s permit system. An unladen permit is requested from Motor Carrier Services by email using the information specified by the department.

Documents Commonly Required

The required records vary by permit type, but official North Dakota materials commonly refer to the following:

• Dated evidence of ownership, such as a dated bill of sale or dated copy of the title
• Vehicle identification information, including VIN, year, make, and model
• Title and registration records reflected in the state’s title and registration forms
• Proof of liability insurance when required for registration processing
• Company identification and vehicle details for commercial permit applications
• Route, dimension, and weight information for oversize or overweight permits

Temporary Permit Fees in North Dakota

Can a North Dakota Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

The answer depends on the permit category. North Dakota’s nonresident temporary registration is a permit valid in North Dakota only. The Highway Patrol’s trip and fuel permit guidance describes those credentials as authority for travel on the North Dakota highway system and does not present them as authority issued for travel in another jurisdiction.

For private temporary registrations, interstate operation remains subject to the language of the specific permit and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is operated. Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to route-specific permit conditions issued by North Dakota authorities.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

North Dakota law imposes penalties for operating without required temporary registration in situations covered by statute. Under NDCC 39-04-37, it is a violation to operate, or knowingly permit operation of, a motor vehicle on a highway without the temporary registration permit required under the nonresident temporary-registration provisions.

The resident temporary registration service also states that a false statement on the permit application, when another specific penalty is not provided, is a class A misdemeanor. In addition, altering, forging, counterfeiting, or knowingly using a falsified temporary registration permit is a class A misdemeanor under the registration chapter. Commercial carriers operating without required trip, fuel, or size-and-weight permits may be subject to enforcement action under the applicable registration, fuel tax, or permitting authorities.

Contact Information

North Dakota Department of Transportation
608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
Phone: (701) 328-2500
Official Website: North Dakota Department of Transportation