Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Louisiana

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is usually a temporary tag issued for short-term use when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 47:519 on temporary registration plates issued by dealers, each temporary tag is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. A licensed dealer may issue only one temporary tag to each vehicle sold, unless approved by the Office of Motor Vehicles for specific circumstances, such as title transfer delays resulting from improper paperwork.

For commercial carriers, Louisiana distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and oversize/overweight permits. Under Louisiana's trip permits provisions, a vehicle subject to apportioned registration must obtain the required permit before entering Louisiana if full credentials are not active. Trip permits are valid for 48 hours and can be obtained through authorized wire service companies.

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 plate cannot be issued immediately
• Ownership documents needed for title or registration are delayed
• A commercial vehicle enters Louisiana before IRP credentials are active
• A vehicle or load exceeds Louisiana's size or weight limits

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Louisiana

For private vehicles, Louisiana allows a temporary tag to be issued by a licensed dealer under R.S. 47:519 for limited operation until permanent registration is completed. A licensed dealer may issue a 60-day temporary tag for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. The Office of Motor Vehicles may issue a temporary tag to a purchaser when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately or when circumstances, such as missing title documents or delayed ownership records, warrant extended temporary authority.

According to Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles Policy 6.00, temporary tags may only be issued to individuals who purchase a motor vehicle or take delivery of a motor vehicle from a Louisiana dealer acting on behalf of an out-of-state or out-of-town dealer. Under R.S. 47:519(A), to obtain a temporary tag, the registrant must have a valid driver's license or identification card from Louisiana, another state or U.S. Territory, or an Active Duty Military ID. Temporary tags cannot be issued to purchasers of vehicles requiring apportioned license plates; such applicants must contact the Office of Motor Vehicles directly.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Louisiana

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

• IRP trip permit for apportioned registration, valid for 48 hours
• Oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal loads or vehicles

Under R.S. 47:511.1, a commercial IRP trip permit must be obtained before entering Louisiana and is valid for 48 hours from the time obtained. Each permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation. Trip permits can be secured through authorized wire service companies listed on the Office of Motor Vehicles website.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag after purchase if a permanent Louisiana plate cannot be issued immediately. Under R.S. 47:519, a dealer must issue a temporary tag when requested by a vehicle purchaser, provided the registrant meets identification requirements.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to apportioned registration and is not registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) for Louisiana travel
• The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions exceeding Louisiana's legal limits

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Louisiana

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications are generally submitted through an authorized licensed dealer or directly to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Louisiana maintains multiple regional offices throughout the state for temporary vehicle registration services.

For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits are obtained through authorized wire service companies under R.S. 47:511.1. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Documents Commonly Required

For temporary tag issuance by dealers, Louisiana requires the following documentation pursuant to R.S. 47:519:

• Valid driver's license or identification card (copy of front and back for out-of-state or U.S. Territory credentials; original presentation required for Active Duty Military ID)
• Vehicle information, including vehicle identification number and make
• Bill of sale or proof of purchase
• Proof of Louisiana liability insurance, if state verification cannot confirm coverage

Temporary Permit Fees in Louisiana

Louisiana establishes official fees for temporary tags and commercial trip permits. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs:

Can a Louisiana Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a temporary tag issued by a licensed dealer may be used for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. For out-of-state vehicle registration purposes, the Office of Motor Vehicles issues a temporary registration permit valid for 30 days to authorize a motor vehicle to be operated on Louisiana highways when the owner purchased the vehicle with the intention of permanently taking the vehicle out of the state.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP trip permit authorizes interstate and intrastate operations if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. Oversized and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, even when registration-related credentials are valid.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Louisiana imposes penalties for expired temporary credentials, improper use of temporary registration plates, and commercial operation without the required trip permit.

Under R.S. 47:519(G), any person violating the provisions of the temporary tag statute shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

Under R.S. 47:521, any person who displays, possesses, or uses any temporary registration license plate knowing it to be fictitious or to have been cancelled, revoked, suspended, or altered shall face criminal penalties of a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. The Office of Motor Vehicles may also impose a civil penalty of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for such violations.

Under R.S. 47:536, operation of a vehicle without proper registration shall result in a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, except that a fine for operating with a fictitious or altered registration plate shall be two hundred and fifty dollars.

Failure to renew or improperly license a vehicle may result in a penalty of 25% of the annual license price, with a minimum penalty amount, as provided under R.S. 47:516. Delinquent registration is subject to penalties and interest charges as provided in R.S. 47:508(C).

Contact Information

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles