Last Update: August 21, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Alabama

Alabama 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. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary tag and a temporary registration receipt. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be an IRP trip permit, an IFTA trip permit, a combined IRP/IFTA permit, or an oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal movement.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Alabama?

In Alabama, 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 Alabama’s rule on temporary tags, each temporary tag is valid for 20 days. A licensing official may issue up to three 20-day temporary tags for the same vehicle, with a total limit of 60 days.

For commercial carriers, Alabama distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. Under Alabama’s rule on trip permits, a vehicle subject to IRP or IFTA must obtain the required permit before entering the state if full credentials are not active. Separate permits are required for oversize and overweight movements through the ALDOT OS/OW permit system.

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 Alabama before IRP or IFTA credentials are active.
• A vehicle or load exceeds Alabama's size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Alabama

For private vehicles, Alabama allows a temporary tag and a temporary registration receipt for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. A designated agent may issue a 20-day temporary tag for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. A licensing official may issue a temporary tag for a vehicle to be licensed in Alabama when a permanent plate cannot immediately be issued or when just cause exists.

Common examples of just cause include:

• Missing title application documents from the seller
• Delayed permit copy of the title application from an Alabama dealer
• Delayed ownership records for a non-titled vehicle

For trucks and truck tractors over 12,000 pounds, the temporary tag must display “Unladen Weight Only.”

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Alabama

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

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

A commercial trip permit must be obtained before entering Alabama and is valid for no more than 7 days. Each permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag after purchase if a permanent Alabama plate cannot be issued immediately. Alabama also provides a 20-day registration window under its registration guidance, but a temporary tag may still be necessary when documentation delays prevent immediate processing.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not apportioned for Alabama travel
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not active
• The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Alabama

Where to Apply

For private vehicles, application is generally made through a county licensing official or an authorized designated agent, including eligible Alabama dealers.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA permits are obtained through the Alabama Department of Revenue or its designee. Oversized and overweight permits are processed through ALDOT’s online permitting system.

Documents Commonly Required

Alabama lists the following registration prerequisites. Depending on the transaction, the required records may include:

• Certificate of title application, if the vehicle is title-required
• VIN and ownership inspection, if the vehicle is not title-required
• Ownership records, such as a bill of sale, court order, or assigned certificate of origin
• Proof of Alabama liability insurance, if state verification cannot confirm coverage
• Proof of federal heavy vehicle use tax for trucks and truck tractors with a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more

Temporary Permit Fees in Alabama

Alabama publishes official fees for temporary tags, commercial trip permits, and registration charges through state agencies. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs.

Can an Alabama Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Alabama states that a designated agent may issue a temporary tag for a vehicle that is to be permanently licensed in any state. For commercial carriers, a current and valid trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within Alabama if all applicable regulatory requirements are met.

Oversized and overweight movement remains subject to separate ALDOT permitting, even when registration-related credentials are valid.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Alabama imposes penalties for late registration, expired temporary credentials, and commercial operation without the required trip permit.

• A $15 penalty plus interest applies to delinquent registration, late transfer of a valid plate to a newly acquired vehicle, failure to renew in the designated month, and failure to register after moving into Alabama within the required period under the state’s registration guidance.
• Under the rule on temporary tags, false statements in a temporary-tag application and operation with an expired temporary tag are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of not more than $500.
• Under the rule on trip permits, operation of a vehicle subject to IRP without valid registration is a Class C misdemeanor, and operation subject to IFTA without valid fuel-tax licensing is a Class B misdemeanor.

Contact Information

Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
2545 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 242-9000
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division