Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Arizona

Arizona issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or for commercial carriers conducting limited operations in the state. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary registration plate issued by a licensed dealer or a temporary general-use permit. For commercial operations, applicable credentials may include single-trip permits, registration permits, or use fuel permits for specified travel durations.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Arizona?

In Arizona, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a temporary registration issued for short-term use when permanent registration cannot be issued immediately. Under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-2156, the department may issue a temporary general-use registration that allows a person to operate a vehicle for up to 30 days. The temporary general-use registration must be displayed so it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle, and the owner or operator shall comply with the state's mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements.

For commercial carriers, Arizona distinguishes between temporary dealer plates, general use permits, single-trip permits for limited travel, and registration or use fuel permits for extended operations. Under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-4546, the director may issue temporary registration plates to new and used motor vehicle dealers, subject to specified limitations and conditions. Temporary registration plate information is recorded in the department's vehicle title and registration database and made available to law enforcement.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent Arizona registration cannot be issued immediately.
An owner does not possess complete documentation for the issuance of a permanent title or registration.
Ownership or registration documents are delayed or pending.
A commercial vehicle enters Arizona, but full credentials from another jurisdiction are not active.
A commercial vehicle requires limited movement within the state pending full registration processing.
A vehicle requires transportation for emissions testing, vehicle inspection, or repair to comply with emissions or inspection standards.
A nonresident owner desires to transport a newly purchased vehicle out of Arizona for registration in another state.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Arizona

For private vehicles, Arizona provides several temporary registration options. A temporary registration plate (TRP) issued by a licensed dealer when a vehicle is purchased allows the vehicle to be operated for any purpose and is valid for 45 days. The TRP must clearly and indelibly display the date of issuance and expiration, the make, and the vehicle identification number, but shall not bear the name or address of the vehicle purchaser in a position legible from outside the vehicle.

The restricted use 3-day permit allows a person to legally operate an unregistered vehicle on Arizona roadways from the vehicle's present location exclusively to the following destinations:

Emissions testing
Vehicle inspection
Application for title or registration
Vehicle repair to comply with emissions or inspection standards

The 30-day general use permit allows an unregistered vehicle to operate on roadways for 30 consecutive days with no movement restrictions or residency requirements. However, this permit may be issued only once every 12 months.

The 90-day resident permit is available to Arizona residents who do not have complete documentation for issuance of permanent title or registration. This registration allows vehicle operation while additional documentation is obtained. Upon complete documentation submission, vehicle license taxes are calculated for the full year, retroactively to the date of permit issuance.

The 90-day nonresident (drive out) permit allows a nonresident to drive a newly purchased vehicle out of Arizona for registration in another state. An applicant must show out-of-state identification and either a dealer invoice or an assigned title.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Arizona

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority when entering Arizona or conducting limited operations within the state. Arizona recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

Single-trip permit for lawful travel to destinations within or through the state, expiring after 96 hours or upon exiting the state, whichever occurs first.
Motor carrier permit for commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 12,000 pounds or greater.
Use fuel permit for use fuel (diesel) powered motor vehicles that are road tractors, truck tractors, trucks, or passenger-carrying vehicles with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and more than two axles.
Registration permit for commercial vehicles or vehicle combinations currently registered in another state, jurisdiction, or country, valid for 30, 60, or 90 days.
Use fuel permit for extended operations of eligible diesel-powered commercial vehicles, valid for 30, 90, or 180 days.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary permit if permanent Arizona registration cannot be issued immediately due to incomplete documentation or other circumstances preventing standard registration processing. An owner who establishes residence in Arizona or becomes employed in the state must obtain permanent Arizona registration as required by law.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

The vehicle is not registered in Arizona and currently holds registration in another jurisdiction.
The operator requires authorization for limited movement into or through the state while pending full registration processing.
A motor carrier domiciled outside the United States operates in Arizona and must provide proof of registration in the vehicle.
Lawful travel to a destination within or through the state requires a single-trip permit from a foreign-based interstate carrier not possessing proper International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials and fuel tax licenses.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Arizona

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications for temporary permits are available online through AZ MVD Now or at MVD office locations and authorized third-party providers. The restricted-use 3-day permit and the 30-day general-use permit may be obtained online at AZ MVD Now or at any MVD or authorized third-party office, though certain online transactions require prior identification verification with the MVD.

For commercial carriers, single-trip permits and registration or use fuel permits may be purchased through multiple methods:

Online at the commercial vehicle permit portal
Through national permit service providers
By mail using the application form
In person at Port of Entry locations
In person at the Central Commercial Vehicle Permit Office

Documents Commonly Required

Depending on the permit type, the required records may include the following:

Proof of vehicle ownership or interest in the vehicle.
Current out-of-state vehicle registration (for nonresident operators and commercial carriers).
Out-of-state identification (for nonresident drivers and the 90-day drive-out permit).
Dealer invoice or assigned certificate of title (for the 90-day nonresident drive-out permit).
Vehicle identification number (VIN) for verification purposes.
For commercial vehicles, the declared gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
For commercial motor carriers, the U.S. DOT number, as required by federal commercial motor vehicle regulations.
Evidence of current financial responsibility (liability insurance) as required by Arizona law, with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of multiple persons, and $15,000 for property damage.

Temporary Permit Fees in Arizona

Arizona publishes official fees for temporary permits through the Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division. The following table summarizes principal permit costs:

Permit Type	Official Fee
Restricted use 3-day trip permit	$1
30-day general use permit	$15
90-day resident permit	$15
90-day nonresident (drive out) permit	$15
Temporary registration plate (TRP) — dealer issued	No fee
Single-trip permit — 1 to 2 axles, 1-50 miles	$2
Single-trip permit — 1 to 2 axles, over 50 miles	$4-$18
Single-trip permit — 3+ axles, 1-50 miles	$3-$7
Single-trip permit — 3+ axles, over 50 miles	$6-$63
Motor carrier permit — 0-50 miles	$12
Motor carrier permit — over 50 miles	$48
Use fuel permit — 0-50 miles	$16
Use fuel permit — over 50 miles	$65
Registration permit — 30 days	$130
Registration permit — 90 days	Variable
Registration permit — 180 days	Variable
Use fuel permit — 30 days	$130
Use fuel permit — 90 days	$390
Use fuel permit — 180 days	$780

Can an Arizona Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Arizona temporary registration permits are primarily intended for in-state operation or for nonresidents driving vehicles out of the state for registration elsewhere. The 90-day nonresident (drive-out) permit specifically authorizes the transportation of a newly purchased vehicle out of Arizona for permanent registration in another state.

For commercial carriers, single-trip permits and registration or use fuel permits authorize travel within Arizona or, in limited circumstances, through Arizona to other destinations. A single-trip permit expires after 96 hours or upon exiting the state, whichever occurs first. Commercial vehicles operating across state lines must meet applicable International Registration Plan (IRP) and fuel tax requirements or obtain proper temporary credentials for interstate movement.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Arizona imposes penalties for operating unregistered vehicles and for violations related to registration fraud or false statements.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-2532, a person who is the resident or nonresident owner or operator of a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in Arizona and that is not registered or does not display current license plates and who operates or knowingly allows the vehicle to be operated on a highway is subject to a civil penalty of $300. However, a court shall dismiss an action if the defendant obtains appropriate license plates or registration after violating this section, and a court may decline to impose the penalty against an operator (rather than the owner) of an unregistered vehicle.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-2531, a person who displays or possesses a registration card or license plate knowing it to be fictitious, stolen, canceled, revoked, suspended, or altered is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. A class 2 misdemeanor also applies to those who lend or permit unauthorized use of registration cards or license plates, knowingly fail to surrender suspended or revoked plates, use false or fictitious names in registration applications, make false statements or conceal material facts in registration applications, or place false information on a registration card.

Violations under Arizona's temporary registration plate statutes subject to dealer compliance include suspension of a dealer's authority to issue temporary plates for noncompliance with statutory requirements or the department's directions.

Contact Information

Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
1655 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 255-0072
Official Website: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division