Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Massachusetts

Massachusetts issues temporary registration credentials for both private and commercial vehicles when permanent registration cannot be immediately issued or when commercial carriers operate temporarily without full registration credentials.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration plate issued under General Laws Chapter 90, Section 2D for nonresident purchasers of motor vehicles. According to this statute, temporary registration plates are valid for not more than 20 days from the date of issuance. However, effective January 18, 2024, Massachusetts issues nonresident short-term registrations for 15 days from the transaction date. Temporary registration is designed for nonresidents of Massachusetts who will transport a vehicle to the purchaser's state of residence for registration there.

For commercial carriers, Massachusetts recognizes trip permits issued through the Interstate Permit Transceiver Program. Trip permits allow temporary operation of commercial vehicles in Massachusetts that do not have International Registration Plan credentials or that are registered in other states but are not apportioned for Massachusetts travel. Commercial vehicles with more than two axles, those with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, or vehicles hauling another unit with a combined weight exceeding 26,000 pounds may require trip permits.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A nonresident has purchased a vehicle in Massachusetts and needs to transport it to another state for titling and registration
• A private vehicle owner requires temporary operation plates while awaiting permanent registration processing
• A commercial motor carrier operates in Massachusetts with vehicles that lack apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan
• A commercial motor carrier has vehicles that are not registered under IFTA fuel tax licensing
• A commercial vehicle exceeds Massachusetts size or weight restrictions

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Massachusetts

For private vehicles, Massachusetts does not issue temporary registration plates to residents but does issue them to nonresidents through dealers. Temporary registration plates are issued to dealers for use by nonresident purchasers of motor vehicles who will transport the vehicle to the purchaser's state of residence for registration there. These plates are valid for 15 days from the transaction date as of January 18, 2024, with a statutory maximum of 20 days.

For Massachusetts residents, temporary registration plates are available pending receipt of permanent registration plates issued under General Laws Chapter 90, Section 2D. Newly purchased vehicles must be inspected within seven days of registration and must pass vehicle safety inspections before permanent registration is completed.

Massachusetts recognizes temporary registration plates validly issued in other states and will honor them when displayed on motor vehicles operated by Massachusetts residents, provided that all conditions of temporary registration in the issuing state are met. This reciprocity agreement allows Massachusetts residents to use out-of-state temporary plates while operating motor vehicles in Massachusetts.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Massachusetts

Commercial vehicles in Massachusetts may require temporary operating permits depending on their weight, axle configuration, and intended use. Massachusetts recognizes the following types of commercial permits:

• Trip permits for temporary operation of commercial vehicles not registered under IRP
• International Registration Plan (IRP) registrations for apportioned registration of vehicles in interstate commerce
• International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) credentials for fuel tax compliance in multiple jurisdictions
• Oversize and overweight permits for vehicles exceeding Massachusetts dimensional or weight restrictions

A trip permit must be obtained by motor carriers operating commercial vehicles in Massachusetts that do not have apportioned registration. Commercial vehicles with more than two axles, those with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, or combinations thereof exceeding 26,000 pounds require either trip permits or IRP registration.

Trip permits are available through the Interstate Permit Transceiver Program, which allows approved carriers and permit providers to purchase trip permits for issuance to out-of-state commercial carriers requiring temporary travel through Massachusetts. A transceiver company must demonstrate knowledge of IRP, IFTA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and experience in permit issuance.

An International Registration Plan (IRP) registration provides apportioned registration for commercial vehicles traveling in Massachusetts and at least one other IRP jurisdiction. To obtain IRP registration in Massachusetts, a carrier must have an established place of business in the state and must submit applications listing all jurisdictions in which the vehicle will travel, estimated mileage for each jurisdiction, gross vehicle weight, and the vehicle's certificate of origin or title.

When A Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may require a temporary permit when a nonresident purchaser has acquired a vehicle in Massachusetts and must transport it to another state for titling and registration. Nonresident purchasers must provide proof of out-of-state residence, appropriate motor vehicle liability insurance, and property damage insurance meeting Massachusetts minimums before a temporary plate may be issued.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle has more than two axles and lacks IRP registration
• The vehicle's gross vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds and is not registered under IRP
• The vehicle is traveling in combination with another unit and the combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds
• The vehicle is registered in another state but is not apportioned for Massachusetts travel
• A motor carrier does not have active IFTA fuel tax credentials
• The vehicle's dimensions or weight exceed Massachusetts legal limits

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Massachusetts

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, nonresident purchasers apply through licensed vehicle dealers by submitting a completed Registration and Title Application with proof of identity, out-of-state residence, and insurance meeting statutory minimums.

For commercial vehicles, trip permits are obtained through the Interstate Permit Transceiver Program or authorized permit providers. International Registration Plan (IRP) registration applications may be submitted at RMV Service Centers in Brockton, Lawrence, Milford, Pittsfield, Springfield, Taunton, Watertown, Wilmington, and Worcester, or mailed to Registry of Motor Vehicles, Quincy RMV Headquarters, 25 Newport Avenue Extension, 4th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171.

Documents Commonly Required

For private vehicle temporary registration, the following documents are typically required:

• Completed Registration and Title Application
• Proof of out-of-state residence
• Motor vehicle liability insurance meeting state minimums
• Property damage insurance meeting state minimums
• Valid photo identification
• Proof of lawful presence

For commercial vehicle applications, applications must contain:

• Name and address of the motor carrier
• Federal identification number or Social Security number (if the applicant is a natural person)
• Vehicle identification number and description
• Gross vehicle weight rating
• Proof of insurance meeting statutory requirements
• Evidence of compliance with emissions and safety inspection requirements

For International Registration Plan (IRP) registration, the following information must be submitted:

• Completed Massachusetts IRP application
• Estimate of mileage to be traveled in each jurisdiction
• Gross vehicle weight for each jurisdiction
• IRP Supplement Application
• Certificate of Origin or Title for each vehicle

Temporary Permit Fees in Massachusetts

The following temporary permit fees apply in Massachusetts:

Can A Massachusetts Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Massachusetts temporary registration plates issued to nonresident purchasers are specifically designed for transporting vehicles across state lines. Nonresident temporary plates authorize the transportation of purchased vehicles to the purchaser's state of residence for titling and registration there. The plates are not subject to the Massachusetts excise tax under this provision.

For commercial carriers, Massachusetts recognizes the International Registration Plan (IRP) for interstate operations. The registrar is authorized to enter into the International Registration Plan and to promulgate rules and regulations carrying out plan provisions. IRP registration allows commercial vehicles to operate in Massachusetts and any other IRP jurisdiction based on apportioned registration. However, IRP registration does not exempt carriers from payment of motor fuel taxes in any state, from obtaining operating authority in states where vehicles operate, from payment of the Federal Highway Vehicle Use Tax, or from compliance with maximum height, length, width, and axle limitations or bridge law restrictions.

Commercial carriers must also comply with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which requires qualifying motor carriers to register and report fuel use in all IFTA jurisdictions and pay applicable taxes.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Massachusetts imposes penalties for driving motor vehicles without proper registration and for fraudulent registration applications under General Laws Chapter 90.

Contact Information

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
25 Newport Avenue Extension, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles