Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Georgia

Georgia 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 active. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary operating permit or temporary tag. For commercial operations, the applicable credential may be an IRP trip permit, an IFTA trip permit, or an oversize/overweight permit for extra-legal movement.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Georgia?

In Georgia, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a temporary operating permit or temporary tag issued for short-term use when a permanent license plate cannot be issued immediately. Under Georgia Code Section 40-2-20, each temporary operating permit is valid for 30 days and is not renewable. Georgia's administrative code provides that [the commissioner shall automatically extend the expiration date of any temporary plate for an additional 15 days beyond the initial 30-day registration period, providing a total automatic extension window. However, this extension does not relieve the vehicle owner of the obligation to register the motor vehicle within the initial 30-day period.

For commercial carriers, Georgia distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. A vehicle subject to the International Registration Plan (IRP) or International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) must obtain the required permit before entering the state if full credentials are not active. A 72-hour IRP trip permit is required for vehicles with current non-apportioned tags, and separate permits may be required for oversize and overweight movements through the Georgia Permitting and Routing Optimization System (GAPROS).

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased from a dealer, and a permanent license plate cannot be issued immediately
• Ownership documents needed for title or registration are delayed
• A commercial vehicle enters Georgia before IRP or IFTA credentials are active
• A vehicle or load exceeds Georgia's size or weight limits

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Georgia

For private vehicles, Georgia allows a temporary operating permit and a temporary registration receipt for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. Dealers are required to issue temporary operating permits (TOPs) for use on newly purchased vehicles during the 30 days customers have to register their vehicles.

Dealers cannot issue an extension or an additional temporary operating permit, nor can the customer legally operate the vehicle with an expired permit. If the dealer fails to obtain a title for transfer into the buyer's name within five days after the temporary operating permit expires, the customer may apply for one 30-day temporary operating permit at their county tag office. The buyer is required to:

• Turn in the dealer-issued temporary operating permit for destruction
• Provide proof of ownership (dealer's invoice)
• Show a valid Georgia driver's license
• Complete Form T-226 Application to Extend the Registration Period of a Motor Vehicle Purchased from a Georgia Motor Vehicle Dealer

Dealers cannot issue a temporary operating permit when:

• A vehicle will be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
• The vehicle is a salvage-titled vehicle
• The vehicle is not self-propelled (such as a trailer)
• The dealer did not sell the vehicle

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Georgia

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

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

IRP Trip Permits

A 72-hour IRP trip permit is required prior to entry into Georgia for vehicles with current non-apportioned tags. The permit must be secured prior to entry into Georgia and must remain with the vehicle while in the state. A duplicate or photocopy is not acceptable. The trip permit allows both interstate and intrastate operation in Georgia for a fee of $30.00.

IFTA Trip Permits

A Georgia trip permit under the International Fuel Tax Agreement is valid for 10 consecutive days and can be used only for a specified motor vehicle. To apply for a trip permit, a motor carrier must contact a department-authorized trip permit agent and provide an application stating the motor carrier's name, address, phone number, federal identification number or Social Security number; the vehicle's make, identification number, and state in which the vehicle is licensed; and the beginning date of the ten-day consecutive period. The fee is $16 per vehicle, along with any additional agent fees. The trip permit must be carried in the vehicle's cab whenever the vehicle is in Georgia.

Oversize/Overweight Permits

Oversize and overweight movement is administered through Georgia's GAPROS system, operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Permits are available for single trips or annual use. Standard annual oversize permits are valid for extended operations under specified weight and dimension limitations, while single-trip permits are issued for specific movements.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary operating permit after purchase from a dealer if a permanent Georgia license plate cannot be issued immediately. Georgia provides a 30-day registration window, but a temporary permit 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 Georgia travel
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not active
• The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions or weight limits

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Georgia

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, dealers automatically issue temporary operating permits at the point of sale. If additional extension is needed, application is made at the county tag office in the county where the vehicle owner resides.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA trip permits are obtained through the Georgia Trucking Portal or by contacting a department-authorized trip permit agent. Oversize and overweight permits are processed through the GAPROS online permitting system.

Documents Commonly Required

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

• Certificate of title application, if the vehicle is title-required
• Vehicle Identification Number (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 Georgia liability insurance, if the state verification cannot confirm coverage
• For county tag office extension applications, a completed Form T-226 along with proof of ownership and a valid Georgia driver's license

Temporary Permit Fees in Georgia

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

Can a Georgia Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, temporary operating permits issued by dealers are generally valid only within Georgia for the 30-day initial registration period. However, a private vehicle owner who has obtained a temporary operating permit may transport the vehicle out of state during the initial permit period, provided the vehicle is not operated on public highways in another state without that state's required registration.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations within Georgia if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. Georgia does not sell trip permits to Georgia-based carriers; carriers registered in Georgia must obtain trip permits from the states they intend to travel through.

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

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Georgia imposes penalties for operating a vehicle without proper temporary credentials and for other registration violations.

• Operation of an unregistered vehicle or a vehicle without a current license plate is punishable by a fine of $25.00 for a first offense and $100.00 for a second or subsequent offense.
• False statements in a temporary tag application or operation with an expired temporary tag may result in penalties, and any violation of dealer temporary plate regulations constitutes a misdemeanor according to state law.
• Under the rule on IFTA trip permits, operation of a vehicle subject to IFTA without valid fuel-tax licensing may result in penalties and fines of at least $145.00 per incident.
• For failure to renew a vehicle's Georgia license plate registration during the county's established registration period, a penalty of 10% of Ad Valorem Tax due plus 25% of License Plate Fees applies, with a $5 minimum.
• Title penalties of $10 are assessed for failure to apply for a Georgia title within 30 days of purchase or transfer.

Contact Information

Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
4125 Welcome All Road, Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (855) 406-5221
Official Website: Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division