Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Maine

Maine issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) credentials are in place.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Maine?

In Maine, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is usually a temporary registration plate issued for short-term use when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately. Under Title 29-A, Section 954-A on temporary registration plates, each temporary plate issued by a dealer is valid for 30 consecutive days without payment of a regular registration fee. A purchaser may request that the Secretary of State extend this initial period without charge for an additional 20 days if the registrant is unable to comply with registration requirements or has applied for, but has not yet received, a registration certificate from another state.

For transit permits issued by the Secretary of State, under Title 29-A, Section 501(7), a transit plate can be issued for one trip only and is valid for a period of up to 10 days from the effective date of the registration. Transit permits may be issued for either a one-way trip or a round-trip, depending on the customer's needs.

For commercial carriers, Maine distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and oversize/overweight permits. Under Maine's IRP provisions, a vehicle subject to apportioned registration must obtain the required permit before entering Maine if full credentials are not active. IRP trip permits are valid for 72 hours and can be obtained through authorized permit services.

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 Maine before IRP or IFTA credentials are active
A vehicle is being transported to another location for inspection, repair, or registration
A vehicle or load exceeds Maine's size or weight limits

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Maine

For private vehicles, Maine allows a temporary registration plate issued by a licensed dealer for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. A licensed dealer may issue a 30-day temporary registration plate for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. The Secretary of State may issue a temporary registration plate to a purchaser when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately or when circumstances, such as missing title documents or delayed ownership records, warrant temporary authority.

The Secretary of State may issue a temporary transit permit for the purpose of moving vehicles otherwise required to be registered. A transit permit is for one trip only and is valid for up to 10 days. A temporary registration permit may be issued for either a one-way trip or a round-trip, depending on customer needs.

According to state regulations, temporary tags may be issued only for the vehicle's transit. Vehicles carrying passengers or property, whether for compensation or otherwise, may not use temporary permits unless specifically authorized on the permit.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Maine

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

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

Under Maine's fuel tax licensing provisions, carriers may obtain 72 Consecutive Hour Fuel Trip Permits in lieu of fuel tax licensing. A temporary 30-day decal permit is also available to operate a specific qualified vehicle if the applicant is a licensee in good standing or is acquiring additional decals or a new license. The 30-day temporary decal permit must be carried in the vehicle along with a copy of the fuel license.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag after purchase if a permanent Maine plate cannot be issued immediately. Under Title 29-A, Section 954-A, a dealer must issue a temporary tag when requested by a vehicle purchaser.

A transit permit may be required when a vehicle is being transported between specified points for inspection, repair, purchase, or other legitimate purposes. Under Title 29-A, Section 501(7), a temporary permit is not to be used in lieu of registration or to circumvent registration 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 Maine travel
The vehicle requires fuel tax licensing and does not have active IFTA credentials
The movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions exceeding Maine's legal limits

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Maine

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, a temporary registration plate is generally issued through a licensed dealer at the time of vehicle purchase. For transit permits or dealer-issued temporary tags, an application may also be made directly through the Secretary of State Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA trip permits are obtained through authorized permit services. Oversize and overweight permits are processed through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Overlimit Permit Unit and may be obtained online, by fax, or at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office.

Documents Commonly Required

For temporary tag issuance by dealers, Maine requires the following documentation:

Vehicle information, including vehicle identification number, year, make, and model
Bill of sale or proof of purchase
Proof of Maine liability insurance

For transit permits, the following documentation is required:

Valid registration or ownership documentation
Proof of insurance valid in the United States or United States and Canada
Vehicle inspection certificate or exemption
For mobile homes and house trailers, a written certificate from the tax collector confirming that taxes have been paid or that none are due

Temporary Permit Fees in Maine

The table below summarizes the principal permit costs in Maine:

Permit Type	Official Fee	Validity Period
Private vehicle temporary registration plate (dealer-issued)	$2.00	30 days
Temporary registration plate extension	No charge	Additional 20 days
Transit permit (one-way)	$12.00	Up to 10 days
Transit permit (round-trip)	$25.00	Up to 10 days
72-hour IRP trip permit	$25.00	72 consecutive hours
72-hour IFTA fuel trip permit	$50.00	72 consecutive hours
72-hour combination IRP/IFTA trip permit	$75.00	72 consecutive hours
30-day IFTA temporary decal permit	No additional fee	30 days

Can a Maine Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a temporary registration plate is issued by a licensed dealer for a vehicle to be permanently licensed in any state. For transit purposes, the Secretary of State may issue a temporary permit to transport a vehicle outside Maine, including to Canada, provided the destination is outside Maine, and the applicant can verify that insurance coverage is valid in the destination jurisdiction.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP trip permit authorizes interstate and intrastate operations if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. An IFTA fuel trip permit allows qualified motor vehicles to operate in multiple IFTA member jurisdictions for 72 consecutive hours. Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate permitting from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, even when registration-related credentials are valid.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

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

Violation Type	Penalty	Statutory Reference
Operating unregistered vehicle - first offense, 30-149 days expired	Fine of not more than $50 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(1)(A)
Operating unregistered vehicle - first offense, 150+ days expired	Fine of not more than $100 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(1)(C)
Operating unregistered vehicle - subsequent offense	Fine of not more than $500 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(1)(D)
Operating vehicle never registered by current owner	Class E crime	Title 29-A, Section 351(1)(E)
Operating vehicle with expired temporary plate - less than 150 days	Fine of not more than $50 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(5)
Operating vehicle with expired temporary plate - 150+ days	Class E crime	Title 29-A, Section 351(5)
Vehicle not properly registered (wrong type classification)	Fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(6)
Operating outside routes specified in temporary permit	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 501(7)(F)
Failure to register within 30 days of establishing residency - first offense, 30-149 days	Fine of not more than $50 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(1-A)
Failure to register within 30 days of establishing residency - 2nd and subsequent offense	Fine of not more than $500 (traffic infraction)	Title 29-A, Section 351(1-A)
Failure to register within 30 days of establishing residency - 150+ days	Class E crime	Title 29-A, Section 351(1-A)

Contact Information

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 624-9000
Official Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles