Frequently Asked Questions

2. What are Fuel Tax Permits?

States often tax fuel consumption. For commercial vehicles, this burden is more acute because these vehicles consume a lot of fuel. And they typically use special fuel like diesel. This is why most of the contiguous US states have joined IFTA, which is the fuel tax equivalent of IRP. Like trip permits, fuel tax permits help share tax revenue proportionately across multiple states. So, instead of only paying the fuel taxes that your base state levies, these permits spread those taxes proportionately across the states that you used to conduct business in. If they didn’t, then it wouldn’t exactly be fair! These temporary permits allow you to start your journey towards becoming an interstate trucker without breaking the bank.

3. What is the Difference Between Trip and Fuel Tax Permits?

Trip and fuel tax permits differ in terms of which taxes they cover. Trip permits are like temporary registrations for a given vehicle, so their fees go towards the same services that registration fees do. Fuel tax permits are just for what they are named for: most states levy a tax on fuel use, and these permits pay for that tax for states that aren’t your base state. Some carriers may only need one type of permit or the other, but generally, you’ll have to buy both for a given trip you take.

4. What is IRP?

IRP stands for the International Registration Plan. This is an agreement by the 48 contiguous US states, the District of Columbia, and the Provinces of Canada. The agreement ensures that anyone who purchases IRP membership has the right to operate in any of the member jurisdictions without having to pay taxes for each individual state. IRP makes it easier for these states to manage their taxes. Your vehicle registration fees go towards maintaining roads and highways within their states. Before IRP, this created problems related to interstate commercial trucking.

5. What is IFTA?

IFTA stands for the International Fuel Tax Agreement. This is an agreement by many of the 48 contiguous US states and provinces of Canada to share fuel taxes. Anyone who purchases IFTA decals does not have to file their fuel taxes individually for each state. Instead, their taxes are calculated proportionately and only paid by the driver to their base state.

6. Do I Need a Trip Permit?

Exact regulations vary by state, but there are a few general guidelines that you can follow. You will need a trip permit if you meet the following specifications:

• You are a commercial motor carrier;
• Your vehicle meets one or more of the following criteria:
  • It weighs more than 26,000 lbs. (12,000 lbs. for MN and NM);  OR
  • It has more than three axles regardless of weight; OR
  • You operate a vehicle used in combination that exceeds 26,000 lbs.;
• You are planning to cross state lines for commercial purposes;
• You are not apportioned for IRP;

If your truck does not meet the weight threshold or you are only operating intrastate, then congratulations! You are exempt from needing these permits. Recreational vehicles and government-plated vehicles are also exempt from these permits.

7. Do I Need a Fuel Tax Permit?

Again, exact regulations vary by state. Generally speaking, you will need a trip permit if you meet the following specifications:

• You are a commercial motor carrier;
• Your vehicle meets one or more of the following criteria:
  • It weighs more than 26,000 lbs.; OR
  • It has more than three axles regardless of weight; OR
  • You operate a vehicle used in combination that exceeds 26,000 lbs.;
• You are planning to cross state lines for commercial purposes;
• You are not apportioned for IFTA;

If your truck does not meet the weight threshold or you are only operating intrastate, then congratulations! You are exempt from needing these permits.

8. How Long Will My Permits Last?

This varies based on which state you want the permits from. Some states only offer permits that last for a single day, whereas some offer permits that last for multiple months. Some states even have multiple options that you can purchase depending on what your permitting needs are! Check out our regional pages for more detailed information:

• Midwest
• Northeast
• South
• West

9. How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Permit?

Some permits can be obtained instantly! However, some states require some processing time before they issue their permits. No matter what a given state’s regulations around these permits may be, we guarantee that you will have your permits within one business day.

10. What Information Do I Need to Give You to Get My Permits?

It depends on the state, but every state requires some basic information from you. Every state will need to know:

• Your company’s information, including its name, the name, phone number, and email address of a contact at the company, and the company’s USDOT and Tax ID numbers.
• Information about your truck, including its unit number, make, model, year, body style, color, number of axles, license plate number, base state, and VIN.
• The date and time for which you want your permits to start and stop.

Some states will require further information, including your intended route, a description of the load you will be carrying, and the name of the driver. We will inform you of what information we need from you before you are able to purchase your permits.

11. Which States Do Not Have Trip and Fuel Tax Permits?

There are four states that do not offer trip and fuel tax permits. Here are the details on these special cases:

• Alaska and Hawaii are not enrolled in IRP or IFTA. If you’re delivering to Alaska, you’ll need to either purchase a temporary or dual registration with Alaska directly. Hawaii, being an island, has its own special set of regulations for shipping and transport companies.
• Colorado and Wyoming require you to purchase your permits at a state port of entry. To find a Colorado Port of Entry, click here. To find a Wyoming Port of Entry, click here.

12. Which States Have a Mileage Tax?

There are four states that charge a mileage or “weight-distance” tax. These states are Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. These states will add a small surcharge to your permit based on the distance you will travel. Because of these taxes, we will ask you to provide route information for these states so we can calculate the amount you will pay for these programs.

13. Do You Sell Permits for the Canadian Provinces?

Unfortunately, we do not sell trip and fuel tax permits for the Canadian provinces at this time.

14. Do You Offer Any Other Kinds of Permits?

We have a few affiliates who can help you out with your other permitting needs. Check out OverweightPermits.com if you need overweight or oversize permits. OregonTruckPermit.com can help you with your Oregon trip permits. And, for help with filings of all kinds, our friends at DOT Operating Authority and 2290OnlineForm.com are there for you every step of the way!

15. What Are Your Hours?

TripsandFuel.com agents are available for a live chat with you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. Please note that if you purchase certain permits late on Friday, we will not be able to get them to you until the next business day. Not all states offer an instant permit service.