Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Maryland

Maryland provides temporary registration credentials that allow limited vehicle operation until permanent registration is completed or until commercial carriers obtain full credentials for interstate operations.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Maryland?

In Maryland, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration plate issued for short-term use when permanent registration cannot be issued immediately. Under Maryland law, temporary registration plates for private vehicles expire on the first to occur of the following: receipt of annual registration plates for the vehicle, rescission of the contract to buy the vehicle, or expiration of 60 days from the date the temporary plate was issued. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration may extend temporary registration for a period not to exceed 30 days if reasonable conditions exist to justify the extension.

For commercial carriers, Maryland distinguishes between motor carrier trip permits and temporary authorization certificates. Under Maryland regulations on trip permits, a motor carrier may obtain a trip permit for an unregistered commercial motor vehicle. A trip permit allows both registered and unregistered motor carriers to operate an unregistered vehicle in the state for temporary purposes. Trip permits are valid for 15 consecutive days beginning and ending on dates specified on the face of the permit.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and permanent registration cannot be issued immediately
• Ownership documents or inspection certificates are delayed or have not yet been obtained
• A vehicle requires a safety inspection before title and registration can be completed
• A commercial vehicle enters Maryland before apportioned or fuel-tax credentials are active
• Unforeseen circumstances require the temporary operation of a commercial motor vehicle
• A vehicle is purchased at an out-of-state location and requires transportation to the buyer's home state

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Maryland

Maryland issues temporary registration plates when permanent registration cannot be issued immediately. Licensed dealers may obtain and issue temporary plates under Transportation Article §§ 13-601 and 13-602. Dealers may issue one temporary plate per vehicle to buyers by submitting a completed application and required fee to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, which then receives vehicle, owner, insurance, and registration information electronically.

The most common use occurs when a vehicle owner requires temporary plates to obtain a vehicle safety inspection. Maryland law requires vehicles to pass safety inspection and receive certification before titling or transfer. Owners must complete the Temporary Inspection Waiver (VR-129) and should apply only when ready for inspection, as only one temporary registration may be issued per vehicle and inspection must be completed within the initial validity period.

Upon receipt, applicants must affix metal registration plates to the vehicle as required by Transportation Article § 13-405 and COMAR 11.15.09.03. Once the vehicle passes inspection and obtains permanent registration, the owner must replace temporary plates with permanent plates.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Maryland

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

• Trip permit for unregistered commercial motor vehicles operating temporarily in the state
• Seventy-two hour trip permit for occasional or emergency operation into or through Maryland of vehicles registered in member jurisdictions but not proportionally registered
• In-transit registration for nonresidents transporting vehicles out of state
• Temporary authorization certificate for motor carriers facing unforeseen circumstances
• Hunter's permit for owner-operators whose lease with a carrier has terminated or for newly purchased vehicles

A trip permit must be carried in the cab of the vehicle whenever the vehicle is in Maryland. Trip permits are not transferable between motor carriers or between vehicles. A trip permit may not be issued to any licensee who is currently suspended or revoked in any International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) jurisdiction under COMAR 03.03.04.05.

A temporary authorization certificate for International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicles may be obtained from the Motor Carrier Services Section of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for use on an additional vehicle or when it is necessary to increase a vehicle's registered weight. As stated in COMAR 11.15.16.01-1, a temporary authorization certificate shall be issued for a period not to exceed 15 days and is not transferable and may not be used on a vehicle other than the one to which it was issued.

An in-transit registration is available for nonresidents of Maryland who purchase a vehicle in the state and wish to transport it to a jurisdiction outside the state for titling and registration. According to COMAR 11.15.37.02, an applicant for a temporary in-transit registration must provide the Administration with a completed application, the required fee, and proof of identity, residency, vehicle ownership, and insurance.

The Comptroller of Maryland may issue a temporary authorization to a motor carrier to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the state if the Comptroller is satisfied that the motor carrier does not have an identification marker or trip permit for the vehicle, unforeseen circumstances require operation of the vehicle, and a prohibition of operation would cause undue hardship, as provided in Tax-General Article § 9-221.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag when the owner has purchased a vehicle and cannot immediately register it in Maryland. Maryland law requires that vehicles pass a safety inspection and receive certification before title and registration can be completed. When an owner purchases a vehicle from a dealer or private seller that requires repairs, the owner may title the vehicle and then apply for temporary registration to drive it to an inspection station.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to International Registration Plan (IRP) requirements and is not apportioned for Maryland travel
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA requirements and fuel-tax licensing is not active
• A motor carrier lacks required identification markers or permits and unforeseen circumstances require immediate operation
• A nonresident needs to transport a vehicle out of state for titling and registration
• A vehicle operates occasionally or in emergency situations into or through Maryland

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Maryland

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, an application for temporary registration is submitted to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration at an MVA branch office or through authorized agents. Vehicle dealers who have been licensed by the MVA may also issue temporary registration plates to buyers under Transportation Article § 13-602, provided that the dealer applies for at least five temporary plates and submits the required application and fee.

For commercial carriers, trip permits and temporary authorization certificates may be obtained from the Motor Carrier Services Section of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. In-transit registrations are available through licensed MVA tag and title agencies and agents, as specified in COMAR 11.15.37.02. Temporary authorization certificates for IRP vehicles are obtained from the Motor Carrier Services Section. Temporary authorizations for motor carriers are issued by the Comptroller of Maryland under Tax-General Article § 9-221.

Documents Commonly Required

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

• Valid title or title application for the vehicle
• Proof of Maryland vehicle insurance meeting [liability requirements
• Valid identification
• Completed application form (VR-129 for temporary inspection waiver)
• Payment of the temporary registration fee

For commercial vehicle trip permits, the following information must be provided under COMAR 03.03.04.05:

• Name, address, federal identification number, or Social Security number of the motor carrier
• Make, serial number, and state in which the vehicle is currently licensed
• Proof of identity and vehicle ownership
• Proof of insurance meeting Maryland requirements

For in-transit registration, applicants must provide documentation of identity, residency, vehicle ownership, and insurance as outlined in COMAR 11.15.37.02.

Temporary Permit Fees in Maryland

Maryland establishes official fees for temporary permits through regulations set forth in COMAR 11.11.05.04. The following fees apply:

The temporary registration fee of $50 applies to the single temporary registration available to each vehicle owner for the initial 60-day period.

Can a Maryland Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Maryland's temporary registration plates are primarily intended for in-state use, allowing a vehicle owner to obtain a safety inspection and complete the registration process. The in-transit registration is specifically designed for nonresidents who have purchased a vehicle in Maryland and need to transport the vehicle to another state for titling and registration.

For commercial carriers, Maryland recognizes the International Registration Plan (IRP) for apportioned registration based on mileage for vehicles engaged in interstate operations. Maryland also participates in the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and recognizes IFTA credentials issued by other member jurisdictions. Under COMAR 11.15.22.11, carriers that qualify as IFTA licensees but do not wish to participate in the IFTA program must obtain trip permits to travel through member jurisdictions according to the regulations and fees of each jurisdiction. Properly displayed and valid credentials issued by any IFTA jurisdiction will allow an IFTA licensee to travel in all IFTA jurisdictions. Additionally, seventy-two hour trip permits may be obtained under COMAR 11.15.22.11 for the occasional or emergency operation into or through Maryland of vehicles registered in member jurisdictions but not proportionally registered in the state.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Maryland imposes penalties for operating a vehicle without proper registration and for fraudulent applications under the following provisions:

Contact Information

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration