Vehicle Transit Permit
For a qualifying private-party sale when the seller keeps the Texas plates. It is free, valid for five calendar days, and authorizes one trip between the stated origin, destination, and listed intermediate points.
Texas temporary vehicle registration
Texas Temporary Tags and Temporary Permits Guide
Understand Texas temporary registration after the July 1, 2025 metal-plate transition. Compare Vehicle Transit Permits, one-trip and 30-day Temporary Registration Plates, and 72-hour or 144-hour commercial permits.
Texas dealers no longer print ordinary buyer paper tags
House Bill 718 took effect July 1, 2025. Texas dealers generally issue metal general-issue plates when delivering a vehicle. Metal Buyer Provisional Plates may be used when the required plate type is temporarily unavailable, and Out-of-State Buyer Plates may be used for qualifying non-Texas buyers.
Which temporary authority do you need?
Temporary Registration Plate — One Trip
Issued by a county tax office or TxDMV Regional Service Center for one trip by an eligible unregistered vehicle. The underlying one-trip authority is valid for 15 calendar days and generally applies only to an unladen vehicle.
Temporary Registration Plate — 30 Days
Issued in person for eligible passenger vehicles, motorcycles, private buses, trailers, semitrailers, and qualifying light commercial vehicles. Form VTR-66, identification, insurance, and applicable emissions documentation may be required.
72-Hour Permit
Temporary commercial registration for qualifying commercial vehicles and buses. A valid USDOT number is required. The permit fee is $25 plus the current processing and handling charge.
144-Hour Permit
Temporary commercial registration for qualifying commercial vehicles and buses. A valid USDOT number is required. The permit fee is $50 plus the current processing and handling charge.
What changed under HB 718
Dealer sales
Dealers generally issue metal plates at delivery instead of printing a buyer temporary tag. Buyers should keep the dealer's Buyer’s Receipt in the vehicle until registration is complete and the windshield sticker is received.
One-trip and 30-day permits
County tax offices and TxDMV Regional Service Centers now issue metal Temporary Registration Plates with expiration stickers for these transactions. The plates must be securely displayed on the rear of the vehicle rather than placed in a window.
Private-party sales
The paper Vehicle Transit Permit remains available when a seller removes the Texas plates. It is limited to one qualifying vehicle, one trip, and five calendar days.
Commercial temporary permits
Paper 72-hour and 144-hour permits remain available for qualifying commercial vehicles. They require a valid USDOT number and are valid only in Texas.
Documents and information to prepare
Vehicle identification number
Current government-issued photo identification
Proof of Texas-compliant liability insurance
Completed Form VTR-66 for a 30-day permit
USDOT number for a 72-hour or 144-hour permit
Proof of required emissions inspection for a 30-day permit in an emissions county
Origin, destination, and intermediate points for trip-limited authority
Payment accepted by the issuing office
Important limits and common mistakes
Do not treat a permit as renewable registration
Temporary authority exists for limited movement or short-term operation. Complete the required title and registration transaction instead of repeatedly relying on permits.
Match the permit to the vehicle and trip
Vehicle weight, commercial use, cargo, salvage status, route, and destination can make a vehicle ineligible. A one-trip permit generally cannot be used for a laden commercial vehicle or a trip that begins and ends outside Texas.
Carry the required receipt
Keep the permit receipt and supporting documents in the vehicle. Metal Temporary Registration Plates must be secured to the rear and display the required expiration stickers.
Frequently asked questions
Did Texas eliminate paper temporary tags?
Texas eliminated most dealer-issued paper temporary tags on July 1, 2025. Dealers now generally issue metal plates at delivery, and county offices or TxDMV Regional Service Centers issue metal Temporary Registration Plates for one-trip and 30-day temporary registration.
Can I still print a Vehicle Transit Permit after a private sale?
Yes. A qualifying private-sale buyer may still obtain the paper Vehicle Transit Permit online when the seller keeps the Texas plates. It is valid for five calendar days and one trip.
How much does a Texas one-trip permit cost?
TxDMV lists a $5 permit fee plus a non-refundable $4.75 processing and handling charge. Since July 1, 2025, the county or Regional Service Center issues a metal Temporary Registration Plate rather than the former paper display permit.
How much does a Texas 30-day permit cost?
TxDMV lists a $25 permit fee plus a non-refundable $4.75 processing and handling charge. The temporary registration is now represented by a metal Temporary Registration Plate with expiration stickers.
Can a temporary permit replace normal registration?
No. Temporary registration is limited to specific qualifying circumstances and cannot be used as a substitute for completing ordinary title and registration requirements.
Do I need insurance for a temporary permit?
Most applicants must show liability insurance meeting Texas minimum limits. TxDMV generally does not require insurance for trailers and semitrailers.
Can I use a Texas temporary permit outside Texas?
Some Texas temporary permits authorize operation only in Texas. Before leaving the state, verify whether every state on the route will recognize the permit or temporary registration plate.
Related Texas vehicle resources
Temporary-registration rules depend on vehicle type, weight, use, title status, inspection status, route, and issuing office. Confirm current eligibility, display rules, forms, fees, and acceptable payment with TxDMV or the county tax assessor-collector before operating the vehicle.