Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Delaware

Delaware issues temporary vehicle credentials that allow limited operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing are activated.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Delaware?

In Delaware, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration issued by the DMV under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2103. The temporary permit is valid for no more than 15 days. According to Delaware regulations, temporary registration plates may be issued in circumstances including pending title applications, vehicle inspection failures being remedied, expired registrations needing renewal prior to inspection, movement of unregistered vehicles, and transfer of ownership by court process.

For commercial carriers, Delaware distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and specialized permits. Under Delaware's International Registration Plan (IRP) regulations, commercial motor carriers operating qualified motor vehicles must register in the IRP program. A trip permit registration under IRP may be issued for any vehicle or combination of vehicles that could lawfully operate in Delaware if full registration were obtained. Such permits are valid for three days, including the day of issuance, and cost $15.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• Application for a certificate of title has been submitted, and a temporary permit is needed pending DMV action.
• The vehicle failed inspection for required repairs, and a temporary permit is needed to transport the vehicle for repair or storage.
• Vehicle registration has expired, and a temporary permit is needed to move the vehicle for repair and inspection prior to reregistration.
• An unregistered vehicle is being moved by a person entitled to move it without obtaining a permanent title or ownership transfer.
• Ownership of a vehicle has been transferred by court process.
• A commercial vehicle operates across state lines and is not apportioned for Delaware travel.
• The vehicle or load requires special overweight or oversize movement authorization.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Delaware

For private vehicles, Delaware allows a temporary tag and temporary registration for operation before permanent registration is completed. Temporary tags in Delaware are valid for specific periods depending on the circumstances of issuance. When a new vehicle is purchased from a Delaware dealer, the temporary tag is valid for five days. When a vehicle is purchased from an out-of-state dealer, a five-day transit tag allows the buyer to drive the vehicle to another state for registration.

In circumstances where the vehicle is awaiting repairs or reinspection after failing inspection, a second temporary tag may be issued if the vehicle is reinspected and the inspection shows that some repairs have been completed. Vehicles that fail inspection for safety-related items, such as cracked windshields, brake defects, headlight or turn signal failures, or wiper problems, may not qualify for a temporary tag unless inspection lane personnel determine eligibility in accordance with the DMV Inspection Lane Manual.

A five-day transit tag is available for out-of-state residents who purchase vehicles in Delaware. To qualify for this permit, the purchaser must provide a Delaware driver's license, valid Delaware insurance (which may be proof of insurance for another vehicle owned by the purchaser or the vehicle being purchased), and documentation including the date of sale, names of the seller and purchaser, vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). If the insurance identification does not include the VIN of the vehicle being purchased, the purchaser must submit a sales document verifying vehicle information.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Delaware

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing credentials are activated. Delaware recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• IRP trip permit for vehicles operating across state lines that are not apportioned for Delaware travel. Under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2103, trip permits are valid for three days and cost $15. Qualified vehicles are those with a power unit having two or more axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, power units having three or more axles regardless of weight, or vehicles in combination with total weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.
• IFTA trip permit for carriers needing fuel-tax licensing authority. Delaware may issue a 30-day IFTA temporary permit to carriers in good standing. The temporary permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation.

Special trip permits are issued for vehicles subject to IRP that do not have apportioned plates. The Delaware Motor Carrier Services Section processes IRP applications at the Dover DMV location, 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, Delaware 19903, with phone contact available at (302) 744-2500.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag when a permanent Delaware registration cannot be issued immediately due to pending ownership documentation, inspection completion, or repairs. Delaware does not impose a specific residency timeline for temporary tag issuance, as temporary permits are issued at the discretion of the DMV Commissioner based on documented need.

A five-day transit tag for out-of-state residents allows operation when a Delaware-titled vehicle has been purchased and will be driven to another state for registration. The tag is issued at any DMV office with a $20 fee.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP and is not currently apportioned for Delaware travel.
• The vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not yet active.
• The vehicle requires additional weight-capacity authorization for overweight movement.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Delaware

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, applications are made at any Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles location. The DMV operates facilities in New Castle County (Delaware City and Greater Wilmington offices), Kent County (Dover office), and Sussex County (Georgetown office). Services are available through in-person visits and drive-through windows at all locations.

For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits are obtained through the Delaware Motor Carrier Services Section at the Dover DMV office. IFTA licenses and temporary permits are processed through the Delaware Motor Carrier Services Section/IFTA Unit at the same location. Applicants may submit applications by mail or in person.

Documents Commonly Required

Delaware lists the following registration prerequisites. For private vehicle temporary registrations, required documents typically include the following:

• Driver license or acceptable identification.
• Valid Delaware liability insurance card or proof of insurance meeting minimum requirements.
• Bill of sale or certificate of title demonstrating ownership, if the vehicle is not previously registered in the applicant's name.
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) and vehicle information, including year, make, and model.

For commercial temporary registrations and IRP applications, the required documents include:

• Completed IRP application form and required IRP schedules.
• Proof of valid Delaware liability insurance meeting minimum requirements.
• Evidence of an established place of business in Delaware or a designated base jurisdiction.
• USDOT number documentation and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) verification.
• For vehicles registered at 55,000 pounds or more, the current Federal Heavy Weight Use Tax Form 2290 is filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

For IFTA applications, carriers must be Delaware-based (with qualified motor vehicles registered in Delaware, an established place of business in Delaware, operational control and records maintained in Delaware, and qualified vehicles actually traveling Delaware highways) and complete the IFTA registration application with the Motor Carrier Services Section/IFTA Unit. Each carrier receives one IFTA license with a set of vehicle identification decals for each qualified vehicle.

Temporary Permit Fees in Delaware

Delaware publishes fees for temporary registrations, commercial trip permits, and registration charges through the Division of Motor Vehicles. The table below summarizes the principal permit costs:

Can A Delaware Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, Delaware states that transit tags issued to out-of-state residents are valid only for transportation of the purchased vehicle to the buyer's home state. These tags are not valid for operation within Delaware beyond the initial purchase transaction.

For commercial carriers, a current and valid IRP trip permit authorizes both interstate and intrastate operations. The trip permit must be vehicle-specific and carried in the vehicle during operation. IFTA temporary permits valid for 30 days may be used across member jurisdictions and are vehicle-specific. Interstate and intrastate operations are authorized if all applicable regulatory requirements are met.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Delaware imposes penalties for operating a motor vehicle without proper registration and for failure to register vehicles within the required timeframes.

Under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2101, no person shall operate or move a vehicle required to be registered without current registration plates displayed, except when an application accompanied by proper fees has been made and is pending complete registration. Operating an unregistered vehicle violates this statute and is subject to penalties.

Under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2102, every owner of a motor vehicle shall register the vehicle within 60 days after taking up residence in Delaware. Military members and their families with vehicles registered in their home state are exempt from this requirement.

Operating a vehicle with an improper or missing temporary tag may result in a citation and the requirement to purchase a trip permit. For IFTA carriers, penalties are assessed on late-filed reports or underpayment of tax due.

Contact Information

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 744-2500
Official Website: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles