Last Update: August 24, 2026
Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Rhode Island
Rhode Island issues temporary registration plates 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 established.
What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a temporary registration plate issued for short-term use when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-3-17.3, a temporary plate is valid for 5 days from the date of issuance for most private vehicles. For horse trailers specifically, temporary plates are valid for 20 days from the date of issuance.
For commercial carriers, Rhode Island distinguishes between registration-related trip permits issued under the IRP framework. An IRP trip permit must be obtained before a commercial vehicle enters Rhode Island if full credentials are not active. These permits are 72-hour permits that authorize both interstate and intrastate operations.
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
- An owner or dealer needs to operate the vehicle before permanent registration processing is complete
- A commercial vehicle enters Rhode Island before IRP or IFTA credentials are active
- A commercial carrier operates a qualified motor vehicle subject to apportionment or fuel tax licensing requirements
Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Rhode Island
For private vehicles, Rhode Island allows temporary tags for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed. According to Rhode Island DMV policy, temporary plates are only issued to Rhode Island residents. The DMV does not offer temporary plates for residents of other states who have purchased a vehicle in Rhode Island.
Temporary plates are available through two methods, depending on the purchase circumstances. Licensed Rhode Island new and used car dealers may issue special use identification tags valid for 20 days, including the date of delivery of the tags by the dealer. These dealer-issued tags allow vehicles sold by dealers to be operated pending permanent registration.
The Rhode Island DMV also issues temporary plates valid for 5 days at any DMV branch for residents who have purchased a vehicle with an out-of-state title or are new to Rhode Island and transferring residency while holding a title from another state. Temporary plates are available only for vehicles eligible for a Rhode Island title with a model year of 2001 or newer.
Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Rhode Island
Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. Rhode Island recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:
- IRP trip permit for apportioned registration (72-hour validity)
- IFTA trip permit for fuel-tax licensing
- Combined IRP/IFTA trip permit
An IRP trip permit must be obtained before entering Rhode Island and is valid for up to 72 hours. Each permit is vehicle-specific and must be carried in the vehicle during operation. According to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, any motor carrier based in Rhode Island and operating one or more qualified motor vehicles in at least one other IFTA member jurisdiction must file an IFTA License Application in Rhode Island if not participating in the IFTA program.
A qualified motor vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle used, designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property and either having two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, having three or more axles regardless of weight, or being used in combination when the weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.
When a Temporary Permit Is Required
A private vehicle may need a temporary tag after purchase if a permanent Rhode Island plate cannot be issued immediately. Dealer-issued special-use identification tags may be used when a vehicle is sold, pending completion of permanent registration.
A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when the vehicle is subject to IRP and is not apportioned for Rhode Island travel, the vehicle is subject to IFTA, and fuel-tax licensing is not active, or when the carrier elects to satisfy motor fuel use tax obligations on a trip-by-trip basis rather than obtaining full credentials.
How to Get a Temporary Permit in Rhode Island
Where To Apply
For private vehicles, an application for five-day temporary plates is made through any Rhode Island DMV branch. Dealer-issued special use identification tags are obtained through licensed motor vehicle dealers at the point of vehicle sale.
For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits are obtained through an online service administered by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. The system allows carriers to apply for and purchase IRP temporary seventy-two (72) hour trip permits online.
Documents Commonly Required
For five-day temporary plates at a DMV branch, the following documents must be presented:
- Valid Rhode Island insurance information
- Certificate of title (completed with signature for new purchases)
- Bill of sale
- Rhode Island license or identification card, or out-of-state license with proof of Rhode Island residency
For IRP trip permits, the following information is required:
- A valid US DOT number
- A credit card and billing address
- Ability to print the receipt
Dealer-issued special use identification tags require the dealer to prepare a special use certificate in triplicate, imprint the expiration date with a rubber date stamp, and include the vehicle identification number and dealer identification number on each tag.
Temporary Permit Fees in Rhode Island
The table below summarizes the principal permit costs in Rhode Island:
| Permit Type | Official Fee |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle temporary plate (5 days) | $13.50 |
| Private vehicle dealer special use identification tags (20 days) | Up to $25.00 per plate |
| IRP trip permit (72 hours) | $25.00 |
Can a Rhode Island Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?
For private vehicles, Rhode Island temporary plates issued by the DMV are valid only in Rhode Island and may not be used for out-of-state travel. Dealer-issued special-use identification tags are valid only for vehicles sold by dealers in Rhode Island and are intended for temporary use pending completion of registration within the state.
For commercial carriers, IRP trip permits authorized by Rhode Island authorize both interstate and intrastate operations within Rhode Island and other IRP member jurisdictions if all applicable regulatory requirements are met. However, carriers must comply with the regulations of each jurisdiction in which they operate.
Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit
Rhode Island imposes penalties for expired registration, expired temporary credentials, and commercial operation without the required trip permit.
Rhode Island Temporary Permit Violations & Penalties
| Violation Type | Statute | Penalty | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expired Registration | § 31-3-32 | $100.00 fine | Violations enumerated in § 31-41.1-4 |
| Expired Temporary Plates | § 31-3-17.3 | Per violation schedule | Improper use or operation with expired temporary plates |
| Dealer Special Use Tags | § 31-3-40 | $100.00 | Improper issuance, extension of expiration dates, or misuse (per § 31-41.1-4) |
| Commercial - IRP/IFTA Violations | IRP/IFTA Regulations | Trip permit and/or citation | Operation without valid fuel-tax licensing |
Contact Information
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Room 108, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 946-0090
Official Website: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
