Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Colorado

Colorado issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full commercial registration is in place.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Colorado?

In Colorado, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a temporary registration permit issued under Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-3-203. A temporary registration permit is valid for up to 60 days from the date of sale or issuance and includes a paper license plate. The permit may not expire on a weekend, Sunday, or legal holiday; if the 60th day falls on such a date, the permit expires on the first business day before that date.

Dealers authorized by the Colorado Department of Revenue issue temporary permits for vehicles purchased from the dealership through the Colorado DMV Dealer Access Portal. A second temporary permit may be issued if the county has not delivered the title or completed registration within 60 days of purchase.

For commercial carriers, Colorado distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. An IRP 72-hour laden-weight trip permit allows a commercial vehicle requiring apportionment that is not apportioned for Colorado to operate in the state for 72 hours. A special fuel tax permit may also be obtained for vehicles subject to International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements. Separate permits are required for vehicles exceeding Colorado's size and weight limits through the Colorado Oversize Overweight Permitting and Routing (COOPR) system administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

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 immediately issued
• Ownership documents required for title or registration are delayed
• A vehicle is transferred from out of state, and titling is not yet complete
• A commercial vehicle enters Colorado without proper IRP apportioned registration
• A commercial vehicle requires IFTA fuel tax licensing that is not yet active
• A vehicle or load exceeds Colorado's size or weight limits
• Agricultural harvest operations require temporary commercial registration

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Colorado

For private vehicles, Colorado provides a temporary registration permit for limited operation until permanent registration is completed. When a vehicle is purchased from a licensed Colorado dealership, the dealer provides a temporary registration permit valid for 60 days at the time of sale. The temporary permit includes a paper license plate that must be affixed to the vehicle in compliance with state law.

An owner of a temporary permit may obtain a second temporary tag valid for an additional 60 days if the county has not processed the title or completed the registration within the first 60 days of the original purchase or transfer date. Dealerships issue temporary permits through the Colorado DMV Dealer Access Portal, using mounting boards and supplies purchased only from state-approved vendors.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Colorado

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

• An IRP 72-hour laden weight trip permit for vehicles requiring apportioned registration
• A special fuel tax permit for vehicles subject to IFTA requirements
• Oversize and overweight permits for vehicles or loads exceeding legal dimensions
• A 60-day harvest permit for farm trucks or tractors conducting agricultural operations
• Special Revocable Permits for eligible companies on regularly scheduled routes

Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more require a USDOT number and must comply with International Registration Plan (IRP) requirements if operating in multiple states. Carriers operating in multiple states are also subject to International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue Taxation Division.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary registration permit after purchase if permanent Colorado registration cannot be issued immediately. Colorado law requires vehicle registration within 60 days of purchase or transfer of ownership to avoid late fees. Temporary permits are available during the title processing period.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when it operates in interstate commerce and has not yet obtained IRP registration, when it requires IFTA fuel tax licensing that is not yet active, when the movement involves oversize or overweight dimensions requiring COOPR authorization, or when conducting agricultural harvest operations in Colorado.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Colorado

Where to Apply

For private vehicles, temporary permits are issued through authorized dealerships at the time of vehicle purchase or through the local county clerk and recorder office where the vehicle owner resides. Dealerships must maintain a valid dealer access account through the Colorado DMV Dealer Access Portal to issue temporary permits.

For IRP and special fuel tax permits for commercial vehicles, applications are made at the first Colorado Port of Entry encountered on the route or in advance by contacting a port facility by phone or email. These permits may also be ordered online through the COOPR permitting system.

For oversize and overweight permits, applications are submitted through the COOPR online permitting system operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Users may establish unique accounts 24 hours a day and submit applications once logged into the system.

Documents Commonly Required

For private vehicle registration in Colorado, commonly required documents include:

• A completed Application for Title and Registration (Form DR 2395)
• A secure and verifiable identification, such as a current Colorado or out-of-state driver's license or U.S. passport
• Proof of active Colorado vehicle insurance meeting minimum liability coverage requirements
• The certificate of title, properly endorsed, or other proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
• A passed emissions test, if required based on vehicle age and county of residence
• A verification of the vehicle identification number, unless the vehicle is new with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

For commercial vehicle registration under IRP, the required documentation includes:

• Proof of ownership, such as a title or lease agreement
• A valid USDOT number with a current Federal Motor Carrier Identification Report filed within the previous 12 months
• Verification of the established place of business address
• Proof of payment of the federal heavy vehicle use tax for qualifying vehicles
• Vehicle identification numbers for each fleet vehicle

For oversize and overweight permits, a detailed description of axle configuration, weight distribution, and proposed routing may be required for permit approval.

Temporary Permit Fees in Colorado

Colorado publishes official fees for temporary credentials through state agencies. The table below summarizes principal permit costs:

Can a Colorado Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, a temporary registration permit issued by Colorado is valid only for operation within Colorado. The permit is intended to allow operation while completing the registration process before receiving permanent license plates.

For commercial carriers, an IRP 72-hour laden-weight trip permit allows operation within Colorado for 72 hours. Vehicles operating under full IRP registration may operate in all IRP member jurisdictions. A special fuel tax permit is specific to Colorado and does not authorize interstate operation.

Oversize and overweight permits issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation through the COOPR system are valid only for the routes and time periods specified on the permit and do not authorize interstate movement without separate permits from other states.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Colorado imposes penalties for operating vehicles without proper registration or required permits.

Contact Information

Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles
1351 5th St., Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80204
Phone: (303) 205-5600
Official Website: Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles