Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in Arkansas

Arkansas issues temporary credentials that allow limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or for commercial carriers conducting temporary operations within the state. For private vehicles, the credential is generally a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag valid until the earlier of permanent registration or 30 days from the purchase date. For commercial operations, applicable credentials include 72-hour trip permits for nonresident commercial vehicles and oversize or overweight permits for vehicles exceeding legal size and weight standards.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is typically a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag issued for short-term use when permanent registration cannot be issued immediately. A person who buys a motor vehicle from a licensed dealer shall obtain a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag for the vehicle within ten calendar days after purchase. The temporary tag is valid for the operation of the vehicle until the earlier of the date on which the vehicle is registered or 30 days after the date of purchase.

For commercial carriers, Arkansas distinguishes between trip permits for temporary operations and oversize or overweight permits for vehicles exceeding legal dimensions. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State is authorized to design and issue commercial vehicle temporary license plates for use in cases where commercial operators desire to operate temporarily in the state for a period not to exceed 72 hours. These license plates shall not be valid in any event for more than 72 hours.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

A private vehicle has been purchased from a licensed dealer, and permanent Arkansas registration cannot be issued immediately.
Ownership or registration documents are delayed or incomplete.
A purchaser needs to operate a newly purchased vehicle while awaiting permanent registration processing.
A commercial vehicle enters Arkansas, but the operator does not hold International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials.
A commercial vehicle conducts temporary travel within the state without permanent Arkansas registration.
A vehicle or load exceeds Arkansas legal size and weight limits.
A transferee of a motor vehicle requires additional time to obtain release of a lien from a prior lienholder.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in Arkansas

For private vehicles, Arkansas requires obtaining a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag when purchasing a vehicle from a licensed dealer. The temporary tag may be obtained from the dealer if the dealer has the capability to issue the tag, or from the Office of Motor Vehicle or an approved vendor if the dealer is unable to issue the tag.

The temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag is valid for operation of the vehicle until the earlier of the date on which the vehicle is registered or 30 days after the date of purchase. The tag must be placed on the inside rear window of the vehicle, or if the vehicle does not have a rear window, at the location provided for the permanent motor vehicle license plate. A buyer may display a license plate transferred from a previously registered vehicle in lieu of obtaining a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag, provided the prior vehicle was properly registered.

An extension of the 30-day registration period is allowed if a transferee requires additional time to obtain the release of a lien from a prior lienholder. In such cases, a dealer may issue one additional temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag to expire 30 days from the date of issuance.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in Arkansas

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority when entering Arkansas or conducting limited operations within the state. Arkansas recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

72-hour trip permit for commercial vehicles not enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP).
Commercial vehicle temporary license plates are issued by the Chief Fiscal Officer for temporary operations not to exceed 72 hours.
Oversize and overweight permit for vehicles or loads exceeding legal dimensions or weight limits.
Import/export fuel permit for vehicles transporting fuel into or out of Arkansas.

A 72-hour trip permit is required for foreign-based interstate carriers entering Arkansas who do not possess valid International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials. Permits are valid for 72 hours only, and if an operator will be in Arkansas for an extended period without leaving the state, a new trip permit must be obtained every 72 hours.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may need a temporary tag after purchase if permanent Arkansas registration cannot be issued immediately. Under Arkansas registration requirements, a vehicle must be registered within 60 days from the date of purchase. A temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag must be obtained within ten calendar days after purchase of the motor vehicle, and a temporary tag may still be necessary when documentation delays prevent immediate processing.

A commercial vehicle may need a temporary permit when:

The vehicle is operated by a motor carrier not enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP).
The motor carrier intends to conduct temporary travel within Arkansas without establishing permanent registration.
The vehicle or load exceeds Arkansas legal size and weight limits, requiring a special oversize or overweight permit.
A motor carrier requires authorization for fuel transport into or out of Arkansas through import/export permits.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in Arkansas

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, application for a temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag is made through a licensed dealer at the time of vehicle purchase or through the Office of Motor Vehicle at any State Revenue Office location if the dealer is unable to issue the tag. Dealers may issue buyer's tags if they have the capability to do so and shall indicate on the bill of sale that a buyer's tag was issued.

For commercial carriers, 72-hour trip permits may be obtained online, through a permit service provider, by contacting the Arkansas Department of Transportation at (501) 569-2381 option 3, or by purchasing at a weigh station upon entering the state. Oversize and overweight permits may be obtained online, by telephone at (501) 569-2381, in writing, in person at the Arkansas Department of Transportation permit office, or through the Multi-State Permit Agreement.

Documents Commonly Required

Depending on the permit type, the required records may include the following:

For private vehicles: Dealer bill of sale or other documentation with the dealer's name, vehicle identification number, make and model, and date of sale.
For private vehicles: Copy of the bill of sale maintained in the vehicle until the buyer obtains permanent registration.
For private vehicles: Proof of ownership or vehicle interest documentation.
Current out-of-state vehicle registration (for commercial carriers).
For commercial vehicles: U.S. DOT number or identification.
For commercial vehicles: Company legal name and any doing-business-as (DBA) names.
For commercial vehicles: Billing address if different from primary address.
For commercial vehicles: Declared gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Proof of motor vehicle liability insurance meeting the state minimums, which may be presented in paper or electronic form within 30 days of issuance.

Temporary Permit Fees in Arkansas

Arkansas publishes official fees for temporary permits through the Department of Finance and Administration and the Department of Transportation. The following table summarizes principal permit costs:

Permit Type	Official Fee
Temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag	$1.00
Commercial vehicle temporary license plates (72 hours)	$33.00
72-hour trip permit (IRP)	$33.00
Oversize/overweight permit (varies by type and duration)	Variable
Import/export fuel permit	Variable

Can an Arkansas Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, the temporary preprinted paper buyer's tag is intended for in-state operation only and is valid until either permanent registration is obtained or 30 days from purchase, whichever occurs first. Nonresident operations outside the state require the vehicle to be permanently registered in the home state.

For commercial carriers, 72-hour trip permits are specific to Arkansas operations and are valid for 72 hours only, expiring upon exiting the state if departure occurs before the 72-hour period concludes. Commercial vehicles operating across state lines must meet applicable International Registration Plan (IRP) and fuel tax requirements or obtain proper temporary credentials for each state of operation. Arkansas is a member of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), and commercial vehicles with proper IFTA credentials may operate without maintaining fuel purchase receipts. Commercial vehicles without IFTA credentials must purchase fuel in Arkansas and maintain receipts to document compliance with fuel tax obligations.

Oversize and overweight permits may be issued under the Multi-State Permit Agreement for movement through multiple states according to federal and state standards. Movement of oversize or overweight vehicles remains subject to separate Arkansas Department of Transportation permitting.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Arkansas imposes penalties for operating unregistered vehicles, late registration, and violations related to license plates and registration credentials.

Under Arkansas Code 27-14-1004, any person failing to register a passenger motor vehicle or Class One truck on any street, road, or highway in the state shall be required to pay a penalty of $3.00 for each 10 days or fraction thereof for which the person fails properly to register the vehicle until the penalty reaches the same amount as the annual license fee of the vehicle to be registered. A 10% sales tax penalty of the total sales tax due also applies to late registrations. No penalty shall be assessed if the owner or operator makes an affidavit that the vehicle has not been operated on any street, road, or highway after the time set for registration; however, if the affidavit is false, making the affidavit constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $500.

Under Arkansas Code 27-14-305, a person who uses or makes a temporary cardboard buyer's tag or reproduces, paints, alters, forges, or counterfeits a license plate or registration card is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500. Using a temporary tag after it expires also constitutes a violation subject to civil penalty.

Contact Information

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle
1900 West 7th Street, Suite 1010, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-4692
Official Website: Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle