Differences Between Oregon Trip Permits and Fuel Permits

Dec. 4, 2025, 5:25 p.m.
Operating commercial vehicles in Oregon requires the correct temporary permits when a carrier does not hold the necessary registrations or fuel tax credentials. Two of the most commonly confused documents are the Oregon Trip Permit and the Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit. Although both allow short-term operation in the state, they serve very different purposes. This guide explains what each permit does, who needs it, how long it lasts, and the key differences every carrier should know.
Oregon Trip and Fuel Permits

Apply for Oregon Trip and Fuel Permits here

 https://www.oregontruckingonline.org/

 

What Is an Oregon Trip Permit?

An Oregon Trip Permit allows a commercial vehicle to operate in Oregon without IRP (International Registration Plan) registration.

It is required when a vehicle is:

  • Not apportioned for Oregon

  • Not registered for the necessary weight

  • Operating in the state for a temporary movement

Validity

  • 10 days

When You Need It

You need an Oregon Trip Permit if:

  • Your truck is based out-of-state and not IRP-apportioned for Oregon

  • Your IRP registration is expired or missing Oregon

  • You’re operating a non-registered or temporarily moved vehicle

What It Covers

  • Vehicle registration to legally operate in Oregon

  • Weight up to the permit’s declared limit

It does not cover fuel tax obligations.

What Is an Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit?

An Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit allows carriers to operate in Oregon without IFTA credentials or Oregon fuel tax filings.

Oregon does not participate in IFTA for diesel-powered commercial vehicles that weigh over 26,000 lbs or with 3+ axles.
Instead, these vehicles must comply with the Oregon Weight-Mile Tax (WMT).

Because of this, Oregon uses fuel permits differently from most states.

Validity

  • 10 days

When You Need It

You need an Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit if:

  • You do not have an active Oregon Weight-Mile Tax account

  • You’re entering Oregon with a diesel truck subject to WMT

  • You are not registered for Oregon fuel tax reporting

What It Covers

  • Temporary permission to operate without WMT registration

  • Protects you from citations for unregistered fuel/WMT compliance

This permit covers fuel tax obligations, not registration.

Key Differences Between Oregon Trip Permits and Fuel Permits

Feature Oregon Trip Permit Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit
Purpose Allows operation without IRP registration Allows travel without an Oregon WMT/fuel tax account
Covers Vehicle registration Fuel tax obligations / WMT requirements
Who Needs It Vehicles not apportioned for Oregon Carriers without an active Oregon Weight-Mile Tax account
Applies To All commercial vehicles Diesel trucks > 26,000 lbs or with 3+ axles
Valid For 10 days 10 days
Common Use Cases Short trips, temporary movements, expired IRP One-time loads, first-time Oregon operations, unregistered carriers
Issued By ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division

Which Permit Do You Need?

You need a Trip Permit if:

  • You’re not IRP-apportioned for Oregon

  • Your IRP cab card doesn’t include Oregon

  • The truck has temporary or expired registration

You need a Fuel Permit if:

  • Your truck triggers the Oregon Weight-Mile Tax

  • You don’t have a WMT account

  • You’re a first-time or occasional carrier entering Oregon

Some carriers need both if they lack IRP and WMT registration.

Why Oregon’s Fuel Rules Are Different

Oregon is one of the only states not under IFTA for diesel heavy trucks.
Instead of fuel tax reporting, carriers must pay Weight-Mile Tax based on:

  • Axle configuration

  • Registered weight

  • Miles traveled in Oregon

This makes Oregon’s fuel permit system unique compared to other states.