What Is an Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit?
An Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit allows commercial motor carriers who are not registered under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) to legally operate in Oregon while paying the required fuel use taxes.
The permit serves as a short-term compliance solution for carriers entering the state without IFTA credentials or an active Oregon fuel tax account. It ensures that all fuel consumed within Oregon is properly taxed, even for out-of-state or occasional operators.
When You Need a Temporary Fuel Permit in Oregon
You are required to obtain an Oregon Temporary Fuel Permit if your vehicle:
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Is used for commercial purposes, and
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Has two axles and a GVW exceeding 26,000 lbs, or
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Has three or more axles, regardless of weight, and
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You do not have an IFTA license or Oregon fuel tax credentials.
In short, if you operate a qualified commercial vehicle across Oregon’s borders without IFTA decals or an established Oregon fuel tax account, you must secure a temporary fuel permit before entering the state.
Permit Duration and Validity
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Validity Period: Each Oregon temporary fuel permit is valid for 10 consecutive days.
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Coverage: It covers a single vehicle for all intrastate and interstate travel within Oregon during that period.
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Non-renewable: If your trip exceeds 10 days, you must purchase another permit.
Cost and Where to Get It
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Fee: $103 per permit (as set by ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division; subject to periodic updates).
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Where to Obtain:
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Phone (503) 386-4187
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Website: www.oregontruckingonline.org
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Information Required to Apply
When requesting a temporary fuel permit, you’ll need to provide:
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Legal carrier name and USDOT number
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Vehicle identification number (VIN)
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License plate number and issuing state
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Vehicle make, year, and GVW
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Exact start date and time for permit coverage
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Planned routes or points of entry into Oregon
Enforcement and Penalties
Operating in Oregon without a valid IFTA license or temporary fuel permit is a violation of Oregon Revised Statute (ORS 825.474).
Consequences may include:
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Fines or citations issued at weigh stations or roadside inspections
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Requirement to purchase a permit on the spot (often at higher administrative fees)
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Possible delays or vehicle impoundment for noncompliance
Alternatives to Temporary Fuel Permits
If you operate in Oregon frequently, it may be more cost-effective to:
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Apply for an IFTA license, allowing multi-state travel with a single quarterly tax filing, or
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Open an Oregon fuel tax account through ODOT if your operations are mostly intrastate.
Key Takeaways
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Who needs it: Non-IFTA carriers operating qualified commercial vehicles in Oregon.
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Cost: Around $103 per vehicle, valid for 10 days.
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How to get it: Through ODOT or a licensed permit service before entering the state.
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Why it matters: Prevents fines and ensures compliance with Oregon’s fuel use tax regulations.