What Is a Temporary License Plate in Idaho?
Idaho issues a “temporary registration permit” as a short-term authorization to operate a vehicle on public roads until permanent plates are received. The permit fills several gaps: a buyer awaiting title processing, a new Idaho resident whose out-of-state title has not yet arrived, and an out-of-state buyer transporting the vehicle home.
Licensed Idaho dealers, county assessors, and the Idaho Transportation Department each issue temporary permits depending on the transaction type. A separate 72-hour or 45-day permit automatically arises from a title application or bill of sale per Idaho Code §49-504. All permits are paper documents displayed in or on the rear window.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Idaho?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 72-Hour Temporary Permit | Vehicle sale (bill of sale or copy of title application) | Dealer or private seller |
| B | 45-Day Temporary Permit | Dealer submits title application electronically | Licensed Idaho dealer |
| C | 30-Day Temporary Registration Permit | Buyer cannot immediately complete registration | Dealer, county assessor, or ITD |
| D | 120-Hour Permit | Moving an unregistered vehicle on the road | ITD (ports of entry or suppliers) |
Class C permits allow one per vehicle for sale; Idaho Code §49-523(6) allows county assessors to issue up to two 30-day permits to an owner attempting to sell a vehicle. Class D permits are limited to three per vehicle per calendar year.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Idaho?
- A dealer selling a new or used vehicle issues a 72-hour or 45-day temporary permit at the point of sale, depending on whether the title application is submitted electronically or on paper.
- A private seller’s bill of sale serves as the buyer’s 72-hour temporary permit per IC §49-504(6); the buyer places it in the rear window.
- An out-of-state buyer receives a 30-day temporary registration permit issued by the dealer to transport the vehicle to the buyer’s state per IDAPA 39.02.46.101.
- A new Idaho resident whose out-of-state title is held by a lienholder may obtain a 30-day temporary registration permit at any county assessor’s office.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Idaho?
- Gather a signed title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid Idaho driver’s license or ID card.
- Choose the appropriate line: dealership at the point of sale, any of the 44 Idaho county assessor offices, or ITD port of entry for 120-hour permits.
- Submit the application; dealers complete Form ITD-3763 for a 30-day permit or e502 electronically for a 45-day permit.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter (see fee table below); dealers prepay for books of 30-day permits.
- Receive the paper permit and place it in the vehicle’s rear window before driving.
Dealers use the ITD Dealers Online Portal to submit electronic title applications that generate 45-day permits.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Idaho?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional Fees | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72-Hour Temporary Permit | No separate fee | None | N/A |
| 45-Day Temporary Permit | No separate fee | Electronic submission required | N/A |
| 30-Day Temporary Registration Permit | $9 per permit | County administrative fee varies | Buyer (or dealer prepays) |
| 120-Hour Permit | $60 single; $120 combination | $3 supplier markup if sold by agent | Vehicle operator |
Dealers purchase books of 30-day permits in sets of 20 for $180 from the ITD Dealer Services division. The $9 permit fee is credited to registration if the owner registers within 30 days.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Idaho?
No. Idaho does not offer consumers an online portal to purchase any temporary registration permit or 120-hour permit.
Dealers generate 45-day temporary permits through the ITD Dealers Online Portal when submitting electronic title applications at the point of sale. Consumers cannot directly access this portal.
To obtain a 30-day temporary registration permit outside of the dealer line, visit any county assessor’s office in person. A 120-hour permit requires a stop at an ITD port of entry or an authorized highway supplier.
Most buyers receive their temporary permit automatically from the dealer at purchase; only edge cases (title delays, private sales needing extensions) require a separate visit to the county assessor.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Idaho?
| Class | Duration | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72-Hour Temporary Permit | 72 business hours | Statewide | None |
| 45-Day Temporary Permit | 45 calendar days | Statewide | None |
| 30-Day Temporary Registration Permit | 30 days | Statewide (or home state for out-of-state buyers) | Up to two per owner for resale |
| 120-Hour Permit | 120 hours (5 days) | Statewide | Maximum 3 per vehicle per calendar year |
Operating beyond the expiration of any permit results in a standard unregistered vehicle violation per Idaho Code §49-456, making it illegal to operate an unregistered vehicle without valid plates on the highway.