72-Hour Trip Permits, Rules and Costs in New York

Nov. 10, 2025, 3:26 p.m.
Here’s a detailed guide on 72-hour trip permits (often referred to as “trip certificates” or temporary registration/permit for limited operations) in New York State – covering what they are, when you need one, costs, rules, and key tips.
72-Hour Trip Permit in New York

What is a 72-Hour Trip Permit?

In New York State there is a short-term permit/certificate that allows a commercial vehicle to operate without full registration or having permanent credentials under certain tax/registration schemes. For example:

  • Under the Highway Use Tax (HUT) scheme, if you only operate occasionally in New York instead of registering fully and filing returns, you can instead obtain a “trip certificate of registration” valid for a short period (until midnight of the third day after issuance). 

  • Also, vehicles that meet IRP/IFTA or large commercial criteria may need special “trip permits” when they don’t have full registration in NY.  

So while the term “72-hour” is commonly used in the industry for “three days,” the formal description may vary (e.g., “until midnight of the third day after issuance” under HUT). 

When/Who Needs One

You may need a 72-hour trip permit (or similar short-term credential) if:

  • You’re a carrier that doesn’t have full permanent registration/credentials in New York for HUT/IRP purposes and you will make a limited trip. Under HUT: “If you only occasionally operate a motor vehicle in New York State, … you can get a trip certificate …”  

  • You have a vehicle subject to fuel/fuel-use tax or highway-use tax, but you are not registered because you make only occasional trips.  

  • You need to avoid registering for a full year (or regular return filings) because your NY operations are minimal.

  • The vehicle meets the thresholds (weight/axles) where such permits become relevant. For example, one service states: “In New York, if your vehicle exceeds 26,000 lbs. GVW or has more than 2 axles (or if you’re towing a trailer), you’ll need an essential trip permit to stay compliant.”  

Important: The trip certificate under HUT cannot be used for vehicles transporting automotive fuel.  Also note: you may not apply for more than 10 such trip certificates in a calendar year under HUT.  

Cost / Fee

Here are the relevant fees and cost-notes:

  • Under the HUT trip certificate rule: fee is $125.  

  • However, some commercial permit services list a “72-Hour Trip Permit” for New York at $158.25 (including processing fee) via an online service. 

  • For oversize/overweight “single trip” permits from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) the base fee is $140 plus amendment fee $10. 

Summary: If you’re dealing with HUT/trip certificate, $125 is the official state fee. Supplemental service-bureau/agent fees may raise the total cost. If you’re dealing with oversize/overweight movement, different permit types and fees apply (e.g., $140 for single trip oversize).
So make sure you are applying for the correct permit type for your operation.

Key Rules & Conditions

Here are the important rules to observe when using a 72-hour trip permit/trip certificate in NY:

  • Under HUT trip certificate: It allows operation until midnight of the third day after the date it was issued.  

  • The certificate must be carried in the vehicle for which it was issued.  

  • This certificate replaces filing a tax return for the covered vehicle for the period of the certificate (i.e., you do not file individual HUT returns for that vehicle for that period).  

  • You are limited in the number of certificates you can apply for in a calendar year: no more than 10.  

  • The trip certificate does not apply to trucks/trailers transporting automotive fuel under certain parts of the law. 

  • For oversize/overweight permits (special hauling): There are restrictions on travel times and permissible hauling days. For example: “Permissible Hauling Day” is Monday-Friday daylight hours, and no travel on Sundays/holidays unless otherwise specified.  

Practical Tips & Considerations

  • Confirm permit type: Make sure you are applying for the right type (HUT trip certificate vs oversize/overweight special hauling permit vs temporary registration).

  • Check weight/axle thresholds: Many rules kick in when vehicle gross weight exceeds a threshold (for example 18,000 lbs in some cases) or for a certain number of axles 

  • Service-bureau vs state fee: The base state fee might be low ($25) but service providers may charge much more (processing, convenience).

  • Keep documentation: Retain the certificate in the vehicle and keep copies for at least four years (for HUT) to prove compliance.  

  • Know the limits: You cannot use the certificate if you will be making repeated trips or establishing regular operations — in such cases you may need to register fully.

  • Double-check for your situation: If your vehicle is doing interstate travel, has trailers, or exceeds other thresholds, you might need IRP/IFTA or full registration instead of a trip permit. 

  • Travel restrictions if oversize/overweight: If your load also triggers oversize/overweight rules, you must observe route restrictions, times of travel, etc.