Washington State entry requirements for New York motor carriers

Jan. 1, 2026, 3:22 p.m.
Washington State entry requirements for New York-based motor carriers.
Washington Permits for New York motor carriers

Washington Truck Permits are Avaliable at https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/

 

1. Federal & Base Credentials

USDOT Number & FMCSA Authority

  • Any commercial vehicle operating interstate in Washington must have a valid USDOT number.

  • If you’re a for-hire interstate carrier, you also need FMCSA operating authority (MC number).

  • Inspectors at weigh stations and ports of entry routinely check these credentials.

 No Special Washington Exemptions

  • Washington does not exempt out-of-state carriers from standard registration and compliance rules.

 2. Commercial Vehicle Registration

  • Vehicles must be properly registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) if they operate in multiple states.

  • If Washington is included on your IRP cab card, you can operate without additional trip permits.

  • If Washington is not included, you must obtain a Washington Trip Permit before operating in the state.

 3. Trip & Fuel Permits

If your carrier does not have IRP/IFTA credentials covering Washington:

Trip Permit

  • Required for short-term operation in Washington.

  • Usually valid for 3 days (72 hours).

  • Permit must be carried in the vehicle while operating.

Fuel Permit

  • Needed if your vehicles exceed weight thresholds (e.g., >26,000 lb GVW or 3+ axles) and you’re not part of IFTA.

  • Covers fuel tax obligations while operating in Washington.

 4. Oversize/Overweight Permits

  • If your load exceeds legal size or weight limits (width, height, length, axle weight), you must obtain a separate oversize/overweight permit, even if you have IRP/IFTA.

  • Permits may require specific route approval.

 5. On-Road Compliance Checks

Carriers entering Washington must be able to present:

  1. USDOT number and FMCSA authority

  2. IRP cab card or Washington Trip Permit

  3. IFTA decals or Washington Fuel Permit

  4. Insurance documentation

  5. Oversize/Overweight permits (if applicable)

Failing to present required documents can result in fines, vehicle detention, or permit violations.

 6. Quick Compliance Checklist for New York Carriers

Before entry

  • Verify USDOT & FMCSA authority

  • IRP registration including Washington OR obtain a trip permit

  • IFTA license and decals OR a fuel permit

  • Insurance documentation

During operation

  • Carry trip/fuel permits in the vehicle

  • Follow weight, axle, and safety regulations

  • Obtain oversize/overweight permits if necessary

For frequent operations

  • Adding Washington to IRP and IFTA is more cost-effective than repeated trip/fuel permits

  • Maintain UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) compliance

 

Washington Permits for New York motor carriers