Washington Entry Requirements for Kentucky-Based Motor Carriers

Jan. 1, 2026, 3:18 p.m.
Washington State entry requirements for Kentucky‑based motor carriers (and other out‑of‑state carriers) — what you must know if your vehicles plan to enter and operate in Washington:
Washington Permits for Kentucky-Based Motor Carriers

1. Federal & Base Credentials

Before entering Washington, your motor carrier generally must have:

USDOT Number & FMCSA Authority

  • A USDOT number is required if your commercial vehicles operate in interstate commerce and exceed certain weight thresholds.

  • If you’re an interstate for‑hire carrier, you need valid FMCSA operating authority (MC number).
    These are routinely checked at weigh stations and ports of entry.  

 No Washington Specific Base Carrier Passport

  • Washington does not grant any general exemption for out‑of‑state carriers — you still need the proper registrations/permits before entry.  

 2. Registration or Temporary Permits

The key compliance difference is whether your vehicle is properly registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) with Washington included:

IRP

  • If your vehicles are IRP‑apportioned and include Washington on the cab card, you can operate without extra trip permits.

  • If Washington is not included, you must obtain a Washington Trip Permit before (or upon) entry for that vehicle.

    • Typical trip permits authorize operation for a short period (commonly a few days) without full IRP apportionment. 

 3. Temporary Trip & Fuel Permits

If you do not have IRP/IFTA credentials covering Washington:

Trip Permit

  • Required to operate in Washington if your vehicle is not IRP‑apportioned (or Washington not listed).

  • Valid for a short period (often 3 days/72 hours) to allow delivery or crossing the state.

  • Permit must be carried in the vehicle while operating. 

Fuel Permit

  • If your carrier does not participate in IFTA, and your vehicle meets weight/axle thresholds (e.g., >26,000 lb GVW or 3+ axles), you also need a temporary fuel permit.

  • This covers fuel tax obligations while in Washington. 

Important Notes

  • Trip permits are typically limited by vehicle and timeframe (e.g., max 3 per 30 days).

  • These permits are temporary only — regular carriers should instead obtain full IRP/IFTA coverage including Washington.  

 4. Oversize/Overweight Permits

  • If your load exceeds Washington’s legal size or weight limits (e.g., width/height/weight limits), you must secure oversize/overweight permits even if you have IRP/IFTA.

  • These are separate from trip permits and may require specific route approval. 

 5. On‑Road Compliance Checks

When entering Washington, carriers must be able to present:

  • USDOT number, FMCSA authority (if interstate for‑hire)

  • IRP cab card (or Washington Trip Permit)

  • IFTA license/decals (or Washington Fuel Permit)

  • Insurance documentation

  • Oversize/overweight permits (if applicable)

Officers at weigh stations and Ports of Entry enforce compliance and may issue fines or detain vehicles without proper credentials. 

 Quick Checklist for Kentucky‑Based Carriers Entering Washington

Before entry

  • USDOT & applicable FMCSA authority

  • IRP registration including Washington OR a valid trip permit

  • IFTA license and decals OR a fuel permit

  • Insurance documentation

During entry/operation

  • Carry trip/fuel permits in vehicle

  • Comply with weight and safety regulations

  • Obtain oversize/overweight permits if your load exceeds normal limits

For frequent or continuous operations

  • IRP and IFTA with Washington included are more cost‑effective than repeated trip permits

  • Maintain UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) compliance

 

Washington Permits for Kentucky-Based Motor Carriers