What Is a Temporary License Plate in Wyoming?
Wyoming issues several short-term permits that allow highway travel until permanent registration. The most common is the temporary permit issued by a dealer, printed on secure paper with a holographic seal at the point of sale.
County treasurers handle temporary registration permits for buyers from private sales and temporary registration permits for non-resident workers. WYDOT administers demonstration permits for unregistered vehicles. Each permit is a paper document placed on the rear of the vehicle.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Wyoming?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Issued | Temporary Permit | Vehicle sale by a licensed dealer | Wyoming Licensed Dealer |
| County Issued | Temporary Registration Permit | New purchase requiring additional time | County Treasurer |
| Non-Resident Worker | Temporary Registration Permit for Worker | Non-resident employed in Wyoming | County Treasurer |
| Out-of-State Removal | Transit Permit | Purchase without dealer, vehicle removal | County Treasurer |
| Demonstration | Demonstration Permit | Unregistered vehicle for demonstration use | WYDOT |
Only one temporary registration permit may be issued for a vehicle within a 12-month period according to W.S. §31-2-201(k). No extensions or reissues are available for any class.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Wyoming?
- Buyers at a Wyoming dealer receive a temporary permit at the point of sale and have 60 days to complete permanent registration.
- Buyers from private sales may operate with a signed bill of sale for 60 days, but a county-issued temporary registration permit provides visible proof of lawful operation.
- A non-resident employed in Wyoming must obtain a temporary registration permit for a worker or full Wyoming plates immediately according to W.S. §31-2-201(a)(iv).
- An out-of-state buyer who purchased a vehicle from a private seller needs a transit permit to remove it from Wyoming.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Wyoming?
- Gather a signed title or notarized bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid ID, and proof of sales tax payment (only for county-issued permits).
- Visit the seller for a dealer-issued temporary permit or the county treasurer’s office for all other permit classes.
- Submit an application with supporting documents; dealers generate the permit through the Secure Temporary Tag Online System.
- Pay the applicable fee as outlined in the next section.
- Receive the paper permit at the counter and place it on the rear of the vehicle.
Some counties also sell a temporary plate for $5 to buyers operating lawfully during the 60-day bill of sale period.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Wyoming?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Add-on | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Issued | Included in dealer transaction | $1.00 for paper + $3.75 for seal (dealer costs) | Dealer |
| County Issued | 10%/20%/30% of annual fee | None | Buyer |
| Non-Resident Worker | $50 per month | None | Permit Holder |
| Out-of-State Removal | $20 | None | Buyer |
| Demonstration | Set by WYDOT | None | Applicant |
Dealers cover paper and seal costs as part of the Secure Temporary Tag Online System. The county treasurer collects fees for all other classes directly from the applicant.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming does not offer a consumer online portal for temporary registration permits or transit permits.
Dealers generate temporary permits electronically through the Secure Temporary Tag Online System at the point of sale. Buyers receive a printed permit before leaving the dealership.
All other permit classes require an in-person visit to the county treasurer’s office, as confirmed by the Sweetwater County Treasurer and similar offices. Sales tax must be paid at the counter before a county-issued temporary registration permit can be issued.
For any vehicle purchased from a dealer, the path through the dealership is the only option. For private sales, visit your county treasurer.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Wyoming?
| Class | Validity | Mileage / Geographic Cap | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Issued | 60 days from purchase date | None | Non-renewable |
| County Issued | 30, 60, or 90 days from purchase date | None | One per vehicle per year |
| Non-Resident Worker | Up to 180 days | None | Must be converted to full registration |
| Out-of-State Removal | 48 hours or upon leaving the state | Wyoming removal only | Non-renewable |
| Demonstration | 96 hours | No load | Non-renewable |
Operation beyond the allowed period triggers W.S. §31-2-201(p), imposing a fine equal to 75% of unpaid registration fees. A second or subsequent offense is a criminal misdemeanor.