Apportioned buses do not require Trip Permits. However, Non-Apportioned buses require Trip Permits.
Motor carriers, chartered buses—including chartered shuttle buses, and other vehicles that fall under the definition of IRP apportionable vehicles, but are not apportioned or fully registered in the District of Columbia, may obtain a trip permit to travel in the District for a fee, if required.
The trip permit is $50 and is valid for six days of travel within the District of Columbia. It must be maintained on the vehicle while the vehicle is in the District of Columbia. The trip permit is only to be used for the vehicle listed on the front of the permit. For questions, please call (202) 729-7083. More information on registration and permits is available below:
- Obtaining Trip Permits for Non-Apportioned Commercial Vehicles
- Benefits and Features of Trip Permit Registration for Non-Apportioned Vehicles
- To Obtain a Trip Permit
- Permit Change Request
- Accepted Forms of Payment
District of Columbia law requires that any bus from any state or country used in the transportation of a chartered party, as that term is used in the International Registration Plan, with a seating capacity of greater than 15 passengers to:
- Register as a Class B commercial vehicle and obtain a DC Trip Permit, or
- Obtain proportional registration in its base jurisdiction through the International Registration Plan.
Vehicles must be in compliance prior to entering the District of Columbia. If a vehicle is not in compliance, the owner is subject to payment of a $500 fine or 180 days imprisonment or both.