Understand whether you need an oversize or overweight permit, see permit types and pricing, and learn how to apply. View current processing time for permits.
Determine if You Require a Permit
Vehicles traveling under any permit must be registered for the gross weight of the vehicle and the load. Trucks or combinations transporting raw agricultural products are allowed to operate in excess of their registration weight by up to 25 percent when in Iowa.
To update your registered weight, contact your vehicle registration agency:
- County Treasurer in Iowa for county-plated vehicles
- Iowa MVD Motor Carrier Services for Iowa IRP-plated vehicles
- IRP agency in another state if that state issued your plates
View Permit Types & Pricing
| Oversize/Overweight Permit Types | Price |
|---|---|
| Single or Round Trip | 35.00 single 70.00 round |
| Single or Round Trip for Self-propelled Cranes | 35.00 single 70.00 round |
| Single or Round Trip for Private SME | 35.00 single 70.00 round |
| Single or Round Trip for S/P Construction Equipment | 35.00 single 70.00 round |
| Multi-Trip | 200.00 |
| Special Alternative Energy Multi-Trip | 600.00 |
| Temporary Registration/Fuel & Non-Oversize/Overweight Permits | Price |
|---|---|
| Registration Trip | 10.00 |
| Fuel Trip | 20.00 |
| Unladen Weight Permit | 10.00 |
| Annual Permits | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Oversize/Overweight | 400.00 |
| Annual Oversize | 50.00 |
| All-Systems Oversize Permit | 160.00 |
| All-Systems Overweight Permit | 500.00 |
| Bridge Exempt Permit | 25.00 |
| Small Crane Annual Permit | 400.00 |
| Raw Milk | 25.00 |
| Fluid Milk | 400.00 |
| Raw Forest Products | 175.00 |
Apply for a Permit
There are several options for obtaining an oversize/overweight permit in Iowa.
- Online
- By mail
- In person over-the-counter at Iowa DOT
- Through a commercial permit service
Apply Online
Get permits for oversize and overweight vehicles. Unless the permit states otherwise, permits are valid on Interstate, U.S., and Iowa roads. Permits for county or city routes shall be obtained from those respective agencies if required.
Need help?
oversizepermits@iowadot.us
515-237-3264
Apply by Mail
Complete the appropriate application and mail it with the payment to:
| Regular mail | Overnight mail |
|---|---|
| Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services P.O. Box 10382 Des Moines, Iowa 50306 | Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services 6310 SE Convenience Blvd. Ankeny, Iowa 50021 |
The permit will be returned by email unless otherwise specified. No printing is necessary. Electronic permits are legal.
Apply Over the Counter
Permits can be obtained by making an appointment to come to our permit counter in Ankeny.
Be sure to bring a completed application, or all the information required to complete and application.
Payment is required at time of application.
Select "Motor Carrier services (No DL/CDL Services)" from the location drop down menu when you schedule an appointment. If you have difficulty making an appointment, contact 515-237-3264.
Permit Counter Location
Office of Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services
Motor Vehicle Division
6310 SE Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
| Day | Counter Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 am – 4:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 4:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 12 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 4:15 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 4:15 pm |
Apply Through a Commercial Permit Service
Below is a list of permit services doing business with the Iowa DOT.
- There will be a service fee in addition to state permit charges.
- The listing is in alphabetical order.
- The Iowa DOT does not endorse or recommend one service over another.
| Permit Service Name | Telephone |
|---|---|
| Central Permits LLC | 877-246-8571 |
| Coast 2 Coast Trucking Permits, LLC | 865-963-0830 |
| Comdata Transceiver | 800-749-6019 or 800-422-7700 (outside United States) |
| Heintz Permit Service | 515-421-2383 |
| JJ Keller & Associates Inc. | 800-231-5266 |
| Jet Permits | 800-788-0603 or 414-425-2911 (outside United States) |
| Nationwide Express Services | 866-984-3737 |
| Nelson Permit Service | 409-679-4427 |
| North Star Permits Inc. | 604-287-2220 |
| Nova Permit Service | 800-567-7775 |
| Permit America | 866-573-7648 |
| The Permit Co. | 877-237-2435 |
| T-Chek Systems Inc. | 877-237-2435 |
| Trans/Mid-America Inc. | 800-228-7577 |
| Transport Permits Ltd. | 800-373-9033 or 319-235-9033 |
| VitalChek/Permit Wizard | 888-386-4236 |
| West Chester Permit LLC | 800-734-3544 |
| West Coast Services | 614-868-0022 |
Contact the Iowa DOT’s Motor Carrier Services if your permit service would like to be included on the list.
View Resources
Reach out with questions or browse our resources:
- Online permit system training resources
- All Systems Overweight Permits fact sheet
- All Systems Overweight Permit charts
- Motor Carrier Maps
- Iowa General Provisions for Oversize Load Permit
- List of County Engineers
- 511ia.org
- County 511
- Proclamations
- Boat Hauler Information
- Dates to Remember
- Iowa Truck Information Guide
6310 SE Convenience Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50021