Annual Permit Application Instructions - Online

Sample permit

1. Start Date – Request start date for permit. Requested start date is set no earlier than two weeks from day of submission and may be set up to two months from date on submission. Important! Due to processing and mailing times, issued permit may have a later start date than requested.
2. App ID – Application reference number. This area is also where you will find Denied App ID when applicable. A previously denied application will not receive processing priority on resubmission.
3. Add New Company – Adds new company data. There must be at least one Company entry before any application can be submitted.
4. Trucking Company – Name as it appears on permit. Responsible person or company transporting the permit load or operating the vehicle. Permit is void if transferred or consigned.
5. Name – Contact person at trucking company.
   1. Address, City/State/ZIP – Must have complete address (physical address or P.O. Box) of responsible person or company. Tow trucks may not use a P.O. Box and must use a physical address.
   2. Phone Number – Contact telephone number where additional information can be obtained should a question arise during the duration of the permit. Third party phone numbers such as Permit Service companies may not be used.
6. Email Address – Annual permit holders are required to have a dedicated email address 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Caltrans sends highway status reports (short-term restrictions) weekly by email. These generally include changes in allowable weight or clearance concerning width or height. Current short-term restrictions must accompany annual permit to be valid. Failure to provide a valid email address will result in the denial of your annual permit request. Third party email addresses such as Permit Service companies may not be used.
7. License Plate Number – License plate number of permitted vehicle.
   If Truck Type (see #22) is one of the following, use license plate from truck-tractor or primary vehicle.
   • Truck-Tractor with semi-trailer
   • Truck-Tractor w/more than 20k lbs on steering axle w/ semi-trailer
   • Driven Fixed Load
   • Tow Truck or Rotator
   • Mobile Home
   • Vehicle with trailer

   If Truck Type (see #22) is one of the following, use license plate from trailer, MDU or trailing Dolly.

   • Towed Fixed Load
   • Unladen 7/9 axle
8. Company Vehicle ID – Company Vehicle ID of permitted vehicle. This information may be found on some Caltrans Inspection Reports, otherwise create your own.
9. Vehicle Width – This is the width of the vehicle hauling the load, or the width of a fixed load vehicle such as a crane. The entry should be in feet and inches. On certain vehicles the California Vehicle Code (CVC) §35104 allows a width of 10 feet max.
   Note: The maximum width of the vehicle or vehicle combination should be entered into this section. For example, if towing a 10 X 60 manufactured home with a legal width tractor, the entry should be 10’ 0” in this box. On the other hand, if hauling a 10-feet wide load with a legal width vehicle, the entry should be 8’ 6”.
10. Kingpin to Last Axle – (AKA Kingpin to Rear Axle, KPRA) All applications must have an entry in this section. For trailers, this includes the hitch/ball joint combinations and pintle hooks to the center of the last axle. The following applies to most applications: (See also Item #14 for use of “maximum”).
    1. Semi-trailer: Measure from the center of kingpin to the center of last axle.
       
    2. Vehicle with trailer: From hitch, including draw bar length, to the center of last axle.
       
    3. Manufactured Housing: From hitch, including draw bar length, to the center of last axle.
       
    4. Unladen 7/9-Axle Combinations: Measure from the center of kingpin to the last axle of load-carrying trailer.
    5. Towed Fixed Load: Refer to Caltrans Inspection Report.
    6. Driven Fixed Load: Refer to Caltrans Inspection Report.
    7. Single vehicle/Motor Truck: Enter “NA.”
    8. Tow Truck or Rotator: Enter “NA.”
11. Semi-Trailer Length – This is the length of the semi-trailer hauling the load. The entry should be in feet and inches. If the semi-trailer length is 48’ 0” or less, entering “48’ 0” max” is preferred.
    1. Semi-trailer: Measure from front of trailer to rear of trailer.
       
    2. Vehicle with trailer: Measure front of trailer to rear of trailer including draw bar length.
       
       
       
    3. Manufactured Housing: Measure housing length including tongue.
       
    4. Unladen 7/9-Axle Combinations:
    5. Towed Fixed Load: Refer to Caltrans Inspection Report.
    6. Driven Fixed Load: Refer to Caltrans Inspection Report.
    7. Single vehicle/Motor Truck: Enter “NA.”
    8. Tow Truck or Rotator: Enter “NA.”
       
       
12. Combination Vehicle Length – The actual length of the vehicle and/or vehicle combination from the most forward portion to the most rear portion. This length does not include overhanging portions of a load. (See also Item #14 for use of the word “maximum”).

    Note: California has two types of truck networks – STAA NETWORK and California Legal Truck Network. The STAA Network consists of the National Network and Terminal Access Routes. STAA Trucks (Fig.1) are limited to green and blue routes and may use highways off the STAA Network that provide reasonable access to terminals and facilities for purposes limited to fuel, lodging, and repair (CVC §35401.5(c)).

    

    The California Legal Truck Network includes the STAA Network, CA Legal Routes and Advisory Routes. CA LEGAL trucks (Fig.2) have access to the entire state highway system except, where prohibited by red routes. Boxes 9 through 12 will determine the vehicle qualification for the STAA or CA LEGAL Networks.
    

    Note: The dimensions for loaded height and loaded width are the maximum allowed for an annual permit. Any load exceeding these dimensions will not qualify for an annual permit. A single trip permit is required. Loaded overall length (Fig.3) is the measurement from the front extremity of the vehicle or load to the rear extremity of the vehicle or load (CVC §35411(a)). Rear overhang (Fig.3) shall not extend to the rear beyond the last point of support for a greater distance than that equal to two-thirds of the length of the wheelbase of the vehicle carrying the load (CVC §35410).

    

    For Tow Trucks or Rotators, use actual length of vehicle.
    
    

13. Number of Tires Per Axle – If the application does not involve extralegal weight, leave this section blank. All extralegal weight applications must have this section completed. Note: Vehicle combinations exceeding 9-axles will be denied.
14. Distance Between Axles – If the application does not involve extralegal weight, leave this section blank. All extralegal weight applications must have this section completed. Allowable weight is determined by the spacing between axles in a group. Generally, as the spacing increases, so does the allowable weight. Enforcement is to the nearest inch. Consequently, it is important that accurate distance in feet and inches are entered in these spaces. The first entry will be the spacing from the center of axle one (steering) to the center of axle two. The next entry will be from the center of axle two the center of axle three and so on. Since allowable weight increases with spacing, the word minimum, abbreviated as “min.”, is acceptable with dimensions between axles and axle groups. Group weights will be assigned based upon these minimum dimensions. When minimum dimensions are used for axle spacings, the word maximum, (abbreviated as “max.”) must be used in Box 11 for the Combination Vehicle Length. For applications with a kingpin entry, the word maximum should also be used in Box 10 for the Kingpin to Last Axle dimension.
    1. Distance Between Axles dropdown options – Not all options are available in each dropdown:
       • “Min” – indicates a minimum dimension.
       • “Max” – indicates a maximum dimension.
       • “Var” – Valid only with supporting Caltrans Inspection Report, otherwise do not use.

    

15. Width of Axles at Tire Sidewall – If the application does not involve extralegal weight, leave this section blank. All extralegal weight applications must have this section completed. For weight applications, provide the axle width measured to the nearest inch at the tire sidewalls. Dimensions should be in feet and inches. All fixed width vehicles greater than 8’ 6” must include VIN.
    1. Width of Axles at Tire Sidewall dropdown options – Not all options are available in each dropdown:
       • “Legal” – Indicates legal as per CVC §35101. May only be used for axle #1 if extra-legal weight is requested.
       • “Var” – Valid only with supporting Caltrans Inspection Report, otherwise do not use.
       • “Expandable” – Indicates 8’ 0” (minimum) to 10’ 0” (minimum) expandable trailers for extralegal weight. Please indicate 8’ 0” in Items #9 and 10’ 0” in item #15. Do not use for fixed width trailers.
16. Maximum Allowable Weight – If the application does not involve extralegal weight, type the word "Legal" on this line. Show the exact axle group weight or the corresponding maximum axle group weight from one of the following documents listed below:
    1. Plate 25-4 (PDF) “Green and Bonus Overloads” of the Transportation Permit Manual
    2. Plate 25-5 (PDF) “Purple and Bonus Overloads” of the Transportation Permit Manual

    OR

    The axle group weight shown on the Department of Transportation Inspection Report Sheet. Enter the group weight applied for under the corresponding axle number(s).

17. Weight Class – Legal weight is the total unladen weight of the vehicle and the weight of the load not to exceed 80,000 pounds gross (CVC §35550 and §35551). If requesting extralegal weight, sections 13 thru 15 must be completed. Indicate weight class for the permit by selecting the appropriate option from the dropdown. (See Item #16 for weight charts). A permittee must submit a separate application for each vehicle or for one vehicle for different weight class. For example, separate applications must be submitted if a permittee needs one legal weight permit, one green weight permit and one purple weight permit.
18. Loaded Height – Enter actual height measured from the pavement surface to the highest point of vehicle and/or trailer or indicated on Caltrans Inspection Report. All permits are subject to 14’ 0” maximum height.
19. Loaded Width – Enter widest dimension of the vehicle and/or trailer (including manufactured home), whichever is greater, in feet and inches. Or vehicle width indicated on Caltrans Inspection Report. Permittable loads subject to a maximum of 12’ 0”. See Truck Types (#22) for additional width restrictions.
20. Loaded Overall Length – Must not be less than Item #12 or use loaded overall length as shown on Caltrans Inspection Report. For Tow Trucks or Rotators, use actual length of vehicle.
21. Loaded Overhang
    1. Loaded Overhang (Front) dropdown options:
       • None – No front overhang, set measurements to 0’ 0”
       • Legal – Legal overhang as measured from last point of support to front of load. Indicate actual measurements.
       • Front – Indicate actual measurements from Caltrans Inspection Report. Used in conjunction with Item #21.b for Rear measurements.
    2. Loaded Overhang (Rear) dropdown options:
       • None – No rear overhang, set measurements to 0’ 0”
       • Legal – Legal overhang as measured from last point of support to rear of load. Indicate actual measurements.
       • Rear – Indicate actual measurements from Caltrans Inspection Report. Used in conjunction with Item #21.a for Front measurements.
       • Dolly – Indicate actual measurements from Caltrans Inspection Report. Do not use otherwise.
       • Trailer – Indicate actual measurements from Caltrans Inspection Report. Do not use otherwise.
22. Truck Type – Select the appropriate permit type. Indicate the permit type by checking the appropriate box. Certain types of vehicles may need an inspection report and/or profile sheet:
    1. Dropdown options:
       • Truck-Tractor with semi-trailer – Caltrans Inspection may be required.
       • Truck-Tractor w/more than 20k lbs on steering axle w/ semi-trailer – Caltrans Inspection is required.
       • Towed Fixed Load – Caltrans Inspection is required. Examples: radial conveyers, trailer fixed tub grinder, etc.
       • Driven Fixed Load - Caltrans Inspection is required. Examples: crane, concrete pump, drill rig, etc.
       • Unladen 7/9 axle – “Heavy Haul” unladen multi-vehicle combinations. All 9-axle combinations require a Caltrans inspection report. All 7-axle combinations with a mechanical distribution unit (MDU) require a Caltrans inspection report. Limited to 11’ 0” wide.
       • Tow Truck or Rotator – Tow Truck – Tow Vehicle as defined in CVC §615 or vehicle recovery “Rotator.” Two (2) or three (3) axle tow truck requesting green weight, Caltrans Inspection report not required. Caltrans Inspection Report is required for all others. Limited to 8’ 6” wide.
       • Mobile Home - Available only to a transporter or licensed manufacturers and dealers per CVC §35790(e). In this case, a transporter is one who is in the business of moving manufactured homes and possesses an HCD decal. Truck-Tractor is required.
       • Sea Container - 4-axle tractor/3-axle trailer as required by TPM 202.2. Permit is limited to Port of L.A. “Heavy Container Corridor”. No permit is available for non-qualifying vehicles and/or trailers or for travel outside Heavy Container Corridor. Limited to 8’ 6” maximum width.
       • Vehicle with trailer – CA Legal vehicle combination not involving a truck-tractor and/or a semi-trailer. Examples: pickup with trailer, flatbed truck, dump truck, camper, etc. Please describe vehicle(s) in Additional Notes #25. If no trailer is used, indicate, “no trailer requested.” Not including a vehicle description may result in denial.

    Note: All fixed load vehicles requiring permits shall be weighed and inspected for extralegal features before the initial permit is issued. Additional inspections may be required when overweight citations are issued, a dimensional inconsistency exists, the fixed load has been altered, or when ownership has changed.

23. Primary VIN – Text shown based on selected Truck Type from Item #22. If a specific text below does not appear, then it is not applied to chosen truck type.
    Note: an invalid or incorrect VIN may result in denial.
    • Truck-Tractor VIN
    • Towed Vehicle VIN – For Towed Fixed Loads.
    • Fixed Driven VIN
    • Truck or Rotator VIN – For Tow Trucks or Rotators.
    • Primary Mover VIN – For manufactured home primary mover (must be a truck-tractor).
    • Vehicle VIN
24. Trailer VIN – Text shown based on Truck Type selection in Item #22.
    Note: an invalid or incorrect VIN may result in denial.
    • Trailer VIN – Vehicle Identification Number for semi-trailer or trailer.
    • Vin of last Dolly or MDU, if not available use first jeep – For unladen 7/9 axle multi-vehicle combination.
25. Additional Notes – Customers may provide any additional information to help with the processing of the annual permit request. Example, use this field to identify Make/Model of vehicle or trailer. Do not enter payment information.
26. Fee – Payment amount.
27. Payment Method – Method of payment, either Credit Card or Billing Account. Credit payment information will be requested separately after review.
28. All permits are mailed to the Permit Service address shown here – All permits will be mailed to the address shown. It is the responsibility of the recipient to forward the original and unaltered permit to customers. Caltrans permit office will not redirect or forward permits to an alternate address. Annual permits will not be transmitted electronically.
29. Upload and attach Caltrans Inspection Reports and/or supporting documents (including riders).
    Only files with a blue check mark will be included with submission as shown below -
    
    It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit any and all required Caltrans Inspection reports and/or supporting documents each year. Failure to do so will result in denial.
30. ACCOMPANIMENTS – Application reminders and final issued permit number will appear here.
    
    Failure to provide all necessary information and/or documentation or submitting the form incorrectly/incompletely will result in the denial of the annual permit request. If the request is denied, customers must resubmit a new application with all necessary documentation. Once the permit has been issued, any changes to the permit may be subject to additional fees.