How To Apply

1. Eligibility:
   • To be eligible for an oversize/overweight (or "extralegal") permit, the main criterion is that the load is non-reducible. That is, the load cannot be broken down into smaller parts and transported on a legal tractor/trailer setup.
   • A Vehicle Inspection Report may be required for certain types of vehicles and/or equipment prior to applying for a transportation permit.
   • Inspection reports must be attached to applications for new permits and permit renewals if required.
   
   
2. Single-Trip Permit:
   • Instructions for Single-Trip Application
   • Complete Transportation Permit Application (electronically) (PDF) or Transportation Permit Application (by hand) (PDF). Write "1" in the "NUMBER OF TRIPS" section.
   • Fax the completed application to (916) 322-4966. Applications cannot be accepted by email at this time.
     
     
3. STARS2 (Caltrans Single-Trip Application and Routing System 2):
   • STARS2 is an electronic method to obtain single-trip permits with a quick turnaround time.
   • Must have internet access and a Caltrans debtor account.
   
   
4. Annual Permit:     
   • Instructions for Annual Permit Application
   • Annual Transportation Permit Renewal Instructions (Revised 08/2023) (PDF)
   • Annual Transportation Permittee Responsibilities (Revised 12/2020) (PDF)
   • Complete Annual Permit Application (electronically) (PDF) or Annual Permit Application (by hand) (PDF)
   • Fax the completed application to (916) 445-0469. Applications cannot be accepted by email at this time.
     
     
5. Repetitive Permit:
   • Instructions for Repetitive Permit Application
   • Complete Transportation Permit Application (electronically) (PDF) or Transportation Permit Application (by hand) (PDF). Write "Repetitive" in the "REQUESTED ROUTE" section and number of trips (more than 1) in the "NUMBER OF TRIPS" section.
   • Fax the completed application to (916) 445-0469. Applications cannot be accepted by email at this time.
     
     
6. Variance Loads:
   • Variance permits are for vehicles over 15 feet in width, 17 feet or more in height, over 135 feet in length, or on special hauling equipment which exceeds the Department's standard method of weight classification.
   
   
7. Sea Container Permit Application:
   • Instructions for Sea Container Permit Application
   • Complete Annual Permit Application (electronically) (PDF) or Annual Permit Application (by hand) (PDF). Write "Sea Container Permit" in the "NOTES" section.
   • Fax the completed application to (916) 445-0469. Applications cannot be accepted by email at this time.
     
     
8. Motorsports Permit:
• Steps to Determine Eligibility
• Attending an Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS) sanctioned event at one of the locations currently authorized per CVC 35401.5 (g).
• May be issued for out of state events or returning from out of state events.


9. Non-Legal (Non-Permitted) Size & Weight: 
   • If your vehicle combination length or the cargo load are not eligible for an extralegal (oversize/overweight) permit, you cannot travel in California legally.
   • You must reduce your vehicle combination length or your load to meet the California Legal Truck size and weight limit.
   
   
10. Questions:
    • For questions about Single-Trip, Annual, Repetitive and Sea Container permits call (916) 322-1297.
    • For questions about Variance permits call (916) 323-2893.
    • For questions about Non-Legal (Non-Permitted) Size & Weight loads call (916) 654-5741.
    • Full list of Permits Office Contacts.
    • If you are experiencing difficulty accessing any of the forms, see our forms troubleshooting guide