Out-of-State Carriers
Carriers with trucks registered outside California may apply for a one-time 5-day permit for temporary operations, including deliveries, pickups, or passing through the state.
Vehicle Requirements for a CARB 5-Day Permit
Eligible trucks must meet California weight, engine year, and emissions criteria. Review requirements for out-of-state carriers, owner-operators, and freight companies before applying.
Eligible trucks must have a GVWR over 14,000 lbs and engines from 2010 or newer to qualify for a CARB 5-day permit.
Owner-Operators
Independent truck owners or small operators with a single truck can apply, as long as their vehicle meets the eligibility criteria for weight, engine, type, and non-compliant emissions.
Freight Companies
Freight carriers and logistics companies running occasional trips into California can secure a 5-day pass for eligible vehicles in their fleet.
One-Time / Rare Trips
This permit is specifically for vehicles that enter California rarely, typically once per year. Regular or repeated trips require full CARB compliance.
Engine & Weight
What Trucks Can Enter California?
To legally drive a heavy-duty truck in California, the vehicle should have an engine from 2010 or newer. This ensures the truck meets current emissions rules and helps reduce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
If your truck is not fully CARB-compliant, you can use a one-time 5-day permit for urgent or rare trips. This temporary permit allows your truck to operate legally in California while staying compliant with emissions enforcement.
- GVWR must exceed 14,000 pounds
- Engine model year 2010 or newer
- Vehicle must be non-compliant with full CARB programs
- One permit per calendar year for eligible vehicles
14,000+
lbs GVWR minimum
2010+
Engine year required
5 days
Permit duration
1×
Per calendar year
Required Information
What You Need to Apply
- Permit date & contact info — The requested start date for your five-day window and your phone/email.
- Registered owner details — Legal name, address, and phone number of the vehicle owner.
- Vehicle information — VIN, license plate number, and state of registration.
- Trip details — When your vehicle will start traveling in California, plus origin and destination.
Have your details ready?
Complete the online order form to get started.
Meet California CARB Vehicle Requirements
Order your 5-day pass with standard or expedited processing through our online application.
Get My 5-Day Permit Now