Temporary Movement Permit (TMP) in Western Australia: Complete 2026 Guide

If you need a Temporary Movement Permit (TMP) in Western Australia, you can apply online, by phone, or in person through Transport WA. If approved, a TMP allows you to legally move an unlicensed vehicle to and from repairs or inspection for the purpose of licensing the vehicle, usually for up to 48 hours.  

In this blog, we are going to explain the process of getting a TMP in WA, including the application process, required details, and what it will cost you in 2026. Moreover, we will also cover when a TMP is the right permit, and how it differs from a UVP, so you can choose the one that is right for your needs. So let’s begin. 

How to get a Temporary Movement Permit in WA

There are three official ways to get a TMP in Western Australia.

For a light vehicle, the online option is usually the fastest. If you are dealing with a heavy vehicle, or you do not meet the online rules, then phone or in-person is the better route.

1. Apply Online for a Light Vehicle

This is the easiest path, but it only works if you have a WA driver’s licence and you are applying for a light vehicle. We recommend that you apply online if

• Your car just needs to be moved for inspection or repair
• You already know your vehicle details
• You have your route and start time worked out
• You want to handle it yourself without phoning or visiting a counter

How You Can Apply Online

• Open the temporary movement permit form online.
• Enter your WA driver’s licence details first.
• Add the vehicle details, like make, body type, plate number or VIN, and towing vehicle plate number if needed.
• Put in the trip details, including where the vehicle is going and when the movement starts.
• Check the terms, pay by card, and finalise the permit. The permit is valid for 48 hours.

2. Apply by Phone

Phone is the better option when you want a bit more help or when the vehicle situation is not as neat and tidy as the online form expects. We recommend that you go this way when:

• The vehicle is heavy
• The trip is not simple
• The details are not all in one place
• They want to speak to someone before paying
• They are not sure whether TMP is the right permit

This option suits anyone who wants a bit more certainty. You can ask questions as you go, confirm the details, and make sure the permit lines up with the vehicle movement you actually need.

How You Can Apply by Phone

• Call 13 11 56.
• Tell them you want a temporary movement permit.
• Have your vehicle details ready, including plate number or VIN, and towing details if the vehicle is being moved that way.
• Give the trip details, including where the vehicle is coming from and where it is going.
• Confirm the permit start time, pay the fee, and make sure the 48-hour period suits your trip.

3. Apply in Person

Going in person is the best choice when you want face-to-face help or when the application needs a bit more checking. It is recommended to apply in person in the following cases:

• The vehicle details are unclear
• The towing setup needs checking
• The journey details are not simple
• You want someone to look over everything before payment
• You are dealing with a situation that does not feel standard

Remember that this option is slower than online, but it gives you a chance to get things right the first time. That is the main advantage.

How You Can Apply in Person

• Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or a regional agent.
• Ask for a temporary movement permit.
• Bring the vehicle details with you, including plate number or VIN, and towing details if relevant.
• Give the trip details clearly so the permit matches the actual movement.
• Pay the fee and take the permit with you before moving the vehicle.

What You Need Before Applying for TMP

Here is a quick checklist before applying for TMP:

• Engine number ready.
• Chassis number or VIN ready.
• Plate number, if the plates are still attached.
• Full travel details, including departure point, streets, suburbs and destination.

If the vehicle is being towed, you also need the towing vehicle plate number. The towing vehicle must be currently licensed or already covered by a valid TMP. 

There is one more practical point worth keeping in mind: the online permit flow also requires a valid credit card for payment. So if you are trying to get it done in one sitting, have that ready as well.

TMP Duration and Cost in Western Australia | 2026

A TMP lasts 48 hours only, starting from the date and time you choose when you apply. That time limit is not flexible. It is a short movement window, not a general travel pass.

As per the 2026 Transport WA fee schedule, if you apply for a temporary movement permit, you can expect to pay:

• $31.65 — For most vehicles needing a temporary movement permit
• $26.25 — For trailers, caravans, and invalid wheelchairs
• $75.80 — For vehicle modification permits related to modified vehicle approvals or inspections (this is a separate permit, not a standard movement permit)

Limits of a Temporary Movement Permit 

A TMP is useful, but it is not a catch-all permit. It does not give you freedom to use the vehicle however you like. If the movement is for parts or wrecking, a TMP is not the right option. The same goes for caravans and trailers being moved from site to site or to and from a holiday resort, once-only movement of a boat jinker, or over-width and over-length caravans and boat trailers.

It also does not magically make every trip legal just because the vehicle is unlicensed. The permit is tied to the specific travel purpose and the route details you provide. That is why the departure point, streets, suburbs and destination matter so much during the application. The whole permit is built around a specific, limited movement.

Difference Between TMP vs UVP

TMP and UVP are not the same thing, and they are not interchangeable. A TMP is the short-term permit used when the vehicle needs to be moved for repair or inspection before licensing. In contrast, a UVP is a special permit used when a TMP is not appropriate. 

As per Transport WA, UVP may be issued for the following: (not limited to)

• Rally vehicles
• Rally support vehicles
• Enduro motorcycles
• Oversized agricultural or industrial vehicles that cannot be licensed as Class B vehicles
• Vehicles overweight on axles and ineligible for Class C vehicle licensing
• Vehicles that do not meet licensing requirements
• Vehicles designed mainly for recreational or sporting purposes

TMP vs UVP at a Glance

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FAQs

Can I change my Temporary Movement Permit details after I apply?

Yes, you can update the permit before it starts. Once it has commenced, the start time cannot be changed, but the journey details can still be modified.

Do I need a TMP for a repairable written-off vehicle?

Yes, if the vehicle is unlicensed, you need a Temporary Movement Permit to move it for the inspection and licensing process. WA also says unlicensed vehicles in the repairable written-off process must be moved with a TMP.

Where can I apply for a Temporary Movement Permit in WA?

You can apply through DoTDirect, by phone on 13 11 56, or in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent. That gives readers a clear next step without needing to hunt around.

Can I move an unlicensed car before it is licensed in WA?

Yes, but only with a Temporary Movement Permit if it needs to be moved before licensing. WA says if you need to move the vehicle before a licence is issued, you must apply for a TMP.