What is a Hemp Transportation Permit?

A hemp transportation permit is required to transport hemp across state lines. The importer or foreign manufacturer must complete the permit at the time of product importation, and it is valid for one year from the date of issue. Telling you that hemp is legal in all 50 states does not remove any restrictions on transport within those states for that year. A transportation permit may require paperwork, registration fees, and fingerprinting specific to each issuing state’s requirements. Some conditions may also need a second transportation permit just for moving inside their borders (e.g., Illinois).

Transportation permits are non-transferable. The permit holder can only bring the product into another state with an import license or permit. In some states, transportation permits must be obtained from the local sheriff or police station before heading out of town.

Who can apply for a hemp transportation permit? 

Everyone can apply for a hemp transportation permit to transport hemp products in their vehicle (e.g., car, van, truck). A single person may hold multiple permits if they have separate vehicles. Suppose a company desires to move hemp across state lines within its trucks. It can apply for and obtain one state-specific transportation permit per product meant and per origin/destination location.

How do I apply for a transportation permit?

To obtain a transportation permit, a person or entity must go to the state’s website home to the issuing authority (e.g., Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police). Once there, clarify with the issuing power that you want a “hemp transportation permit” for moving hemp in your vehicle and that you are not looking for an “import license.” The application process may differ from what you are used to applying for a driver’s license or another state-issued document. Some applications may require manual fingerprinting rather than electronic submissions.

Some states may require a notarized application or additional information. Many state issuing authorities will accept applications directly, while others will direct applicants to their county sheriff’s office. The application process differs in each state, so please be patient and clarify with the issuing authority before applying.

Where can I get a transportation permit?

The issuing authority is located in the state where the hemp will be transported. The issuing administration may also be found at the county level, so contact them directly to ensure you get the right office. Be sure to call before going in, so they know you’re on your way. Requirements vary from state to state, so be prepared to spend time in line and have your paperwork ready when you get there. Some offices may have a set period where they take applications (e.g., morning or evening).

Can I get a hemp transportation permit for another person besides myself?

Yes. One person may apply for one hemp transportation permit and have up to one handler per product shipment. One handler is defined as the vehicle’s driver, while any passengers in that vehicle may also be handlers, depending on the issuing authority’s requirements. If an entity holds multiple permits (e.g., a company with various cars or trucks). Each application must be submitted under a different name and contact information.

If a company desires to move multiple products from other states. The company must apply for one state-specific transportation permit per product shipment and origin/destination location. If the company desires to move multiple products from the same state. Each permit must be for a different load and location.

Can I get a transportation permit for more than one person?

Yes. A single person may apply for one hemp transportation permit to transport hemp in their vehicle (e.g., car, van, truck). Still, suppose they are transporting hemp with another person or entity in their vehicle. In that case, they must obtain an additional transportation permit specific to the other drivers (e.g., the manager may have their transportation permit). One handler is defined as the driver of that vehicle; any number of passengers in that vehicle may also be handlers, depending on the issuing authority’s requirements. 

If an entity holds multiple permits (e.g., a company with multiple vehicles or trucks). Each application must be submitted under a different name and contact information. So If the company desires to move multiple products from other states. The company must apply for one state-specific transportation permit per product shipment/location and origin/destination location. If the company desires to move multiple products from the same state. Each permit must be for a different shipment and location.

Conclusion

The transportation permit needs to be clarified. Remember, the permit is not synonymous with the import license (a federal document) or state-issued hemp seed and plant sale/purchase license (a state-issued record). To clarify, a transportation permit is issued at the state level to move hemp products in your vehicle within that state. An import license is a federal document that allows a person or entity to move hemp from one state to another. A Hemp Production License (HPL) is a state-issued document that authorizes an entity to grow and process. Sell hemp products – seeds or hemp products – within that respective state.