A special permit (previously called an exemption) is a document issued by the Associate Administrator under the authority of 49 USC 5117 permitting a person to perform a function that is not otherwise permitted under subchapter A or C of this chapter, or other regulations issued under 49 USC 5101. PHMSA is committed to public involvement and transparency in special permit proceedings and publishes notices of every application that is not a renewal, party to, or emergency special permit application. 

Application Process

• Apply Online
• New and Mod Regulations
  • New and Mod Checklist 
• Party Status Regulations
  • Sample Party Status Application 
  • Party Status Checklist 
• Renewal Regulations
  • Sample Renewal Application 
  • Renewal Checklist

For background information on emergency processing of new and modification applications, please refer to 49 CFR 107.117.

For assistance with hazardous materials special permits or the application process, visit our FAQs page or send an email to specialpermits@dot.gov. For inquiries related to pipeline special permits, send an email to pipelinespengineeringdirector@dot.gov.

Special Permit Search

To find an active Grantee/Party to letters and existing special permits, use the SP search. For a list of special permits by groups of SP numbers use the Special Permits List.

Special Permits FAST Act

Pending Applications