*Previously known as ICE permits

Permits are required to operate commercial vehicles (both internal combustion engine and electric) and commercial-use trailers on Village-maintained roads. Daily permits may be obtained at the barge office. Annual permits must be renewed each year; renewal applications open on or before July 1 and are valid from July 1 through June 30. Buttons will appear below when annual renewals are being accepted. In the meantime, if a permit is needed, you will need to purchase a daily permit through the barge office.

Vehicle Status and Fees

• Renewal Vehicles: Any vehicle/trailer that was registered on Bald Head Island in the prior permit year—as identified by its VIN—is considered a renewal vehicle. Renewal vehicles are required to pay the full annual renewal fee, regardless of whether the application is submitted during the renewal window or at any other time during the year.
• New or “New to the Island” Vehicles: A vehicle/trailer is considered new to the island if its VIN was not registered on Bald Head Island in the prior permit year. New to the island vehicles may apply for a Commercial Vehicle  Permit at most other times of the year at a prorated rate (click HERE for rates – these will be posted after the FY27 budget is officially adopted on 6/18). Rates are valid through June 30 of each year. Online applications for the current year may close when renewal applications begin, and daily permits must be purchased through the barge office.

TIP: Make sure you type in the vehicle VIN# accurately. Failure to do so could result in failure of renewal if the vehicle is a “grandfathered” oversized vehicle for registration this year.

After you apply, you will be contacted by the Public Safety Department to let you know if your permit has been approved and when it will be ready for pick-up at the Public Safety Building. Payments will be taken online after approval. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS FOR PROCESSING. To expedite tracking of your payment, you can forward your electronic receipt to psadmin@villagebhi.org or bring the receipt with you to Public Safety when you pick up your permits. Your patience is appreciated!

FLEET VEHICLES DEFINED – A fleet vehicle, for purposes of the Commercial Vehicle  Permit, is a company that frequently travels to the island using one vehicle, but because they have a fleet of vehicles on the mainland, the same vehicle may not be the same one that comes to BHI each time. For instance,   US Foods has a fleet of trucks and may rotate trucks for various routes so the same trucks do not come to the island each week.

Commercial Vehicle Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits are required to operate a commercial vehicle for the following reasons:

• If the vehicle is an official island transportation system vehicle.
• If the vehicle is heavy equipment or a public utility vehicle.
• If the vehicle will be operating on Village streets at any time other than during workdays.
• If the vehicle will need to operate on streets where ICE vehicles are typically prohibited. 

Special Use Permits (SUPs) are available through the Public Safety Department and are a part of the annual Commercial Vehicle Permit application.  Effective July 1, 2026, there are fees associated with these permits (click HERE to view the fees).

For more information, view the Contractor Handbook HERE and our informational flyers on the new trailer and vehicle size requirements and ICE fees HERE.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety at (910) 457-5252 or psadmin@villagebhi.org if you have any questions.