IRP Registration for Interstate Carriers

What Is the International Registration Plan?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration reciprocity agreement among US states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that provides for the proportional payment of vehicle registration fees based on the distance traveled in each jurisdiction. IRP allows motor carriers to register their vehicles in a single base jurisdiction and receive apportioned plates (often called cab cards) valid in all IRP member jurisdictions.

Who Must Register Under IRP?

IRP registration is required for power units (trucks and truck tractors) that:

• Operate in two or more IRP member jurisdictions
• Are used for the transportation of persons for hire or designed, used, or maintained for transporting property
• Have two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, or have three or more axles regardless of weight

Recreational vehicles, government vehicles, and city pick-up and delivery vehicles operating within a defined urban area are typically exempt. Verify carrier registration status through our carrier search tool.

Choosing Your Base Jurisdiction

Your base jurisdiction is the IRP member jurisdiction where your vehicles are based for vehicle registration purposes. This is typically the state or province where:

• Your vehicles accumulate the most miles, or
• Your vehicles are dispatched, controlled, and operated from, or
• You maintain your operational records

The base jurisdiction processes your IRP application, collects all fees, and distributes the appropriate portions to other member jurisdictions.

How IRP Fees Are Calculated

IRP registration fees are apportioned based on the percentage of miles traveled in each jurisdiction. The calculation works as follows:

• Determine the total distance traveled in all IRP jurisdictions during the reporting period
• Calculate the percentage of distance in each jurisdiction
• Multiply each jurisdiction's full registration fee by the percentage of miles traveled there
• Sum all apportioned fees for the total registration cost

New carriers without mileage history will use estimated distances for their first registration year. Actual mileage will be used for subsequent renewals.

IRP Registration Process

Initial Application

• Obtain a USDOT number from FMCSA
• Contact your base jurisdiction's IRP office
• Submit the application with vehicle information, estimated or actual mileage, and proof of insurance
• Pay the calculated apportioned fees
• Receive your cab card and apportioned plates

Annual Renewal

IRP registrations must be renewed annually. Most jurisdictions send renewal notices 60 to 90 days before expiration. During renewal, you will update your mileage data and pay adjusted fees based on actual miles traveled.

IRP and IFTA: Working Together

While IRP handles vehicle registration and IFTA handles fuel tax reporting, they are closely related. Both use mileage by jurisdiction as a core input, so maintaining accurate mileage records benefits both programs. Visit the TruckCodes knowledge base for our IFTA filing guide and other compliance resources. Our carrier startup checklist covers both IRP and IFTA requirements.