What is IRP & Who Needs It?

IRP stands for the International Registration Plan, a registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that allows for the apportioned registration of commercial motor vehicles traveling in two or more member jurisdictions. The program ensures that registration fees are calculated fairly based on the distance traveled in each jurisdiction.

The IRP system replaces traditional in-state vehicle registration with a single registration program for qualifying carriers. It is required for apportionable vehicles, which include those with a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds, or any vehicle with three or more axles, regardless of weight. Vehicles that operate solely within one state or are below these thresholds may be exempt from IRP, but may still choose to register under the plan.

• An apportioned license plate, issued by the base jurisdiction, which replaces standard commercial plates.
• A cab card that lists the registered gross weight and all approved IRP member jurisdictions in which the vehicle is allowed to operate. This card must remain inside the vehicle and be presented at ports of entry, weigh stations, and during inspections.
  

A cab card that lists the registered gross weight and all approved IRP member jurisdictions in which the vehicle is allowed to operate. This card must remain inside the vehicle and be presented at ports of entry, weigh stations, and during inspections.

The IRP application must be submitted through your Department of Motor Vehicles, and you must have an established place of business in the jurisdiction used as your base. Your business address must include a valid street number or road. P.O. Boxes are not accepted. The registration fee is based on reported mileage in each jurisdiction during the previous registration year and is calculated per vehicle.

Processing times vary by state but typically take one to four weeks. Some states issue temporary registration credentials allowing you to operate while waiting for your license plate and cab card. If your cab card is issued before your plate, you may operate legally by placing the card visibly in the passenger-side window.

IRP registration must be renewed annually. The registration period and expiration dates are set by each member jurisdiction and are printed on the cab card. Carriers must maintain operational records for auditing purposes, especially if also enrolled in IFTA, which works in conjunction with IRP for fuel tax reporting.

This system simplifies the process of registering commercial vehicles for interstate travel, ensuring each jurisdiction is fairly compensated based on the actual use of its highway system.