Understanding The International Registration Plan (IRP)
When starting your own trucking company, its overwhelming and a little confusing with all of the registration and licensing processes. One of the more confusing registration processes can be with the International Registration Plan (IRP).
In this article, we will break down what IRP is, answer some questions you may have, and point you in the right direction for the registration process.
What is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a state filing that allows your commercial motor vehicle to travel between the United States, Washington D.C., and Canadian provinces. If you’re going to be hauling freight in any of these jurisdictions and meet other vehicle requirements, you’ll need to get IRP apportioned license plates, along with a cab card.
Both IRP and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) accounts are required for vehicles traveling interstate and exceeding 26,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight) or have 3 or more axles.
IRP Plates
Apportioned License Plates are issued after both IRP and IFTA accounts are set up properly, which are for the power unit. Cab Cards are also issued, which lists all of the jurisdictions you are registered to operate in.
Once the decal is in your possession, it should be placed on the lower right corner of your front registration plate. In tractor-trailer cases, they will issue decals for each trailer. If you registered with the IFTA for the first time, You would place the IFTA and IRP stickers on each side of the cab’s exterior. The license has to be inside the cab, so keep it with you at all times.
What Is A Cab Card?
A cab card is the official document issued by your home state or province that shows which jurisdictions the vehicle is legally allowed to operate in. Cab cards list specific details about each vehicle and cannot be transferred to a different vehicle.
The IRP Registration Process
You’ll need to contact your home state or province or where you have an “Established Place of Business” to register your vehicle and receive your company’s apportioned plates and cab card. Whatever jurisdiction you formed your company in is most likely your home jurisdiction.
After you’ve contacted your jurisdiction, you’ll need to find your state’s contact information in the IRP Directory and contact them for more specifics and requirements to continue the registration process. Each state has specific requirements, however there are certain documents that are almost always needed (see below).
Documents Needed For IRP Registration:
- Your state’s completed IRP application
- Proof of residency or established place of business (such as copies of your utility bills or property tax bill)
- Proof of current insurance showing limits of liability coverage
- USDOT Number
- Federal Tax Identification Number
- Proof of paid UCR fees
- Copy of lease agreement (if you are leasing onto another carrier)
- Copy of filed Form 2290 (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Form)
- Current registration (if you are renewing)
When Do I Renew My IRP Registration?
International Registration Plan renewal depends on what jurisdiction you’re registered and when you initially registered. You’ll find expiration date of your plates on the cab card, and it’s up to you to make sure your IRP stays current. You will also need to keep track of the miles you travel in each jurisdiction because your previous year’s mileage in each state determines what your fees will be. Be sure to keep all activity, fuel purchases and state mileage records for every truck annually. The reporting period runs July 1 to June 30 of the following year.
How Much Does IRP Registration Cost?
IRP fees depend on what state you’re registered in, what states you’re hauling in, what equipment you’re registering, and how many vehicles you’re registering.
What Vehicles Are Exempt from IRP Registration?
There are some vehicle owners that do not need to register an IRP, even if they meet one of the above qualifications. This includes owners of:
- Government-owned vehicles
- Vehicles operating intrastate miles only
- Buses used for chartered parties
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