International Registration Plan (IRP)

What is an International Registration Plan (IRP)?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and several Canadian provinces that allows commercial vehicles to operate across multiple jurisdictions under a single registration.

For truckers, this means:

• You register in your base jurisdiction
• You receive apportioned plates
• Your registration fees are distributed based on mileage driven in each state or province

Who must Register for IRP?

You must register under IRP if you:

• Operate a commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs gross weight, or
• Have 3 or more axles, regardless of weight, or
• Use your vehicle in two or more IRP jurisdictions

If you're an owner-operator, fleet manager, or cross-border hauler, IRP is essential.

How does IRP work?

IRP simplifies registration for multistate operations:

• You apply in your base jurisdiction (your home state)
• You declare the jurisdictions where you'll operate
• You report estimated miles per jurisdiction (for new accounts)
• You receive an Apportioned Plate and a Cab Card listing all approved jurisdictions

The plate is valid across all IRP member jurisdictions.

Documents Required for IRP Registration

Before you apply for IRP registration, you’ll need to gather several key documents to verify your eligibility and vehicle details. Requirements may vary slightly by state, but generally, you'll need:

• Proof of vehicle ownership (Title or lease agreement)
• Valid USDOT number and Motor Carrier number (if applicable)
• Proof of residency or business location (utility bill, business license, etc.)
• Vehicle information (VIN, make, model, weight)
• Proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) payment – IRS Form 2290 Schedule 1
• Proof of insurance
• Estimated mileage per jurisdiction (used for apportioning fees)

What Happens After Registration?

After getting your IRP credentials:

• Place the Apportioned Plate on your vehicle
• The Cab Card must be always kept inside the vehicle
• Only operate in the jurisdictions listed on your card

If your travel plans change, you can file a supplemental application to add jurisdictions

IRP Recordkeeping and Renewals

You must renew your IRP registration annually and keep proper mileage records.

Required Records:

• Trip sheets or ELD reports
• Beginning and ending odometer readings
• Dates of each trip
• Routes taken
• Total miles driven per jurisdiction

States may audit your records, so keep them for at least 3 years.

Benefits of IRP Registration

• Legal compliance when operating across multiple jurisdictions
• Simplified registration process with one plate and one renewal
• Fair fee structure based on actual miles driven
• Reduced paperwork compared to registering in each state
• Access to electronic portals in many jurisdictions for faster processing

IRP vs. Form 2290: What’s the Difference?

How IRP and Form 2290 work Together?

While IRP and Form 2290 are separate requirements, they are closely connected in terms of vehicle compliance:

• IRP covers vehicle registration across multiple states and provinces.
• Form 2290 covers federal tax obligations for heavy highway vehicles (over 55,000 lbs).

To register a vehicle under IRP, you must first pay the HVUT and submit Form 2290 Schedule 1 as proof. Without this document, your IRP application may be delayed or rejected.

Key Tips for Truckers

To avoid penalties, delays, or fines, keep these compliance tips in mind:

• File Form 2290 annually (usually by August 31**) and keep your stamped Schedule 1 handy.
• Renew IRP registration on time—each state has different renewal windows.
• Track mileage per jurisdiction accurately using ELDs or logbooks.
• Keep all documents organized and ready for audits or roadside inspections.
• Update your IRP account when you add/remove vehicles or change business addresses.