IRP Registration — Apportioned Plates for Interstate Carriers
Register your commercial vehicles for interstate travel with one apportioned plate valid across IRP jurisdictions. We handle the paperwork, fee math, and base-state filing details.
New registrations and renewals. Typical processing is 2 to 4 weeks.
What Is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that simplifies commercial vehicle registration for carriers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Instead of buying a separate registration plate in every state you drive through, IRP lets you register once in your base state and get a single apportioned plate that's valid everywhere. Your registration fees are split among the states based on the percentage of miles you actually drive in each one — that's what "apportioned" means.
Think of it this way: if you drive 30% of your miles in Texas and 20% in Oklahoma, you pay 30% of Texas's registration fee and 20% of Oklahoma's — rather than full price in both states.
Who Needs IRP Registration?
You need IRP apportioned plates if your vehicle operates in two or more IRP jurisdictions (states or provinces) and meets either of these criteria:
- Gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 lbs
- Vehicle has 3 or more axles, regardless of weight
- Used in combination when the combined weight exceeds 26,000 lbs
- Interstate motor carriers, both for-hire and private
- Trucking companies operating across state lines
- Bus companies operating interstate routes
Exempt Vehicles
Recreational vehicles, government vehicles, city pick-up and delivery vehicles, and buses used for personal transportation are generally exempt from IRP. Vehicles operating only within a single state don't need apportioned plates.
What You Need to Register
USDOT Number
Your active USDOT number is required for all IRP registrations. Don't have one? We can help.
EIN
Your Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Required for all commercial vehicle registrations.
Vehicle Info (VINs)
VIN, year, make, model, and gross vehicle weight for each vehicle you're registering.
Proof of HVUT (Form 2290)
IRS-stamped Schedule 1 showing HVUT payment for each vehicle. Must be current.
Mileage Records
Actual or estimated miles driven in each state during the reporting period. IFTA records work well.
Insurance
Proof of liability insurance meeting federal and state minimum requirements.
Need to file Form 2290 first? We offer HVUT filing for $49/vehicle.
How Registration Fee Apportionment Works
IRP registration fees aren't a flat rate — they're calculated based on where you actually drive. Here's the simplified formula:
Track your miles — Record total miles driven and miles in each state
Calculate percentages — Divide each state's miles by total miles
Apply to state fees — Multiply each state's full registration fee by your percentage
Add them up — Your total IRP fee is the sum of all apportioned state fees
Example
You drive 100,000 total miles: 40,000 in Texas, 30,000 in Oklahoma, 30,000 in Arkansas. Texas's full registration fee is $1,500. Your Texas apportioned fee = 40% × $1,500 = $600. The same calculation applies to each state, and your total IRP fee is the sum of all states.
Want to estimate your fees? Try our free IRP Fee Estimator tool.
Choosing Your Base State
Your base state is the jurisdiction where your vehicles are registered and where you have an established place of business. This matters because:
- Your base state processes your IRP application and issues your plate
- Each state has different base fees, which affects your total cost
- You must have a physical address (not just a PO Box) in your base state
- Your base state must be where your vehicles are dispatched, controlled, or operated from
- Mileage should be accrued in or through your base state
Important
You can't just pick the cheapest state as your base. The IRP requires your base state to be where your business actually operates from. Choosing the wrong base state can result in registration denial or penalties.
New Registration vs. Renewal
New Registration
- • First time registering a vehicle under IRP
- • Requires estimated mileage for the first year
- • New plates and cab cards issued
- • Processing takes 2–4 weeks
- • Can add vehicles to an existing IRP account
Annual Renewal
- • Required every year to keep plates valid
- • Uses actual mileage records from the previous year
- • Fees recalculated based on real driving data
- • Deadline set by your base state
- • Update jurisdictions as routes change
How Long Does It Take?
Application Processing — 2 to 4 Weeks
Most IRP applications are processed within 2–4 weeks. Some states are faster than others. We submit your application as quickly as possible and track it through to completion.
Temporary Permits Available
Need to start driving before your plate arrives? Most states issue temporary authority or trip permits while your IRP application is being processed.
Renewals — 1 to 2 Weeks
Annual renewals are typically faster since your account is already established. File early to avoid lapses in registration.
How It Works
Three steps. We handle the complexity of multi-state registration.
Submit Your Info
Provide your USDOT number, EIN, vehicle details, and mileage records. We review everything for accuracy.
We Calculate Your Fees
We apportion your registration fees based on miles driven in each state and handle the paperwork with your base state.
Get Your Cab Card & Plate
Receive your apportioned plate and cab card — valid in all IRP jurisdictions. One plate, every state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. It allows commercial vehicles to travel across multiple jurisdictions with a single registration plate. Registration fees are apportioned based on the miles you drive in each state.
Who needs IRP registration?
You need IRP if your commercial vehicle operates in two or more IRP jurisdictions (states/provinces) AND has a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight over 26,000 lbs, OR has 3 or more axles regardless of weight. Most interstate trucking operations need IRP.
What is a base state and how do I choose one?
Your base state (also called base jurisdiction) is the state where your vehicles are based for vehicle registration purposes — typically where your business is located, where you have an established place of business, and where mileage is accrued or dispatched. You must have a physical address in your base state.
How are IRP registration fees calculated?
Fees are apportioned based on the percentage of miles you drive in each state. If you drive 40% of your total miles in Texas, you pay 40% of Texas's registration fee. Each state has its own fee schedule, so your total depends on where you drive and how much.
What is a cab card?
A cab card is the registration document that lists all the jurisdictions your vehicle is registered in and the weight limits for each. You must carry the cab card in the vehicle at all times. It's your proof of IRP registration during roadside inspections.
How long does IRP registration take?
New IRP registrations typically take 2–4 weeks from submission to receiving your plate and cab card. Processing times vary by state. We submit your application as quickly as possible and keep you updated throughout.
What's the difference between new registration and renewal?
New registration is for vehicles entering the IRP system for the first time. Renewals are annual — you update your mileage records and pay fees based on actual miles driven. Renewal deadlines depend on your base state's registration year.
Can I add or remove states after registration?
Yes. If you start driving in a new state, you can add that jurisdiction to your IRP registration. This is called a 'supplemental application.' You'll pay the apportioned fee for the new state based on your remaining registration period.
Ready to Get Your Apportioned Plates?
$199 service fee + state registration fees. We handle the paperwork.