What Is an IRP Account and How Do You Get One?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) facilitates the registration and licensing of commercial vehicles operating across multiple jurisdictions. It is a cooperative agreement among the 48 contiguous United States, the District of Columbia, and ten Canadian provinces. Its purpose is to simplify vehicle registration for carriers traveling in more than one state or province, streamlining compliance and operation.

Understanding the International Registration Plan (IRP)

The International Registration Plan functions based on the principle of “apportioned registration.” This system ensures that commercial vehicle registration fees are distributed among IRP member jurisdictions. The distribution is proportional to the percentage of miles a vehicle travels within each specific jurisdiction.

A concept within the IRP is the “base jurisdiction,” which is the state or province where a motor carrier has an established place of business. This location is typically where the fleet accrues mileage and where the operational records of the vehicles are maintained or can be made available for review. From this base jurisdiction, IRP streamlines compliance by providing a single apportioned license plate and a corresponding cab card for each registered vehicle. This single set of credentials eliminates the need for separate registrations in every jurisdiction a vehicle operates in, promoting more efficient interstate and inter-provincial travel. The cab card, which must be carried in the vehicle, serves as proof of registration and lists all jurisdictions where the vehicle is authorized to operate, along with its registered weight.

Determining Your Need for an IRP Account

An IRP account becomes necessary for specific types of commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, meaning they operate in two or more IRP member jurisdictions. Generally, a vehicle requires IRP registration if it has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds. This requirement also applies to vehicles with three or more axles, regardless of their weight. Furthermore, if a vehicle is used in combination with a trailer, and the gross combined vehicle weight (GCVW) of this combination exceeds 26,000 pounds, IRP registration is typically required.

Preparing for Your IRP Account Application

Before submitting an IRP account application, gather all necessary information and documentation. You will need specific data points for each vehicle:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), type (e.g., truck, tractor), unladen and gross vehicle weights.
Number of axles and fuel type.
Historical mileage data for each jurisdiction, which helps determine the percentage of travel in each IRP member state or province.
Owner and business information, such as legal name, physical address, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number.

Supporting documents are also essential for the application process. These typically include proof of vehicle ownership, such as a title or bill of sale, and current proof of insurance. If applicable, federal operating authority documents, such as an MC number, may also be required. Business registration documents, proving the legal standing of your entity, are usually part of the submission.

Specific jurisdictions may have additional requirements, so review the local IRP office guidelines. Obtain application forms from state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) websites or online portals, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

The IRP Account Application and Maintenance Process

Once all necessary information and documents are prepared, the IRP application can be submitted. Submission methods vary by jurisdiction but commonly include online portals, where prepared data can be entered, or mailing physical documents to the appropriate IRP office. After submission, processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of applications and the specific jurisdiction.

Fees are calculated based on the mileage accrued in each jurisdiction, as reported in the application, and the specific fee schedules of those jurisdictions. These apportioned fees are then paid to the base jurisdiction, which distributes the funds to all other relevant IRP member jurisdictions. Upon successful processing and payment, the IRP office issues the apportioned license plates and a cab card for each registered vehicle.

Maintaining the IRP account involves several ongoing requirements. Annual renewals are mandatory to keep the registration active, which typically involves updating mileage data and paying renewed apportioned fees. Changes to the fleet, such as adding or removing vehicles or updating mileage estimates due to changes in operational patterns, require amendments to the account. Accurate record-keeping, particularly detailed mileage logs and fuel receipts, is important for compliance. These records demonstrate the actual distance traveled in each jurisdiction and may be subject to review during routine compliance examinations.