IRP apportioned registration: what it is, who needs it, and how to apply
By TruePermitReviewed by the TruePermit compliance teamUpdated
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration agreement among the lower 48 US states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces. It lets an interstate carrier register a qualified vehicle once in its base jurisdiction and operate across all member jurisdictions on a single apportioned plate and cab card — paying registration fees apportioned by the share of miles run in each jurisdiction.
What is the International Registration Plan?
IRP is a reciprocity agreement that replaces separate registrations in every state with one apportioned registration issued by your base jurisdiction. You receive one apportioned (“apportioned” or “IRP”) plate and a cab card listing the jurisdictions and weights you're registered for, and you may then run in any member jurisdiction on your cab card. It does not change how much each jurisdiction charges — it splits those charges by where you actually drive.
Who needs IRP apportioned registration?
IRP applies to interstate carriers operating a qualified vehiclein two or more member jurisdictions. A power unit is generally qualified if it has a gross weight over 26,000 pounds, has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in a combination over 26,000 pounds. Vehicles operated only within a single jurisdiction don't need IRP, and some smaller vehicles register normally instead.
How are IRP fees apportioned?
Fees are apportioned by distance. For each jurisdiction on your cab card, your fee is that jurisdiction's full registration fee multiplied by the percentage of your total fleet miles driven there. New carriers without a full year of history use an estimated-distance schedule for the first registration year, then report actual miles at renewal.
How do you apply and renew?
You apply through your base jurisdiction — typically the state where you have an established place of business, accrue mileage, and keep your records. At renewal (annually) you report your actual distance by jurisdiction for the reporting period. Keep your distance records for the period required by the plan (generally several years), because IRP accounts are subject to audit.
IRP vs. IFTA — what's the difference?
IRP and IFTA are often confused because both rely on per-jurisdiction mileage, but they're separate programs. IRP is about registration — the apportioned plate that lets you operate. IFTA is about fuel tax — the quarterly return that settles what fuel tax you owe each jurisdiction. You typically need both, and you file them separately. See our IFTA guide.
What happens if you don't register?
Running a qualified vehicle interstate without apportioned registration exposes you to citations, fines, and being placed out of service at the roadside. Inaccurate mileage reporting surfaces later as audit adjustments to your apportioned fees plus penalties.
TruePermit tracks your IRP renewal and the miles behind it
Keep your apportioned registration current with deadline alerts, and capture audit-defensible per-jurisdiction miles from the route planner — the same distance basis IRP and IFTA both rely on. Free for one truck to start.
Start freeThis guide is general information for compliance planning — not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by base jurisdiction and change over time; verify with your base jurisdiction before registering.