Resource Guide
IRP & Apportioned Registration Explained
General information for motor carriers · Not legal advice.
Photo: Rhys Moult on Unsplash · Unsplash License
The International Registration Plan (IRP) lets interstate carriers register a commercial vehicle once, in a single base jurisdiction, and operate legally across all member states and provinces. Instead of buying separate plates everywhere you drive, you get one apportioned plate and pay fees in proportion to the miles you travel in each place.
Who Needs IRP?
- You operate in two or more member jurisdictions, and
- Your vehicle is over 26,000 lbs, has three or more axles, or is used in a combination over 26,000 lbs.
How Apportioned Registration Works
You register with your base jurisdiction and report estimated or actual mileage by jurisdiction. Your fees are apportioned — split according to where you actually run. Your base state collects the total and distributes each jurisdiction's share. You receive an apportioned plate and a cab card (carried in the vehicle) listing your registered jurisdictions and weights.
IRP vs. IFTA
They go hand in hand but are different: IRP covers vehicle registration (plates), while IFTA covers fuel taxes. Most interstate carriers need both.
How Consulics Helps
We manage IRP registration and renewals, mileage reporting, and apportioned-plate paperwork so your fleet stays road-legal across every jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration agreement among the U.S. states and Canadian provinces that lets interstate carriers register their vehicles once, in a base jurisdiction, and operate across all member jurisdictions. Registration fees are apportioned based on the miles traveled in each jurisdiction.
Who needs IRP / apportioned plates?
You generally need IRP if you operate a commercial vehicle in two or more member jurisdictions and the vehicle has a gross weight over 26,000 pounds, has three or more axles, or is used in a combination exceeding 26,000 pounds.
How are IRP fees calculated?
Fees are apportioned by the percentage of total miles you travel in each jurisdiction. You report your mileage by jurisdiction, and your base state bills the combined apportioned fee, then distributes it.
What do I receive with IRP registration?
You receive an apportioned license plate and a cab card listing the jurisdictions and weights you are registered for. The cab card must be carried in the vehicle.
Need IRP or apportioned plates?
Consulics handles registration, renewals, and mileage reporting.