Unless you’re just making local runs, you may be required to get an IRP plate. This allows you to travel outside your state jurisdiction. The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement between the United States, District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. This plan requires registrants to pay apportioned fees based on the percentage of miles accrued in each jurisdiction. 

With IRP, you’ll make payments to your home jurisdiction. Then they take care of dispersing the apportioned fees to the various states on your route. Sounds easy enough, right? But, there are some things you need to do before you can get to that point.

Getting Your IRP Plate:  Where to Begin

Obtaining IRP plates is a step-by-step process. Knowing exactly where to begin can be a little confusing. The first thing to do is to contact your state IRP office to learn about the registration requirements in your base state.

This guide can answer some of your questions and can help start you in the right direction.

Determine if your vehicles qualify:

Qualifying vehicles are those with two axles and a GVW or registered gross weight that exceeds 26,000 pounds. Or vehicles that have three or more axles, regardless of weight. Or vehicles used in combination, with a gross weight of such combination exceeding 26,000 pounds.

Register with your local IRP office:

To claim a state as your base state, you must have an established place of business. You must provide a physical address that is open during regular business hours. All operational records must be maintained onsite.

Contact your local IRP office to find out more about the state’s IRP registration requirements as they differ from state to state.

Get the following permits:

• USDOT number – The FMCSA uses this number to identify vehicles and track safety violations.
• FMCSA authorization – Allows you to haul goods outside your base jurisdiction.
• IFTA permit – For reporting fuel use by motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. You must be current on all quarterly IFTA taxes before you can get an IRP plate.

Complete these forms:

You must fill out a Schedule A/E and Schedule B for new accounts, a Schedule C for any changes to your account, and a Schedule F for adding jurisdictions

Pay HVUT taxes (form 2290)

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax applies to vehicles that exceed 55,000 pounds. The instructions for paying HVUT are listed here.

Pay town and city fees.

Registering with IRP and IFTA does not exempt you from paying local fees and taxes. You are responsible for finding out what they are.

When your registration is approved, you’ll receive an IRP-apportioned plate and a cab card for each vehicle. The cab card lists each jurisdiction in which you are registered to operate.  You’ll also see the renewal date listed on the cab card. About three months before the renewal is due, the IRP office will send a notification with instructions for renewing your plate. Keep this card with you in your cab.

Fees Calculation: How Much Do Truckers Pay For IRP Fees?

The amount a truck driver will pay for their IRP plates varies from one state to the next. An IRP renewal price will also be based on several other factors, such as the vehicle’s gross weight. In most states, the fee for an 80,000 lb. truck running throughout the 48 lower states is between $1,500 and $2,000. To determine the exact amount you will need to pay, you will have to contact your state’s IRP registration department. 

IRP fees are calculated based on the appointed jurisdictional percentages. These percentages are then multiplied by the jurisdictional cost. To find out the apportioned percentage amount for any jurisdiction, you will need to divide the distance per jurisdiction by the total fleet distance. Then multiply the apportioned percentage by the jurisdiction’s fees to determine the cost for each vehicle. 

How Can TruckingOffice Help You Keep Track of Everything?

Getting the IRP plates for your truck and your trailer is a necessary process that shouldn’t be overlooked. They are required for operating your motor carrier business and are therefore vital. However, remembering all these permits, deadlines, and forms can be stressful.

The good news is that TruckingOffice has an easy solution for you. TruckingOffice trucking management software can help you keep up with all the essential details of your IRP and make the process much simpler. From dispatches to invoices, our program ensures organization and compliance with IFTA and IRP. By simplifying the process and getting your plates on time, you may save on the amount of money you have to pay upfront. 

The best way to find out about TruckingOffice is to take advantage of our free trial. You’ll see why thousands of truckers are saving time and money and having fewer headaches. If you have any questions during the free trial period, give us a call.  We’ll be available to talk with you anytime.