Maryland IRP Information
What is the IRP and how does it apply to your business? The IRP, meaning International Registration Plan, is an agreement that simplifies the process of collecting and distributing registration fees among jurisdictions. If you operate a qualifying vehicle in other jurisdictions besides Maryland, you must register with the IRP.
Maryland IRP Registration
Under the IRP, a qualifying motor vehicle is one that is designed, maintained, and used for transporting persons or property. Also, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- The power unit has two axles and a GVW (gross vehicle weight) that exceeds 26,000 pounds, or
- The power unit has three or more axles, regardless of weight, or
- Is used in combination, with the GVW weight of such combination exceeding 26,000 pounds.
Maryland participates in the PRISM program, which tracks motor carrier safety to ensure that Federal and State standards are met.. Therefore, you must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number.
The IRP registration fee varies from state to state and is determined by the type of vehicle and number of miles traveled in each jurisdiction.
Before registering for an IRP apportioned plate, you must prove that you have an established place of business which is defined as follows:
- Is a physical structure with a designated street address.
- Open during regular business hours.
- Has a landline, listed telephone number issued in the registrant’s name.
- Employees one or more persons that conduct the registrant’s trucking-related business.
- All operational records are maintained and can be made available at the location.
Detailed information about establishing an IRP account, renewals, or other options can be found on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website.
Upon approval of your application, the IRP office will send one IRP plate and cab card for each vehicle. These must be kept with the vehicle at all times.
Renewing Your Maryland IRP Plates
The IRP office will notify you 90 days before the IRP renewal is due. The notice will include all information pertinent to the process. You can choose to return the renewal by mail or deliver it in person to the MVA office.
Renewing your IRP plates requires documentation that supports the actual mileage traveled in each jurisdiction during the past year. You must also be compliant with all IFTA quarterly payments before submitting your request for renewal. The required documents include an IRP Schedule A/C, and Schedule B. Other forms or documents may be required under certain circumstances such as Form 290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, or a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate. Learn more about those forms here.
Even with this simplified version of the process, IRP reporting can be confusing to many truckers like yourself. You’ll be happy to know that there is a much easier way to keep track of the forms, reporting, and deadlines. With our TruckingOffice software, you’ll feel as if a burden has been lifted.
How TruckingOffice Can Make Your Job Easier
Our goal is to help independent motor carriers get organized and save time and money. Our program will make your job easier in several ways. We track mileage, fuel use, invoices, dispatches, vehicle maintenance, IRP and IFTA reporting, and much more. You can access your information at any time and rest assured knowing that your records are completely secure.
Take advantage of our 30-day free trial to find out how much you can benefit from our program.