What Is IRP (International Registration Plan) in Trucking?
Also called: International Registration Plan, Apportioned Plates
IRP is the International Registration Plan. It lets a truck that runs in many states register once in its home state. You pay your registration fees to the home state, and it shares them with the other states. You get one apportioned plate and a cab card.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 15, 2026
Key Points
- IRP covers registration fees. IFTA covers fuel tax. They are two separate programs
- In general, a qualified vehicle has two axles and a weight over 26,000 pounds, or three or more axles, or is used in a combination over 26,000 pounds. Each state applies the rules, so check yours
- Your base jurisdiction collects the fees and shares them with the other states and provinces
- Fees depend on the share of your miles in each jurisdiction, your registered weight and each jurisdiction's fee schedule
- Each truck gets one apportioned plate and a cab card that lists the weights it may run in each jurisdiction
- IRP does not replace fuel tax filings or operating authority
IFTA vs. IRP
| IFTA | IRP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Fuel tax across states | Registration fees across states |
| Who needs it | Qualified vehicles that run in two or more member jurisdictions | Qualified vehicles that run in two or more member jurisdictions |
| What you get | An IFTA license and decals | Apportioned plates and a cab card |
| What you file | A fuel tax return every quarter | A registration application, usually renewed each year |
| What it is based on | Miles driven and fuel bought in each jurisdiction | Miles driven in each jurisdiction and registered weight |
| Who handles it | Your base jurisdiction | Your base jurisdiction |
Who needs IRP?
IRP is for qualified vehicles that travel in two or more IRP jurisdictions. A qualified vehicle is generally one with two axles and a gross or registered weight over 26,000 pounds, one with three or more axles at any weight, or one used in a combination over 26,000 pounds. A recreational vehicle, a vehicle with restricted plates, a bus used for chartered parties and a government-owned vehicle are not apportionable. A truck or power unit at or under 26,000 pounds is not required to register under IRP, but it may be registered under the plan at the owner's option. Each state applies the plan and can have its own rules, so check with your base jurisdiction.
How are IRP fees decided?
You report how many miles your truck ran in each jurisdiction. Your fees are split by those miles. They also depend on your registered weight and on each jurisdiction's fee schedule. You pay one bill to your base jurisdiction, which then shares the money with the other states and provinces. That is why more miles in a high-fee state raise your total.
What is the difference between IRP and IFTA?
Both follow a truck across state lines, and both are handled by your base jurisdiction. But they cover different costs. IRP is about registration fees, and you get plates and a cab card. IFTA is about fuel tax, and you get a license and decals. Most qualified interstate trucks need both. The table below shows the main differences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRP in trucking?+
IRP stands for the International Registration Plan. It lets a truck that runs in several states register once in its base state and pay each state its share of the fees. You get an apportioned plate and a cab card.
What is an apportioned plate?+
An apportioned plate is the license plate a truck gets under IRP. It lets the truck run in all the jurisdictions on its cab card, with fees split by the miles driven in each one.
Is IRP the same as IFTA?+
No. IRP is about registration fees and plates. IFTA is about fuel tax and decals. They are separate programs, though both are handled by your base jurisdiction.
Do I need both IRP and IFTA?+
Most qualified trucks that run across state lines need both. They are separate, and neither one replaces the other or your operating authority. Check with your base jurisdiction for your situation.
Can a truck at 26,000 pounds or less use IRP?+
It is not required to, but it can. Under the plan as adopted in state law, a truck or power unit at 26,000 pounds or less may be registered under the plan at the owner's option. A recreational vehicle, a vehicle with restricted plates, a bus used for chartered parties and a government-owned vehicle are not apportionable. Ask your base jurisdiction what applies to you.
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.