IRP plates, formally known as apportioned plates, are licenses issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP), a cooperative agreement among the contiguous U.S., DC, and Canadian provinces. These plates matter because they allow commercial vehicle operators to register in only one jurisdiction (their base jurisdiction) while legally operating across multiple states or provinces.
Rather than registering in each state separately, operators submit a single application to their base jurisdiction. Registration fees are then apportioned (allocated) to each jurisdiction based on the percentage of miles driven there. This mileage-based sharing keeps operators compliant with regulations while simplifying bureaucracy. Understanding how IRP plate costs are calculated is essential for both budgeting and staying compliant, especially because inaccurate mileage reporting can trigger audits and fines.
How Much Are Apportioned Plates?
IRP costs are not flat fees. They vary according to several factors: total miles driven, vehicle weight, and type of vehicle. Heavier vehicles (for example those with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating above 26,000 lbs or multiple axles) incur higher fees. The process works like this: your total fleet mileage is divided among jurisdictions to yield a percentage for each. That percentage is then multiplied by the jurisdiction’s full annual registration fee for your weight category.
IRP Registration Fees by State
Different states and provinces use distinct calculation formulas, rates, and fee categories. That’s why there is no universal price, even fleets with similar mileage but different operational regions may face vastly different IRP costs, often ranging between $1,000 and $2,500 or more per vehicle annually.
Each state’s apportioned fee equals 25% of its full fee.
| Jurisdiction | Full Annual Fee (80,000 lbs) | Apportioned Fee @ 25% |
| Michigan | $1,992 | $498.00 |
| Indiana | $1,692 | $423.00 |
| Illinois | $3,191 | $797.75 |
| Wisconsin | $2,578 | $644.50 |
Total IRP cost in this example would be $2,363.25, all payable through your base jurisdiction. This illustrates how heavier vehicles and higher-fee states (like Illinois) significantly influence your apportioned totals.
IRP registration fees vary quite dramatically from one jurisdiction to another, depending on policies, weight fee structures, and administrative costs.
In California, operators pay apportioned fees based on each state’s weight fee schedules and mileage share. California charges prorated fees if a vehicle is added mid‑cycle or if initial IRP application occurs mid‑year, with monthly rates of around $250–$300 per vehicle depending on vehicle value and weight. Penalty rules are strict: 10% for up to 10 days late, up to 160% for multi‑year lags.
Georgia calculates apportioned fees similarly but adds a modest $3 administrative fee per vehicle, and late payment penalties of 10% apply promptly after deadlines. For an 80,000 lb truck, a base fee might be approximately $1,500, though exact amounts depend on mileage distribution and fleet size.
Estimating Your IRP Costs
To estimate what you will pay, use official IRP fee calculators offered by most jurisdictions. These tools let you input your vehicle’s GVWR, estimated total miles per jurisdiction, operational months, and sometimes even axle count or unit type. The tool then estimates apportioned fees per jurisdiction and aggregates them.
Fleet operators, especially those new to multi-jurisdiction operations, can benefit by entering accurate mileage and weight data in advance to produce a cost projection. Since each jurisdiction’s fee schedule differs, this projection is essential before applying or budgeting.
Easier IRP Registration
If the process feels confusing or time-consuming, consider using a third‑party IRP registration service or IRP agent. These professionals manage the entire process: calculating apportioned fees, completing paperwork, handling multiple state requirements, and ensuring compliance, potentially saving you hours and minimizing risk of penalties. This option is especially helpful for small carriers or new operators who don’t have the time or resources to navigate each state’s rules on their own.