IRP vs. IFTA: Understanding the Differences and Requirements
If you operate a commercial truck that crosses state lines, you may need both the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). These two permits help streamline tax collection and registration for trucking companies, but they serve different purposes.
What is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement among all U.S. states and Canadian provinces that distributes vehicle registration fees based on the proportion of miles traveled in each jurisdiction. This helps ensure fair contributions to road maintenance while allowing truckers to operate across multiple states with a single registration.
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IRP provides apportioned license plates, which allow interstate travel without needing separate registrations for each state.
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Registration fees vary depending on the states and miles traveled.
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If your truck has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 26,000 lbs. or more than three axles, you are likely required to register under IRP.
What is IFTA?
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) simplifies fuel tax reporting for motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. Instead of filing fuel tax reports for each state separately, IFTA consolidates this process under a single base jurisdiction.
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IFTA taxes are based on the amount of fuel used in each state, not where it was purchased.
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Carriers must file quarterly tax reports to ensure accurate tax distribution.
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Like IRP, IFTA applies to commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs. GVW or those with three or more axles operating in more than one state.
IRP vs. IFTA: Key Differences
| Feature | IRP | IFTA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Registration fee distribution | Fuel tax distribution |
| Requirement | Based on miles traveled in each jurisdiction | Based on fuel used in each jurisdiction |
| Applies to | Trucks operating in multiple states | Trucks purchasing fuel in multiple states |
| Proof of Registration | Apportioned plates and cab card | IFTA license and decal stickers |
Do You Need Both IRP and IFTA?
They are both mandatory for trucking companies that operate across state lines with vehicles exceeding 26,000 lbs. GVW or with three or more axles.
In this case, you’ll need:
- IRP for multi-state vehicle registration, and
- IFTA for reporting and paying fuel taxes in each jurisdiction you travel through.
If your truck operates only within a single state, you typically do not need IRP or IFTA. Instead, you may only need standard commercial plates issued by your state’s DMV.
However, even a single trip across state lines can trigger the requirement for both, so it's important to check with your state or use a registration service to stay compliant.
Should I Register Under IRP or IFTA?
If your truck or fleet operates in more than one state or Canadian province and meets the weight or axle requirements (over 26,000 lbs. GVW or has three or more axles), you’ll likely need to register for both IRP and IFTA, not just one. IRP handles vehicle registration across jurisdictions, while IFTA covers fuel tax reporting. These programs work together to keep your operations legal and compliant. If you only run within a single state, you don’t need either and might only require commercial plates. When in doubt, it's best to confirm your situation with your base state or let a registration service handle it for you.
How to Register for IRP and IFTA
Registering for IRP and IFTA involves submitting an application through your base jurisdiction - the state where your business is located or primarily operates. You’ll need to provide details about your vehicles, estimated mileage by state, and fuel usage. The process can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you're new to interstate trucking.
That’s where IRP Registration Services comes in. We simplify the entire process by handling the paperwork, filing requirements, and making sure you're fully compliant. All you need to do is submit your contact and your name, choose your application type and state, and if you don’t already have IFTA, you can easily select both IRP and IFTA registration in one step. We’ve helped over 700 satisfied clients get on the road faster - and we can help you too.