IFTA Sticker: Requirements and How to Get One

IFTA stands for the International Fuel Tax Agreement, a cooperative agreement among the lower 48 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. If you operate qualifying commercial vehicles across state or provincial lines, you’ll need to comply with IFTA and that includes displaying a valid IFTA sticker, also known as an IFTA decal.

These stickers aren’t just window dressing. They prove your vehicle is registered under the IFTA program and is authorized to travel through participating jurisdictions. Without them, you risk fines, delays, and compliance headaches that no carrier wants to deal with.

So, what exactly are these decals, who needs them, and how do you get yours? Let’s break it all down.

What Is an IFTA Sticker?

An IFTA sticker (or decal) is a small but important requirement for any trucker operating a qualifying vehicle across borders. Once you apply for and receive your IFTA license, you’ll get two decals to display, one on each side of your power unit.

These decals tell inspectors and enforcement officers that you’re properly registered under IFTA. That means you’re allowed to operate freely across all member jurisdictions without needing individual fuel tax permits in each state or province.

In exchange, you agree to file one consolidated fuel tax return per quarter with your base jurisdiction, which then handles distributing the taxes you owe to each region based on where you bought fuel and where you ran miles.

It’s one system. One report. And no guesswork on your end if you stay compliant.

Do I Need an IFTA Sticker?

If you are a motor carrier operating a qualifying vehicle across state or provincial lines, then yes, you need IFTA decals. So, what counts as a "qualifying" vehicle?

Typically, that means any motor vehicle used or designed to transport property or passengers that meets one or more of the following:

• Has three or more axles, regardless of weight
• Has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 pounds
• Is used in combination (truck + trailer) and the combined weight exceeds 26,000 lbs.
  
  

Now, if you’re only running within your home state and never cross state lines, you probably don’t need an IFTA decal. Same goes for temporary interstate operations, trip permits are an alternative for that.

But be careful. Operating a qualifying vehicle across jurisdictions without IFTA decals (or a valid trip permit) can lead to costly fines, pulled vehicles, and even out-of-service orders. Not worth the risk.

IFTA Sticker Requirements (And How to Get It)

Getting your IFTA license and decals isn’t complicated, but there are a few things you’ll need to have in place.

To apply, you must:

1. Operate a qualifying vehicle (over 26,000 pounds GVW or with three or more axles, used for interstate commerce)
2. Be based in an IFTA member jurisdiction
3. Have a physical business location in your base state with records available for audit
4. Maintain accurate records of mileage and fuel purchases by jurisdiction
5. Register and apply through your base state’s motor carrier or tax services division
6. Stay current on tax filings and payments to remain in good standing
   
   

Once approved, you’ll receive two decals per power unit and a paper IFTA license you’ll need to keep in the cab. The license and decals are valid for one calendar year, and they must be renewed annually.

Note for Carriers Registering Under IRP

If you’re applying for IRP (International Registration Plan) and you don’t already have an IFTA license, you can register for both at the same time.

That’s exactly what we do at IRP Registration Services. With one simple form, you can handle both your IRP registration and your IFTA licensing in one go. Just check a box on the application, and we’ll take care of the rest from submitting your paperwork to getting your stickers in the mail. 

What Is Quarterly Fuel Tax Reporting?

Once you’ve got your license and decals, you’re not done. IFTA requires all license holders to file a quarterly fuel tax report. This report summarizes:

• How many miles you ran in each IFTA jurisdiction
• How many gallons of fuel you bought in each jurisdiction
• Your calculated tax liability or credit, based on that data
  
  

It’s your job to keep accurate records and report them honestly. Your base state will review your report, calculate what you owe (or are owed), and distribute those amounts to the right places.

Quarterly Deadlines

Here are the deadlines you’ll need to follow:

Quarter	Period	Deadline
Q1	Jan 1 – Mar 31	April 30
Q2	Apr 1 – Jun 30	July 31
Q3	Jul 1 – Sep 30	October 31
Q4	Oct 1 – Dec 31	January 31

Missing a deadline or filing inaccurately can lead to penalties, interest, or even suspension of your IFTA license. That’s why many carriers turn to professionals to handle their quarterly filings.

At IRP Registration Services, we help carriers file on time and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re filing one truck or an entire fleet, we make sure your numbers are accurate and your reports are submitted before the deadline.

Need help? Call us (888)202-4927 and we’ll handle the IFTA and IRP filing process from start to finish. We take care of the paperwork so you can stay focused on what matters, keeping your trucks moving and your business growing.

FAQ

• Why Do Trucks Need IFTA Stickers?

Trucks need IFTA stickers to legally operate across multiple states or provinces while reporting and paying fuel taxes under the International Fuel Tax Agreement. The stickers show the vehicle is registered for IFTA and compliant with fuel tax regulations.

• Do Local Trucks Need IFTA?

No, local trucks that operate only within one state (intrastate) do not need IFTA. IFTA is only required for trucks that travel across state or provincial lines.

• How is IFTA Calculated?

IFTA is calculated by tracking the total miles driven and fuel purchased in each state or province. You report this data quarterly, and fuel taxes are divided based on where the miles were driven. You may owe taxes or receive a refund depending on the fuel tax rates and purchases in each jurisdiction.

• What State Has the Highest Diesel Tax?

As of now, Pennsylvania ($0.7410/gal) typically has the highest diesel tax rate in the U.S., though this can vary slightly year to year.