IRP vs. Trip Permits: Choosing the Right Option for Your Trucking Business

When it comes to operating commercial vehicles across state lines, truckers need to comply with a range of regulatory requirements. Two of the most important tools for legal interstate travel are the International Registration Plan (IRP) and Trip Permits. Both serve to ensure proper registration and tax payment for vehicles traveling between jurisdictions, but they’re used for very different purposes.

Temporary trip permits or trip permits come into play when a vehicle is not currently registered under IRP or is only temporarily operating in a state. These are short-term permits that allow legal travel without full registration. There are different types of trip permits depending on the situation:

• IRP Trip Permits - for vehicles that would normally require IRP registration but don’t have it.
• Temporary Trip Permits - issued by individual states to allow short-term travel without permanent registration.

Understanding the difference between IRP and Trip Permits is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding costly fines.

What Is IRP?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement among the contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. It allows for the apportioned registration of commercial motor vehicles that travel in more than one jurisdiction. 

Why Truckers Need IRP

If you operate a commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs, or with three or more axles, and you travel across state lines, you’re generally required to register under IRP. Rather than registering in each individual state, you pay registration fees proportional to the miles driven in each jurisdiction.

IRP is important for:

• Legal interstate operations
• Simplifying the registration process
• Ensuring fair distribution of registration fees among states

What Is a Trip Permit?

A Trip Permit is a temporary travel authorization for commercial vehicles that aren’t currently registered in a state where they intend to operate. It allows the vehicle to travel legally for a short duration (often 3 - 10 days), without needing full IRP registration. It’s mostly ideal for out-of-state carriers passing through or making a delivery, or one-time hauls.

Who Needs a Trip Permit?

Trip permits are typically needed when:

• A vehicle is not registered under IRP
• The vehicle is operating temporarily in a state where it’s not registered
• A trucker is testing or moving equipment without permanent registration

How to Get a Trip Permit

If you're not registered under IRP but need to enter another state temporarily, you’ll need to purchase a Trip Permit for each jurisdiction you enter. Trip permits can usually be obtained by visiting the state's DMV or DOT website, using third-party providers like IRPRegistrationServices, buying at ports of entry, truck stops, or weigh stations. 

Each state has different rules.

For example in Oregon a trip permit is required if a commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs enters the state without IRP registration. This state offers a 10-day trip permit for $43 (as of 2024), which is available through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). California offers trip permits for vehicles not registered in-state.

Comparison Table: IRP vs. Trip Permits

Feature	IRP	Trip Permit
Duration	Annual	Temporary (3–10 days)
Purpose	For regular interstate operations	For short-term, occasional travel
Cost	Based on miles driven per state	Flat fee per permit
Registration	Permanent, apportioned	Temporary travel authorization

Vehicles That Qualify

Trip permits and IRP registrations generally apply to:

• Vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR
• Vehicles with three or more axles, regardless of weight
• Commercial vehicles crossing state lines

How to Get Both?

To obtain IRP registration, carriers must apply through their base jurisdiction - the state or province where their business is established and where they maintain operational control of their vehicles. The process generally includes:

1. Submitting an application through the state's Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Revenue
2. Providing documents like proof of business address, USDOT number, vehicle title or lease agreement, the actual mileage per jurisdiction
3. Paying apportioned fees based on the mileage planned in each member jurisdiction

For example in Texas IRP registration is handled by the TxDMV, and carriers must submit the Schedule A/E and Schedule B forms along with proof of residency. In California, you apply through the IRP Unit of the DMV and must include evidence of vehicle ownership and actual miles traveled in each state. 

It’s important to check the regulations for each state you plan to operate in, especially if you’re not enrolled in IRP. That’s where we come in - we can help you secure the right trip permits quickly and ensure you're fully compliant before hitting the road.