What Does IRP Stand for in Trucking?

IRP stands for International Registration Plan. And if you’re new to the world of trucking, that term might sound confusing. Many new drivers or owner-operators don’t realize they need to register under IRP until they’re already crossing state lines. If you’re not sure what it all means, you’re not alone.

Before IRP, things were a lot more complicated. As trucks began transporting goods across state lines - and even into Canada or Mexico - each state wanted a share of the taxes and registration fees. That meant long-haul drivers often had to register in multiple states and carry separate license plates for each one. It was costly, inefficient, and a paperwork nightmare. On top of that, heavier trucks were causing more damage to highways, and states needed help funding repairs.

To create a fairer system, the government introduced IRP, allowing carriers to pay fees based on how much they travel in each state, not just where they’re based. IRP is closely tied to something called an apportioned license plate, which lets your truck legally operate in multiple states without needing separate plates.

What Is IRP in Trucking?

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement between 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and most Canadian provinces. Its purpose is to ensure that registration fees for commercial vehicles are fairly distributed based on the distance traveled in each region.

Here’s how it works:

You register your vehicle under IRP in your base state.
Instead of needing a license plate for each state you travel through, you get one special plate: the apportioned plate.
Your registration fees are then split proportionally based on how many miles you drive in each state or province.

For example, if your trucking route regularly takes you from Colorado to California, both states will receive a portion of your IRP registration fees - depending on how many miles you drive in each. This helps cover road maintenance and infrastructure costs in every jurisdiction your vehicle impacts.

When Do You Need Apportioned Plates?

When it comes to registering a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds, there are two main types of license plates:

Base Plates – These are standard commercial plates valid only in your home state. They’re typically used for intrastate operations (within one state only).
Apportioned Plates – These are issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and allow your vehicle to operate legally in multiple states or Canadian provinces.

You’re required to register under IRP and get apportioned plates if your vehicle meets any of the following:

Weighs more than 26,000 pounds
Has three or more axles, regardless of weight
Travels in two or more jurisdictions
Is used commercially across state lines

Let’s say you’re based in Wisconsin and haul freight into Minnesota or Illinois - even just a few times a year. That’s considered interstate commerce, and you’ll need apportioned plates under IRP to stay compliant. Without them, you risk fines, delays, or being taken out of service at a weigh station.

Apportioned Plates vs Commercial Plates

While both apportioned plates and commercial plates are used on commercial vehicles, they’re not the same - and understanding the difference is key to staying compliant.

Commercial Plate

Commercial plates are issued by your state’s DMV and are valid only within that state.
These are meant for intrastate operations, meaning your vehicle never crosses state lines.
They are typically used by local delivery trucks, contractors, landscapers, or service providers who operate entirely within one state.
You still pay a registration fee, but it only goes to your home state, and you’re not part of the IRP system.

For Example: If you’re a plumbing company based in Florida and your work trucks only operate locally within Florida, commercial plates are all you need.

Apportioned Plate

Apportioned plates are issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and are required for vehicles that meet specific criteria:

Travel across state or provincial lines
Weigh over 26,000 pounds
Have three or more axles, regardless of weight

These plates allow your vehicle to legally operate in multiple jurisdictions without needing separate registration in each one. Your registration fees are split among the states you travel in, based on mileage.

For Example: If you’re hauling freight from Florida to Georgia, Alabama, or beyond, you must register for IRP and use apportioned plates.

IRP vs Apportioned Plate: What’s the Difference?

This part is simple.

IRP is the program or system. The apportioned plate is what you receive when you register through IRP.

Once you’ve registered your vehicle with IRP, you’ll get an apportioned plate and a cab card listing all the jurisdictions where you’re allowed to operate.

How to Apply for IRP Registration

Each state or jurisdiction under IRP has its own registration rules. But the core process includes:

Establish Your Base Jurisdiction:You’ll need to prove where your business is based. This usually requires documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, or business license showing a physical address in your home state.
Submit Vehicle Information: Provide details for each vehicle being registered, including VIN, gross vehicle weight, number of axles, title and proof of ownership.
Estimate Jurisdictional Mileage: You must provide an estimate of how many miles your vehicle will operate in each IRP member state or province. If this is your first year, you'll likely submit projected mileage.
Complete the Application Forms: Fill out all required IRP forms

Most states now offer online IRP services through their official DMV or tax agency websites. For example, Wisconsin uses wisconsindot.gov, while Texas offers registration through txdmv.gov. Requirements, forms, and login systems may vary and that’s where things often get tricky.

If you'd prefer to skip the confusing paperwork and state-specific rules, our team at IRP Registration Services can handle the entire process for you - including submitting all necessary documents, calculating your fees, and ensuring you're compliant across all jurisdictions.