Becoming an independent motor carrier means you’ve entered a highly regulated industry filled with deadlines, permits, and paperwork. So where should you begin? Understanding which permits and registrations apply to your operation is crucial. Let’s start by breaking down the International Registration Plan (IRP) and how it plays a role in your trucking business, especially if Missouri is your home base.
Who Needs IRP Registration?
A vehicle is subject to IRP if it meets any of the following criteria:
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds (11,793 kilograms),
- Has three or more axles, regardless of weight,
- Is used in combination, when the total weight of the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Exceptions:
Recreational vehicles, vehicles displaying restricted plates, and government-owned vehicles are generally not required to be registered under IRP.
Understanding the Missouri IRP Program
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that simplifies how commercial vehicle registration fees are calculated and distributed. When Missouri is your base jurisdiction, you'll register your vehicle with the Missouri IRP office. Once completed, you’ll receive a single set of apportioned plates and a cab card, allowing legal operation in any participating region.
Rather than registering separately in each state you drive through, IRP consolidates the process. The cost is split between jurisdictions based on the actual miles your vehicle travels in each one and the type of vehicle you operate.
Missouri IRP Registration Process
If your commercial vehicle travels in more than one jurisdiction and meets the IRP criteria, you must register it for apportioned plates. However, before applying, certain operations, such as transporting hazardous waste, may require additional permits, like a MoDOT Hazardous Waste Transporter License.
When you're ready to register for IRP plates in Missouri, you’ll need to submit several important documents:
- A completed Motor Carrier Application
- Your vehicle’s title or an official titling receipt
- A signed lease agreement (if applicable)
- Current year personal property tax receipt
- Form 2290 (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax), required for power units rated at 55,000 lbs or more
To qualify under IRP, your vehicle must be designed and used for transporting people or cargo. It must also meet the weight thresholds defined by the program. For more detailed criteria, including required forms and vehicle qualifications, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued one apportioned license plate and a cab card for each registered vehicle. These must remain with the vehicle and be properly displayed at all times.
Missouri IRP Plate Renewals
IRP plates issued in Missouri are valid for one calendar year. Renewal deadlines depend on your registration cycle. Here’s a summary of key dates to remember:
| Registration Period | File By | Pay By | Plate Expires |
| Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Oct 1 | Dec 1 | Dec 31 |
| Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Jan 1 | Mar 1 | Mar 31 |
| July 1 – June 30 | Aug 1 | Jun 1 | Jun 30 |
| Oct 1 – Sept 30 | Aug 1 | Sept 1 | Sept 30 |
Failure to renew on time can result in penalties, including a $100 fine for late filings and an additional $30 per power unit, up to a maximum of $150, for late fee payments. You must also be current with all IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) quarterly tax filings to be eligible for IRP renewal.
Let IRP Registration Services Simplify Your IRP and Fleet Management
Navigating IRP registration can feel overwhelming, especially for new carriers or busy owner-operators who don’t have time to deal with complicated paperwork. That’s where we step in. Our IRP registration service is built to simplify the entire process, taking the stress off your plate.
We handle everything from beginning to end, including completing all required forms, accurately calculating fees based on your vehicle’s weight and mileage, helping you collect and verify your documents, submitting the application directly to the Missouri IRP office, and tracking it through to final approval.
Ready to start? Call us today at (888) 202-4927 and we’ll guide you through the IRP registration process from start to finish.