The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement among U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Canadian provinces that allows commercial motor carriers to register their vehicles for state to state travel under a single account. Rather than registering separately in every state or province a vehicle enters, IRP enables carriers to pay registration fees based on the distance traveled in each jurisdiction. This streamlines the process and ensures fair distribution of fees.
New Hampshire participates in the IRP program. If you operate a qualified commercial vehicle that crosses state lines, you’ll need to either register under IRP or obtain a temporary IRP trip permit. This is crucial for staying compliant with transportation laws and avoiding fines or delays.
What Is The IRP?
The IRP is a reciprocal registration agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Washington D.C., and most Canadian provinces. It allows commercial vehicles that operate in more than one member jurisdiction to register under a single IRP account, with fees distributed proportionally based on mileage traveled in each region.
This plan simplifies the legal operation of large commercial vehicles across borders. Instead of dealing with individual state registrations, a carrier can manage one account and one set of plates. The vehicle receives apportioned plates and a cab card listing all jurisdictions where it’s authorized to operate.
New Hampshire is an active participant in the IRP. Carriers based in New Hampshire, or those who meet the state’s residency criteria, can register through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV). If your commercial vehicle meets the requirements and operates across state lines, apportioned registration is mandatory.
Who Needs to Register Under IRP in New Hampshire?
IRP applies to commercial motor vehicles used in interstate operations that meet any of the following criteria:
- A power unit with two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 pounds
- A power unit with three or more axles, regardless of weight
- A combination of vehicles with a combined GVW over 26,000 pounds
If your vehicle meets one of these criteria and crosses state lines even once, it must either be registered under IRP or operate under a valid temporary IRP trip permit.
How to Apply for IRP
To apply for IRP in New Hampshire, you must begin by identifying New Hampshire as your base jurisdiction. This means your business has a physical location in New Hampshire, you accrue miles within the state, and you maintain operational records here. Residency can also be established using proof like utility bills, vehicle titles, or a New Hampshire driver’s license.
Gather The Required Documents
Once your base jurisdiction is established, gather the required documents. You’ll need to complete the necessary IRP application forms (Schedules A/E & B for new accounts, Schedule C for changes, or Schedule F to add jurisdictions mid-year). Additionally, you’ll need to provide your USDOT number, proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) payment (Form 2290), proof of insurance, and detailed vehicle information like VIN and weight.
Submit your completed application in person or by mail to the NH DMV's Concord Registration Bureau or the Twin Mountain IRP office. Fees will be calculated based on where your vehicles operate and the distances traveled in each jurisdiction. Payment can be made via cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Renewing Your IRP Registration
IRP registrations must be renewed annually. The NH DMV usually sends renewal notices in advance of your account’s expiration date. It’s critical to respond promptly, as failure to renew on time can result in late fees, penalties, or suspension of your IRP credentials.
Some jurisdictions may offer a short grace period, but you should not rely on it. Keep your contact information updated with the NH DMV to ensure you receive renewal notices on time and avoid any disruptions to your interstate operations.
What If You Don’t Want to Register Under IRP?
If your commercial vehicle meets IRP requirements but only occasionally travels outside of New Hampshire, you can avoid full registration by obtaining a Temporary IRP Trip Permit. These permits allow for legal operation in another jurisdiction without full IRP registration.
A trip permit is typically valid for 72 hours and applies to a specific jurisdiction. It must be purchased and carried in the vehicle while operating interstate. This is a good solution for carriers who rarely cross state lines and want to avoid the full registration process.
Get IRP and Trip Permit Help Today
Need assistance navigating the IRP process? We’re here to help. Whether you're setting up your IRP account for the first time, renewing your annual registration, or requesting a temporary trip permit, our team can guide you every step of the way.
Give us a call today at (888) 202-4927 . We’ll make sure your registration is filed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with New Hampshire and IRP requirements.