The International Registration Plan (IRP) allows commercial vehicle operators to register their fleets in West Virginia and use those credentials across multiple jurisdictions. Under IRP, each vehicle is apportioned registration fees based on the percentage of mileage driven in each member state - making cross-border trucking simpler and more efficient.
The International Registration Plan (or IRP for short) is an agreement made between the 48 contiguous states of the US, Washington DC, and the ten provinces of Canada. The Plan simplifies the collection of fees and their distribution to the member jurisdictions. By using the IRP drivers have no problem doing business in other jurisdictions beyond their home base.
Who Needs IRP in West Virginia?
If your commercial vehicles exceed 26,000 pounds or have three or more axles, you must register them under IRP in West Virginia before traveling across state lines. If your truck meets any of the following criteria, you’ll be required to enroll:
Once registered, you’ll receive apportioned license plates and cab cards that are valid in all IRP member jurisdictions.
If you can answer “yes” to any of these, call us for assistance with your IRP registration at (888) 202-4927. We’ll just get a bit of information from you over the phone, then we’ll need a few hours to fill out the paperwork. Then it’ll be rushed over to the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles where they’ll need 5 days to process the documents. Shortly thereafter you’ll receive your apportioned tags, license plate, weight decal and cab card.
How to Open an IRP Account in WV
To set up a new IRP account in West Virginia:
- Complete the New Account Packet - available from the West Virginia DMV’s Motor Carrier Services.
- Provide proof of your physical address, including your business registration and two additional documents (like a utility bill or WV driver’s license)
- Submit a Schedule 1 from IRS Form 2290 to show payment of the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax if your vehicle is 55,000 pounds or heavier, unless registering within 60 days of purchase
- Include proof of liability insurance.
- Return all documents to the DMV Motor Carrier Services office or submit them electronically
Once approved, you’ll receive apportioned plates and cab cards, and you’ll be set to operate seamlessly across jurisdictions.
Re-Renewals and Mileage Filing
Renewing is done online via the WV DMV portal. You’ll need your account and fleet numbers, and you must report actual or averaged mileage by jurisdiction when renewing. If you don’t renew by July 15 each year, your plates and cab cards must be returned to avoid penalties.
West Virginia’s IRP program requires detailed fleet and mileage records. This means you need to keep accurate, up‑to‑date records of all the miles each vehicle travels, broken down by jurisdiction, as well as supporting documents like trip sheets, fuel receipts, logbooks, and GPS data. These records must match the mileage you report on your IRP filings and renewals. Without proper records, you could face additional tax assessments, penalties, or even suspension of your IRP registration.
Need Our Help?
If you’re setting up IRP in West Virginia and need guidance through forms, document submission, or renewal, we’re here to help.
Just give us a ring at (888) 202-4927 today and we'll handle all the paperwork.