What are IRP Apportioned Plates and when do you need them?

IRP Apportioned Plates (International Registration Plan license plates) are special commercial registration plates for trucks and buses that operate in interstate transportation in the United States and Canada. They allow you to pay taxes and fees in proportion to mileage in each state/province, instead of purchasing licenses separately. 

What are IRP Apportioned Plates?

The IRP (International Registration Plan) is an international agreement between all US states, the District of Columbia, and most Canadian provinces that allows commercial carriers to use a single registration and a single set of license plates to operate in multiple jurisdictions.

Previously, in order to legally transport cargo across multiple states, companies and drivers had to obtain separate registrations for each jurisdiction, which created a huge amount of red tape, paperwork, and additional costs. Thanks to the IRP, everything has become much simpler:

• One registration — one set of license plates per vehicle, valid in all signatory jurisdictions.
• Proportional taxation: Taxes are paid based on the number of miles traveled in each state or province. For example, if a truck traveled 1,000 miles in California and 500 miles in Nevada, the tax is paid according to this distribution.
• Reduced administrative burden: The company submits a single application for registration rather than dozens for each state, saving time and resources.
• Centralized accounting capability: The IRP provides a standardized system for accounting for mileage, taxes paid, and license plate status that is used by all jurisdictions.

Historical background: According to Wikipedia, the IRP has been in operation since 1973 and covers most of North America. Today, hundreds of thousands of commercial vehicles, from trucks to buses, are registered annually through the IRP, ensuring the legal and efficient movement of goods between states and countries.

In addition, the IRP simplifies inspections for government agencies: in each state or province, it is sufficient to check one document and license plates, rather than dozens of different papers. This reduces the risk of fines for incorrect or late registration.

A real-life example: a company that transports goods from California to Nevada and Arizona would previously have had to obtain three different sets of license plates and pay three different registration fees. Thanks to the IRP, the company submits a single application, pays taxes in proportion to the miles traveled in each state, and receives a single set of apportioned plates that are valid everywhere.

What data do IRP plates contain?

IRP plates are linked to detailed information about the vehicle and its owner, allowing government agencies and inspectors to quickly verify the legality and status of the vehicle in any jurisdiction.

Key data contained in the IRP system and displayed on the registration/plates:

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
   • A unique 17-digit code that uniquely identifies the vehicle.
   • Used to check the history of the vehicle, including owners, mileage, and encumbrances.
2. Owner or company details
   • Full name of the legal entity or full name of the individual.
   • Legal address and contact details for official communications.
   • In the case of commercial fleets, information about the responsible driver or fleet manager.
3. Mileage database in different jurisdictions
   • Information about the number of miles or kilometers traveled in each state or province.
   • Used to calculate taxes and fees proportionally, which is the basis of IRP.
   • This also allows you to check whether the permitted loads for commercial vehicles have been exceeded.
4. Leasing or loan information
   • If the vehicle is under financial use, the IRP includes information about the leasing company or lender.
   • This protects lenders and leasing companies by ensuring that the vehicle will not be illegally transferred or sold without their consent.
5. Vehicle weight characteristics
   • Includes the total weight of the vehicle, permissible axle load, and total cargo weight.
   • This allows you to check whether the truck complies with road regulations in different states and provinces, as overloading is punishable by fines.
6. Additional technical and administrative data
   • Vehicle category (truck, bus, special equipment).
   • Status of payment of taxes and fees for previous periods.
   • Additional permits if the vehicle has special routes or restrictions (e.g., transportation of dangerous goods).

When are IRP plates required?

Not all vehicles require IRP plates. They are intended for commercial vehicles that exceed certain weight or operating criteria and operate in multiple jurisdictions.

The main cases where IRP plates are mandatory are:

• Vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds (≈11,793 kg) or more

This is the standard for trucks transporting large loads between states. The plates allow commercial carriers to distribute taxes proportionally to the mileage traveled in each jurisdiction.

• Vehicles with three or more axles

Even if the weight is less than 26,001 pounds, having 3 or more axles makes the vehicle commercial under IRP. This is common among trucks and special vehicles such as buses and trailers.

• Interstate transportation of goods or passengers

If a truck or bus crosses state lines, it falls under the IRP. Plates simplify interaction with various government agencies and reduce the risk of penalties for incorrect registration.

• A company registered in one state but operating in another

For example, a California transportation company that transports goods to Nevada must obtain IRP plates to operate legally. This ensures a transparent tax payment system and allows the company to operate without additional local licenses.

Examples of application:

• A California company transports furniture to Nevada and Arizona

IRP Plates are required because the vehicle is engaged in interstate freight transportation and exceeds weight criteria.

• A bus operator transports passengers from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

IRP Plates are also required because the bus operates between states and has more than two axles.

• A 24,000-pound farm truck that operates only within California

IRP Plates are not required because the vehicle does not cross state lines and does not exceed the weight limit.

Additional details:

• IRP plates are not required for private trucks operating exclusively within a single state.
• Even if the vehicle weighs less than 26,001 pounds, having three or more axles or regularly transporting goods between states automatically requires IRP.
• For companies with fleets of multiple vehicles, IRP allows them to pay taxes centrally, without the need for separate registrations in each state.

How to obtain IRP Apportioned Plates in California?

Obtaining IRP Plates in California is an important process for commercial carriers, allowing them to legally operate between states and pay taxes in proportion to the mileage traveled. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain apportioned license plates.

1. Gather the necessary documents

Before submitting your application, make sure you have all the documents:

• Form REG 401 (Application for IRP)

This is an official DMV form that confirms your intention to register your vehicle under the IRP. It must be filled out in detail, with information about the owner, vehicle, and mileage.

• Company information

EIN (Employer Identification Number) — company tax identification number, address, and contact details.

Individuals registering commercial vehicles must provide their personal address and contact details.

• Vehicle documents

Technical passport, VIN code, insurance certificate. For leased or financed vehicles — additional proof of financial obligations.

• Proof of Residency

For example, a utility bill or lease agreement This confirms the legal address of the company or owner, which is important for the correct calculation of state taxes.

2. Submitting an application

There are two main ways:

1. Through the DMV California IRP Office
   • Visit the DMV office in person, submit your documents, and pay the fees.
   • Pros: you can clarify details on the spot and get advice.
   • Cons: queues and time consumption.
2. Through online services
   • Online platforms allow you to apply without visiting the DMV.
   • Pros: time savings, minimization of errors when filling out forms, support from specialists at every stage.

3. Paying fees

The basic registration fee in California is $58.

Additional payments:

• Weight fee — depends on the actual weight of the vehicle.
• Mileage tax — calculated proportionally to the kilometers in each state where transportation is carried out.
• Administrative fee — payment for processing DMV documents.

Important: The total amount may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the number of jurisdictions in which it operates.

4. Obtaining plates and cab cards

After your application is processed, you will receive:

IRP Plates — personalized license plates for your vehicle.

Cab Card — a registration certificate containing information about mileage in different states and permitted routes. Keep the cab card in your vehicle, as inspectors may request it during inspections.

5. Processing times

• The process usually takes 2–4 weeks.
• When applying through online services such as Xtreet, the time frame can be reduced to 1–2 weeks, depending on the speed of document verification and fee payment.

Practical tips

• Check the accuracy of the information on the forms, especially the VIN, address, and mileage.
• Keep track of deadlines: paying fees and submitting your application in advance will help you avoid penalties.
• Use support services (such as Xtreet) to minimize bureaucracy and save time.
• Keep separate mileage records for each state to pay the apportioned tax correctly and avoid problems during inspections.

Table: Who is required to have IRP Plates

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How much does it cost to obtain IRP Apportioned Plates in California?

 It depends on the weight, mileage, and states where the vehicle operates. The base rate starts at $58 + additional fees.

2. Can I apply online?

 Yes, through Xtreet or the official DMV portal.

3. How long does it take to process?

 On average, 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer during peak periods.

4. What is a cab card?

 It is a registration certificate that must always be in the vehicle along with the plates.

5. Are plates required for passenger cars?

 No, only for commercial vehicles that meet the criteria.

6. Can IRP plates be used in Canada?

 Yes, the system is also in effect in most Canadian provinces.

7. What should I do if I lose my plates?

 Contact the DMV or Xtreet — you will need a duplicate.

8. Can I transfer plates to another owner?

 No, plates are tied to the company/vehicle.

9. Do I need to renew my plates every year?

 Yes, IRP plates are valid for 1 year, after which they are renewed.

10. Will Xtreet help if the DMV rejects my application?

 Yes, the team will check your documents, make corrections, and resubmit your application.

Conclusion

IRP Apportioned Plates are a key document for any transportation company operating between US states or with Canada. They greatly simplify work and allow for fair and transparent tax distribution.

To avoid queues, errors, and unnecessary expenses, carriers are increasingly using online services such as Xtreet, where the entire process can be completed remotely and plates can be obtained as quickly as possible.