Overview

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a reciprocity agreement for the registration of heavy commercial vehicles (over 26,000 pounds) that operate in multiple jurisdictions, including US states, the District of Columbia and Canadian provinces. This plan simplifies the registration process and fee distribution for carriers. 

Key Features of the IRP

Eligibility

• Applies to commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds.
• Applies to vehicles operating in two or more jurisdictions.

Base Jurisdiction

• The carrier registers in the jurisdiction where its vehicles are based, known as the "base jurisdiction."
• For vehicles based in the District of Columbia, the base jurisdiction is the District itself.

Fee Collection and Distribution

• The base jurisdiction collects registration fees and distributes them to the states and Canadian Provinces as applicable.

Electronic Cab Cards

The International Registration Plan (IRP) has been amended to allow motor carriers to store apportioned registration cards in an electronic format, no longer requiring apportioned registered motor carriers to maintain paper credentials. As of January 1, 2019, carriers can carry IRP cab cards and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license in an electronic image. Paper IRP cab cards and IFTA licenses will no longer be required. All US States and Canadian Provinces will be required to accept electronic images of IRP cab cards and IFTA licenses. When stopped by law enforcement, credentials may be shown as an electronic image on a computer, tablet or smart phone as well as paper copies.

Application Process

Forms and Checklist

• Print and complete the IRP Application Form - 156.1 KB (pdf)
• Follow the 2023 IRP Application Process Checklist - 157.1 KB (pdf) to ensure all steps are completed.

Scheduling an Appointment

• Call the IRP Office at (202) 729-7079.
• Visit the IRP Office at:

DC DMV
ATTN: International Registration Plan
95 M Street SW
Washington, DC 20024

Fees

• Fees are calculated after the application is processed. Details are available under IRP Apportioned Fee Calculations.

What IRP Registration Does Not Exempt

• Payment of motor fuel taxes.
• Obtaining operating authority.
• Payment of the Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT).
• Compliance with FMCSA PRISM program requirements.
• Adherence to maximum height, length, width and axle limitations.
• Compliance with "bridge laws." 

Additional Permits

• Permits for overweight, over-length and/or overwidth vehicles are available through the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT).
• Contact DDOT at (202) 442-4670 or register online on their website.

Compliance Requirements

All IRP jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, must:

• Issue a single “apportioned” tag.
• Issue a single registration cab card.
• Allow both intrastate and interstate movement. 

Useful Resources and Links

• IRP Apportioned and Exempt Vehicles
• IRP Apportioned Fee Calculations
• IRP Audits, Mileage Records and Enforcement
• IRP Carrier Manual
• IRP News!
• Fee Schedule for Commercial Vehicles
• HVUT Information: Federal Highway Administration’s brochure - 6.38 MB (pdf), IRS instructions for Form 2290 and HVUT FAQs.

Contact Information

• IRP Office: (202) 729-7079
• DDOT Permits: (202) 442-4670