Who needs apportioned plates
The International Registration Plan (IRP) covers vehicles that travel in two or more member jurisdictions (the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and Canadian provinces) and that meet any of these:
- Two axles and a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds
- Three or more axles, regardless of weight
- Used in a combination with a combined gross weight over 26,000 pounds
Trailers are not apportioned; they are registered normally in your base state. Vehicles that stay within one state use a standard registration instead.
What we do
- Establish your base jurisdiction and confirm the proof of an established place of business your state requires.
- Prepare the new account application, vehicle schedule and distance schedule. First-year accounts use the base state’s average distance chart; renewals use your actual mileage by jurisdiction.
- Assemble the supporting documents: titles, proof of Form 2290 payment where required, insurance, lease agreements and USDOT information.
- Submit the filing to the state IRP office and follow up until plates and cab cards are issued.
- Handle renewals, added or deleted vehicles, weight increases, replacement cab cards and, where your state offers it, temporary registration while a permanent cab card is pending.
What you will need
- Proof of an established place of business in your base state (requirements vary by state)
- Vehicle titles or registration, VIN, year, make, unladen weight and purchase price and date
- Declared gross weight for each jurisdiction
- USDOT number and, for vehicles 55,000 pounds and over, a stamped Form 2290 Schedule 1
- Proof of insurance and any lease agreements if the vehicle is leased to or from another party
- Actual distance by jurisdiction for the reporting period, for renewals
How long it takes
Timing depends on your base state. Some process complete applications within days; others take longer, especially for new accounts that require a place-of-business review. Registration fees are apportioned by jurisdiction based on your distance schedule and weights, and are paid to the state. We quote our service fee separately and in advance.
Common questions
What is a cab card?
The cab card is the registration document issued with your apportioned plate. It lists every jurisdiction and the registered weight in each one, and it must be carried in the vehicle. Running in a jurisdiction that is not on the cab card, or above the listed weight, is a violation.
Can I get a temporary while I wait?
Many states issue a temporary registration or temporary authority for a vehicle being added to an account, usually for a short fixed period. Availability and conditions vary, so we confirm this with your base state before you commit to a load.
I just bought a truck. Can you add it to my existing account?
Yes. Adding a vehicle, deleting one, transferring a plate or changing weights are routine supplements to an existing IRP account. Send us the vehicle details and we will prepare the supplement.
Next step: Tell us your base state and vehicle details. We will list exactly what your state requires and quote the work.
Think and Thank LLC is an independent, privately owned service provider. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT, the IRS or any state agency.