International Registration Plan (IRP)

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The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement that regulates commercial vehicles traveling within the 48 continental United States and most Canadian provinces. Under the IRP, interstate carriers must file an application with the jurisdiction in which they are based.

To qualify, New Jersey-based motor carriers must travel out-of-state and consist of:

  • A power unit with two axles and a registered vehicle weight (or gross vehicle weight) in excess of 26,000 pounds.
  • A power unit with three or more axles, regardless of weight.
  • A vehicle combination, when the gross weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds.

IRP registration fees are based on miles traveled or miles expected to be traveled in participating jurisdictions.

IRPs are Apportioned Vehicles – vehicles used (or intended for use) in two or more member jurisdictions for the transportation of property.

Exceptions: recreational vehicles, vehicles displaying restricted plates, school buses, trailers and vehicles operated under separate reciprocity agreements that IRP has not superseded.

Individual Vehicle Mileage Record (IVMR)

IVMR is a document that drivers complete for each trip made in a vehicle that is part of an IRP fleet including owner-operated and leased vehicles.

 

  • A common IVMR is the driver’s trip sheet or log.
  • Yearly and monthly summaries must be maintained for the IRP audit.
  • Acceptable records must contain:
    • Date of trip;
    • Registrant's name and driver's name and signature;
    • Trip origin, destination and distance traveled;
    • Routes traveled;
    • Start/finish odometer or hubometer readings;
    • Vehicle unit numbers for power units;
    • Fleet numbers (for registrant with more than one fleet);
    • Purchased trip permits; and
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and, plate number.


Get your IRP vehicle registration application and mail to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Motor Carrier Services, IRP Section
225 East State Street
P.O. Box 178
Trenton, NJ 08666-0178

  • Or call the Motor Carriers Services, IRP Section at (609) 633-9400 to request an IRP information packet. Packets include a manual, Schedule A/C and B, an estimated mileage chart and an IRP Registration Certification form.
  • Renew your registration on-line.

IRP does not:

  • Waive or exempt an operator from obtaining authority from any state or province in which the apportioned vehicle travels.
  • Waive or replace IFTA requirements.
  • Waive or exempt the payment or reporting of the Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290) or other taxes (income, sales, etc.).
  • Allow registrants to exceed the maximum length, width, height or axle limitations.


Frequently asked questions about IRP

What is IRP?

The International Registration Plan is a cooperative agreement between participating jurisdictions for registering vehicles that travel interstate.

How does an IRP work?

Under the IRP, interstate carriers must file an application with the jurisdiction in which they are based. The base jurisdiction issues registration credentials for each vehicle. Roadside enforcement uses these credentials to verify and validate registration. The apportioned plates, stickers and cab card are registration credentials you need to operate on an interstate and intrastate basis in member jurisdictions. Registration fees are calculated according to each jurisdiction’s specific registration fee schedules.

Can I obtain apportioned registration credentials at a motor vehicle agency?

No. Apportioned registrations may only be obtained at Motor Carrier Services, 120 South Stockton & Front Street, Trenton, NJ 08611.

What is a base jurisdiction?

"Base Jurisdiction" means the jurisdiction in which the registrant has an established place of business, where mileage is accrued by the fleet and where the operational records of such fleets are maintained or can be made available in accordance with the provisions of Section 1602 of the IRP Guidelines.

What is considered as an established place of business?

"Established Place of Business" means a physical structure owned, leased or rented by the fleet registrant, designated by a street number or road location with operations during normal business hours. It must have:

  • A Utility Bill showing the name of the fleet registrant.
  • A person or persons conducting the fleet registrant’s business.
  • Operational records of the fleet (unless such records can be made available in accordance with the provisions of Section 1602).

What vehicles are exempt from obtaining apportioned registrations?

  • Vehicles operating under separate reciprocity agreements that the IRP has not superseded.
  • Recreational vehicles used for personal pleasure or travel by an individual or family.
  • Commercial vehicles displaying restrictive plates.
  • Trailers
  • School buses
  • Although the aforementioned vehicles are exempt from IRP registration, a base jurisdiction standard registration plate may still be required.

Can apportioned license plates be personalized?

No, they cannot be personalized.

How long should IRP records be kept?

IRP records must be maintained on file for five years.