International Registration Plan (IRP)
What is the International Registration Plan (IRP)?
If you’re looking for the Indiana Raceway Park (aka IRP) Track in Indiana, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if you are a driver/carrier that travels out of state, you will need to know about the International Registration Plan (IRP).
IRP allows a driver to register in its base state (that would be Indiana) and allows for travel to other states and some Canadian provinces that participate in the International Registration Plan, Inc. The IRP allows each state to issue one plate and one cab card credential that lists each state the carrier has paid fees to.
Who needs to know about this?
Any individual or business entity operating a qualifying vehicle should register that vehicle under the International Registration Plan (IRP). A qualifying vehicle is any vehicle used or intended for use in two or more IRP states and:
- Is a power unit (tractor, truck, etc.) having two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 lbs.; or
- Is a power unit (tractor, truck, etc.) having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
- Is used in combination when the weight of the combination exceeds 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight or registered weight.
If your type of vehicle is an Indiana base-plated and will run in Indiana only but you plan to operate in another state, then you must purchase a plate from both states or get a trip permit. If you plan to operate in other states on a regular basis, you should get an IRP plate. Vehicles or combinations having a gross vehicle weight of 7,000; 9,000; 11,000; or less than 16,000 lbs. that do not typically qualify can choose to register for an IRP plate (the starting fee is the same as a 16,000 lbs. plate).
What/who are the exceptions?
The following vehicles do not have to be registered for IRP:
- Buses
- Converter gears (such as an additional axle/trailer)
- City pickup and delivery vehicles
- Government-owned vehicles
- Recreational vehicles
- Vehicles with restrictive plates (such as police cars, environmental vehicles, etc.)
- Farm vehicles
(Vehicles or combination vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 lbs. or less and charter buses can register for IRP if they choose.)
The State of Indiana has four commonly used license plates that are exempt from IRP:
What’s next?
If you need to register for IRP, complete the checklist by clicking here.
Things to Remember
- Return your plate if you are not going to renew it by the 17th day of your staggered month to avoid additional fees.
- To claim a refund, you must request it in writing, delete the vehicle, and return the plate prior to the start of your staggered month.
- A penalty is assessed to your renewal if it’s not paid 15 days prior to the start of your staggered month.
