What is IRP Registration?

IRP is an optional method of vehicle registration that allows multi-jurisdiction (interstate) operation of commercial vehicles under a single registration plate and registration certificate (cab card) issued by the registrant’s “base” jurisdiction.

What Are The Benefits of IRP Registration?

IRP registration provides apportioned or pro-rated fees for commercial vehicles operating in two or more jurisdictions.

Full annual fees normally paid to each jurisdiction where the registrant (carrier) operates are assessed based on the percentage of highway mileage traveled in each jurisdiction. For example, if an interstate vehicle, or fleet of vehicles, operates 50% of its total mileage in California and 50% of its total mileage in Nevada, that vehicle/fleet is assessed 50% of the fees that would otherwise be due in each state.

Vehicles registered in this manner are issued registration plate(s) and a cab card by their base jurisdiction only. The cab card identifies all the jurisdictions in which the registered vehicles are qualified for operation and the declared registered operating weight (combined gross weight) of each jurisdiction.

The fees for all of the jurisdictions where the vehicle or fleet is operated are collected by, and paid to the foreign jurisdictions via the IRP Clearinghouse, by the registrant’s base jurisdiction.

How Is the IRP Base Jurisdiction Defined?

The Base Jurisdiction means the jurisdiction where the registrant has an “established place of business”. It must be a physical location from which mileage is accrued by the fleet and where operational records of the fleet are maintained or can be made available for inspection.

What Vehicles Qualify for IRP Registration?

Any vehicle that meets the California Vehicle Code definition of “commercial vehicle” (CVC 260) and travels in California and at least one other jurisdiction may be registered under the IRP.

Most California based commercial vehicles operating at a gross or combined gross weight (G/CGW) weight of 26,001 lbs. or more must have IRP registration or alternative commercial trip permits from the appropriate foreign jurisdictions when operating outside California. Vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs. or less and operating strictly interstate may be exempt from IRP or temporary commercial trip permit under reciprocal agreements.

Regardless of your vehicles G/CG operating weight and your operational patterns, you should always contact the foreign jurisdiction in which you plan to travel if you choose not to file for IRP.

What Constitutes the “Established Place of Business”?

“Established place of business” means a physical structure that is owned, leased or rented by the IRP registrant. The location of the physical structure must be designated by a street number or road location, be open for business during normal business hours, and has located within it:

• One or more telephones publicly listed in the name of the fleet registrant. The applicant or registrant need not have land line telephone service at the physical structure.
• One or more persons employed by and conducting the business of the registrant (not a registration service)
  AND
• Have the operational records of the fleet available upon request.

Rental of a desk or desk space in a structure that is not owned, leased, or rented by the registrant does not constitute a valid place of business for purposes of IRP registration qualification.

The established place of business cannot be the address of a registration service agent.

The established place of business for owner/operators may be their home address.

Registrants that meet any of the criteria for the definition of a California Resident under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 516 normally must declare California as their IRP base jurisdiction.

When Do Fees Become Due and How Are They Assessed?

The California IRP registration period is 12 consecutive months, commencing on the 1st day of the assigned (beginning) month.

Fees become due on original IRP applications the month the vehicle(s) first begin interstate operations and are charged for 13 months. Fees for vehicles that are added to the fleet after the original application are due when the vehicle is added to the fleet and are assessed for the number of months between the date added and the last day of the assigned registration period.

IRP fleets must be renewed annually by midnight the last day of the month of the assigned registration period in order to avoid assessment of penalties on the California fees.

All fees must be submitted before indicia can be issued. Payment options are listed below:

• 100% California Fees
  OR
• California Apportioned Fee + Other Jurisdictional Fees (see requirements below).
  OR
• $250 per vehicle per month for the number of months between the application date and expiration date.
  OR
• $300 per vehicle per month for the number of months between the application date and expiration date (purchase price of $200,000 or more).
• A copy of the billing from the registrant or Registration Service Agent’s system software that was utilized to calculate fees for CA and other jurisdiction(s) must be submitted with the application.
• After the application has been processed by IRP Operations, a billing invoice detailing the mileage apportioned fees due for each jurisdiction and the grand total is mailed to the customer. If a balance due is reflected on the billing invoice, balance must be paid within 20 days of the billing date.

What Documents Are Required for IRP Registration?

First time (original) applicants for IRP registration must submit the following documents:

• California IRP Carrier Data Schedule A/B, form (MC 2117 I)
• California Vehicle Data Schedule C, form (MC 2118 I)
• USDOT Number (person responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle). The Federal Motor Carrier MCS-150 must be updated within the last 12 months PRIOR to the first day of the renewal period.
• Taxpayer ID Number (FEIN or SSN). (See Schedule A/B REG 2117 IRP)
• Documentation verifying the California place of business address.
• Individuals must report their California driver license number.
• Agreement to prepare and maintain records in accordance with International Registration Plan and California Apportionment Requirements (MC 522 I)
• Proof of payment of Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for all vehicles qualified for operation in any jurisdiction over 54,999 lbs. G/CGW.
• Verification of the Vehicle Identification Numbers for the fleet vehicle(s) submitted (REG 31)
• If the applicant will be represented for IRP registration purposes by a paid registration service agent an Agent Authorization form signed by the applicant or their authorized employee is required (Refer to the IRP Handbook).

IRP Recordkeeping Requirements

There are strict requirements under the IRP for maintaining records of vehicle/fleet mileage.

IRP customer mileage and vehicle records are subject to audit by the Department. Failure to maintain adequate mileage records can result in the assessment of significant penalties and interest. A completed MC 522 I is required with submission of application.

Statutory Authority

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 8000 through 8204; Revenue and Taxation Code (RTC) Section 10856; and the International Registration Plan.

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

You may access the DMV website for more IRP information and/or forms at: www.dmv.ca.gov. Or you may contact IRP Operations Section at DMV Headquarters in Sacramento at:

Department of Motor Vehicles
IRP Operations Section
PO Box 932320
Mail Station H160
Sacramento, CA 94232-3200
(916) 657-7971
FAX (916) 657-6628

Questions Concerning Other DMV Programs, Please Contact:

• Commercial Driver License 916-657-5771
• Employer Pull Notice Program 916-657-6346
• Employer Testing Program 916-229-4404
• Motor Carrier Permit Program 916-657-8153

For Other State Agencies, Please Contact:

• California Department of Transportation 916-654-6677
• California Highway Patrol 916-843-3400

For Federal Information, Please Contact:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (North) 916-930-2760
• U.S. Department of Transportation (South) 909-937-2949
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in Washington DC (FMCSA) 800-832-5660