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What Are Apportioned Plates?
Apportioned plates are specialized commercial vehicle license plates issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP). These plates allow interstate commercial vehicles (such as semi-trucks and buses) to legally operate across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces using a single registration system. Instead of obtaining separate plates in each jurisdiction, the fees are “apportioned” based on the mileage traveled in each.
What Is the International Registration Plan (IRP)?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces to facilitate the fair collection and distribution of registration fees. If you’re unfamiliar, check out our full guide: What Is IRP?
Key IRP keywords covered:
- irp registration
- irp renewal / irp registration renewal
- what is irp
- irp meaning / define irp
- irp account / irp account number
- irp plates / irp apportioned plates
- what is irp in trucking
- irp cab card / Cab Card
Who Needs Apportioned Plates?
According to the IRP, you must obtain apportioned registration if your vehicle:
- Is used for commercial transportation
- Has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 lbs
- Has three or more axles
- Travels in two or more jurisdictions
For more, visit our guide on Commercial Vehicle Registration.
What’s Included in the Apportioned Registration?
When you register under the IRP, you receive:
- An IRP cab card, which lists jurisdictions authorized for travel (see: Cab Card Is Registration Card)
- Your apportioned plates
- A record in your state’s IRP account
You can view a sample document here: Cab Card Example
State-Specific IRP and Apportioned Plate Information
We’ve outlined some important information for key states below:
Florida IRP
- florida irp / florida irp login / florida irp application
- florida irp office locations
- Florida International Registration Plan
Texas IRP
- texas irp / texas irp registration / texas irp login
- apportioned registration texas / apportioned plates texas
- Texas Cab Card
Pro tip: Use the Texas IRP online access application or visit the IRP office Tallahassee FL for in-person services.
IRP Illinois
- irp illinois / irp renewal illinois / irp application illinois
- How to Open IRP Account in Illinois
- illinois irp phone number for support
Indiana IRP and New Jersey IRP
- indiana irp / indiana apportioned plates / indiana irp phone number
- nj irp / nj irp login / irp registration nj
How to Get IRP Plates
To obtain IRP plates, you must:
- Set up your IRP account in your base jurisdiction
- Provide proof of insurance cab coverage (see irp insurance requirements)
- Submit an irp application or irp form
- Get approved and receive your irp number and cab card
Learn more: IRP Registration Services
Renewing Your Apportioned Plates
You must complete an irp renewal (also referred to as irp registration renewal) annually. Most jurisdictions allow irp renewal online using portals like txirp login or florida irp login.
Start here: IRP Renewal Application / IRP Renewal Online
IRP vs IFTA vs Truck Registration
Confused about IRP vs IFTA vs standard truck registration? You’re not alone. Read our detailed comparison here: Truck Registration vs IFTA vs IRP and the IRP vs IFTA guide.
IRP Cab Cards and Their Role
Your irp cab card acts as the travel permit under the IRP. It’s a required document drivers must keep in their vehicle. For details, visit: What Is a Cab Card?
Need to renew or issue one? Check out Cab Card Renewal
FAQs
Q: What does IRP stand for?
A: IRP stands for International Registration Plan.
Q: What does apportioned mean on a license plate?
A: It means the registration fee is split among states where the vehicle operates.
Q: What is an IRP vehicle?
A: A qualifying commercial vehicle registered under the IRP.
Q: How to get apportioned plates in Florida or Texas?
A: Apply via your state’s IRP portal or office. See guides for Florida IRP and Texas IRP.
Conclusion: Why Apportioned Plates Matter
Understanding apportioned plates is critical for any fleet owner, truck driver, or carrier operating across state lines. Proper IRP registration, maintaining a valid cab card, and staying compliant with transportation laws ensure your operations stay smooth and legal. Explore our Transportation Compliance Basics guide to dive deeper.
Outbound References:
Need help with IRP or Apportioned Plates? Contact your state IRP office or a licensed apportioned tag agency.
