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In the world of commercial trucking, regulatory paperwork is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. One commonly misunderstood document is the cab card. A common search query is “cab card is registration card”, and the short answer is yes—but only in the context of commercial vehicles operating under the IRP (International Registration Plan).
The cab card is a vital component of the IRP (International Registration Plan) system, which governs how commercial vehicles are registered for operation across multiple states or provinces. If you’re unfamiliar with IRP and how apportioned registration works, our in-depth guide on what IRP is explains the system’s purpose, eligibility requirements, and how it connects to your cab card.
This article will break down the meaning, purpose, and legal significance of a cab card, and explain how it serves as a registration document for certain types of vehicles.
What Is a Cab Card?
A cab card is an official document issued to commercial motor carriers when they register their vehicles under the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that allows commercial vehicles to operate in multiple jurisdictions using a single registration.
While this article focuses on how the cab card functions as a registration card, you may also want to understand its broader role in fleet compliance. Our article on what is a cab card is covers everything from what’s printed on it to how it’s used during roadside inspections, providing a foundational overview for new and experienced fleet operators.
In simple terms:
A cab card acts as a multi-jurisdictional vehicle registration card for qualifying commercial vehicles.
What Does the Cab Card Include?
A cab card contains detailed registration information about the vehicle and the jurisdictions in which it is legally allowed to operate. Common elements include:
- Vehicle owner’s name and address
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number and issuing jurisdiction
- Registered gross weight per state or province
- List of approved operating jurisdictions
- IRP fleet number
- Vehicle make, year, and type
- Effective and expiration dates of the registration
Is a Cab Card a Registration Card?
Yes, a cab card is a type of registration card, but only for commercial vehicles enrolled in the IRP. It is not the same as a standard state-issued vehicle registration used for personal or intrastate vehicles.
| Feature | Cab Card | Standard Registration Card |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Commercial vehicles (IRP) | Personal or local commercial use |
| Scope of Use | Multi-jurisdiction (interstate/international) | Single state or province |
| Includes Weights per State | Yes | No |
| Includes Jurisdictions | Yes | No |
| Required Document | Yes (must be kept in vehicle) | Yes |
In IRP-based commercial vehicle registration, the apportioned plate is what goes on your vehicle, while the cab card is what validates your registration across jurisdictions. These two work together under the IRP system. To better understand the difference between the cab card and apportioned plate, explore our IRP guide’s apportioned plate section.
Who Needs a Cab Card?
A cab card is required for any commercial motor vehicle that travels in more than one jurisdiction and meets IRP requirements. Specifically, this includes vehicles that:
- Have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over 26,000 pounds, or
- Have three or more axles, regardless of weight, or
- Are used in interstate commerce (crossing state/province lines for business)
How to Obtain a Cab Card
To get a cab card, you must register your vehicle under the IRP with your base jurisdiction—typically your home state. The process involves:
- Submitting an IRP application
- Providing vehicle ownership documents, DOT number, and proof of insurance
- Estimating the mileage to be traveled in each jurisdiction
- Paying the applicable fees (based on jurisdictions and weights)
- Receiving your IRP plate and cab card
This process must be renewed annually.
Where Must the Cab Card Be Kept?
The cab card must always be carried inside the vehicle and made available during:
- Roadside inspections
- Weigh station checks
- Compliance audits
- Border crossings
Failure to present the cab card when requested by law enforcement can result in fines, delays, or vehicle impoundment.
Your cab card also plays a critical role in broader transportation compliance. It’s one of the many documents checked during inspections and audits to verify that your vehicle is registered properly for interstate commerce. Learn how it fits into the full compliance checklist in our guide to transportation compliance for fleets and drivers.
Digital Cab Cards: Are They Accepted?
Yes, many jurisdictions now accept electronic cab cards (PDFs or digital images), but this varies by state or province. It’s important to:
- Check local regulations
- Ensure the digital version is readily accessible on a mobile device or tablet
- Keep a printed backup if traveling through states that don’t yet accept electronic versions
When Should You Update or Replace a Cab Card?
You must update or request a new cab card if:
- You change the registered weight in any jurisdiction
- You add or remove states/provinces from your operating area
- Your company name or address changes
- You add a new vehicle to your IRP fleet
In these cases, updated cab cards are issued by your base jurisdiction’s IRP office.
FAQs
Q1: Is the cab card the same as the license plate?
No. The cab card is the registration document, while the IRP license plate is the physical plate attached to the vehicle. Both must match and be valid.
Q2: Does every commercial vehicle need a cab card?
Only those that operate in multiple states or provinces under IRP. Vehicles that operate solely within one state usually require only standard commercial registration.
Q3: Can I be fined for not carrying a cab card?
Yes. Operating an IRP-registered vehicle without a valid cab card on board can result in fines, penalties, or being placed out of service during a roadside inspection.
Q4: Can I print my cab card at home?
Some jurisdictions allow you to print your cab card from their online IRP portals. Make sure the printed version is legible and includes all required details.
Q5: What happens if I lose my cab card?
You must request a replacement from your IRP office. Driving without it, even temporarily, puts you at risk for legal trouble.
Q6: What’s the difference between a cab card and an IFTA license?
- A cab card covers vehicle registration under IRP.
- An IFTA license covers fuel tax reporting across jurisdictions.
They are separate documents but often required together.
While the cab card covers registration, you’ll also need to manage your fuel tax obligations if you operate across multiple states or provinces. Our complete IFTA license guide explains how to apply for decals, file quarterly returns, and meet IFTA reporting requirements—essential for fuel tax compliance.
Q7: Are there penalties for outdated cab cards?
Yes. Outdated cab cards may not reflect your current jurisdictions or weight limits and can lead to non-compliance fines.
Conclusion: Cab Card Is a Specialized Registration Card
To summarize:
Yes, a cab card is a registration card, but it’s not your everyday vehicle registration. It is specific to IRP-registered commercial vehicles and functions as proof of legal operation across jurisdictions. It’s an essential document in your compliance toolkit and must be updated, carried, and renewed properly.
Many fleet owners often confuse the cab card’s role in IRP with IFTA fuel tax reporting. It’s important to understand the distinction between these systems. We’ve broken this down in our IRP vs IFTA comparison, where we explain how registration and fuel tax rules apply separately but work together under interstate trucking regulations.
