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If you operate a commercial vehicle across U.S. state or Canadian provincial lines, you’re likely required to comply with both the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). While these programs often get mentioned together, IRP vs IFTA serve very different purposes in the world of commercial transportation compliance.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between IRP and IFTA, when you need each, and how they work together to keep your trucking operations legal and efficient.
What Is IRP?
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a reciprocity agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces. It allows commercial motor carriers to register their vehicles in a single base jurisdiction while operating legally in all participating jurisdictions.
Key Features:
- Registers your commercial vehicle for interjurisdictional operation
- Fees are apportioned based on miles driven in each jurisdiction
- Requires an IRP cab card and apportioned license plate
Related reading: What Is IRP? Everything You Need to Know
See also: Cab Card Is Registration Card: What It Means in Commercial Trucking
What Is IFTA?
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a cooperative agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that simplifies the reporting and payment of fuel taxes by interstate carriers.
Key Features:
- Requires carriers to file quarterly fuel tax returns
- Taxes are paid based on miles traveled and fuel consumed in each jurisdiction
- Issued through a base jurisdiction (same as IRP)
- Carriers receive an IFTA license and two decals
Learn more: How to Get an IFTA License – Fuel Tax Compliance
IRP vs IFTA: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | IRP (International Registration Plan) | IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Distribute registration fees | Report and pay fuel taxes |
| Covers | Registration costs | Fuel usage and taxes |
| Proof of Participation | Cab card + Apportioned plate | IFTA license + Decals |
| Applies To | Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or 3+ axles | Same criteria as IRP |
| Filing Requirements | Annual registration | Quarterly fuel tax filings |
| Administered By | State/provincial IRP office | State/provincial IFTA office |
Explore deeper: Truck Registration vs IFTA vs IRP – Comparison Guide
Do You Need Both IRP and IFTA?
If your commercial vehicle:
- Weighs over 26,000 lbs OR has three or more axles, AND
- Travels in more than one jurisdiction
…then yes, you’re required to register under both IRP and IFTA.
Neglecting either can lead to severe penalties, audits, or being placed out of service during inspections.
How IRP and IFTA Work Together
Even though IRP and IFTA are separate programs:
- Both use the same base jurisdiction
- You’ll typically submit applications to the same motor carrier services department
- Both programs require detailed mileage tracking and fuel recordkeeping
This is why many carriers treat IRP and IFTA as a joint responsibility during onboarding and compliance reviews.
See the role of cab cards: What Is a Cab Card? Full Guide for Trucking
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to maintain accurate records or file reports for either program can result in:
- Fines and penalties
- Back taxes owed
- Vehicle seizure or out-of-service orders
- IFTA or IRP audits
Some jurisdictions even suspend your registration privileges if your IFTA or IRP accounts are not in good standing.
IRP and IFTA Recordkeeping Tips
To stay compliant:
- Maintain trip reports, including distance by jurisdiction
- Keep all fuel receipts (must show location, date, fuel type, amount, and price)
- Use electronic logging devices (ELDs) with IFTA/IRP integration
- Reconcile all data before filing quarterly or annual reports
For complete documentation, refer to the Commercial Trucking Documents Checklist.
Outbound Resources
Conclusion: IRP vs IFTA – Understand the Difference to Stay Compliant in Transportation
While IRP and IFTA are often mentioned together, they serve distinct roles in the regulatory framework of commercial transportation compliance. IRP handles registration fees, while IFTA manages fuel tax reporting. Understanding both is essential for maintaining legal, efficient operations across jurisdictions.
Don’t overlook your recordkeeping or renewal deadlines—your entire fleet depends on compliance.
Start here: How to Get an IFTA License – Fuel Tax Compliance
Understand base requirements: What Is IRP?
FAQs About IRP vs IFTA
Do I need IRP and IFTA if I only operate in one state?
No. If you don’t cross state or provincial lines, IRP and IFTA do not apply.
Can I use the same records for IRP and IFTA reporting?
Yes. Both programs require mileage logs by jurisdiction, so centralized trip reporting is best practice.
How often do I need to file?
- IRP: Annually
- IFTA: Quarterly
