Ky.gov

International Registration Plan (IRP)

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Motor Carriers

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Are you traveling out of Kentucky?
Are you using a farm-plated vehicle?
Are you hauling over 26,000 pounds (this includes truck, trailer, and load)?
You will not need IRP. If you begin hauling for someone other than yourself, you will need IRP.
Are you hauling over 26,000 pounds (this includes truck, trailer, and load)?
Is your business (or base of operations) physically located in Kentucky?
Will you be picking up AND dropping off in a state other than Kentucky?
Is your business (or base of operations) physically located in Kentucky?
Will you be picking up AND dropping off in a state other than Kentucky?
You must register for an IRP account with Kentucky.
View IRP Requirements
You must contact your base state.
Contact Your Base State
Is your business (or base of operations) physically located in Kentucky?
You will not need IRP.
You must register for an IRP account with Kentucky.
View IRP Requirements
You must contact your base state.
Contact Your Base State
Is your business (or base of operations) physically located in Kentucky?
You will not need IRP.
You must register for an IRP account with Kentucky.
View IRP Requirements
You must contact your base state.
Contact Your Base State
You must register for an IRP account with Kentucky.
View IRP Requirements
You must contact your base state.
Contact Your Base State
You do not need IRP and you can obtain your plate at your County Clerk's office.

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To print your cab card(s) immediately:


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Contact the IRP office:


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IRP TRANSACTION REQUIREMENTS

​To obtain IRP plates for the first time, collect the documents below and submit them to the IRP office in Frankfort.

1. Completed Schedule C Application TC 95-303 listing your new account information and vehicle information. The principal owner needs to provide a valid ID. If the address is a KY residence, then the ID must be a valid KY driver's license, CDL, or Real ID (the address must match for residents).

2. Completed Schedule B TC95-303.

3. Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form TC 95-641. **Note: An operational lease agreement is required if operating under another carrier's USDOT number and must be signed by both parties. If you are leased to a motor carrier for your authority, you are required to notify your base state IRP office within 10 calendar days of the motor carrier responsible for safety changes. You may be subject to a citation if you do not notify your base state and receive an updated cab card.​

4. An Apportioned Certificate for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office will be required prior to the account creation.​

5. Stamped Form HVUT 2290 (issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight or more for the current tax period. This is for vehicles that have been owned for 60 days or more. The HVUT 2290 is a Federal tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service. The HVUT 2290 can be paid online or at an IRS office. KY must verify that the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the HVUT 2290 Schedule 1 (the e-file watermark must be visible if filed electronically), including all VINs for the required vehicles.

6. Three forms of proof of Kentucky physical address. Examples are copies of Kentucky vehicle titles, filed income tax returns, phone or utility bills. All proofs must match the name and physical address on the account. P.O. Box address proofs are not acceptable.

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Each year, every IRP account must be renewed. The fastest and easiest way to renew is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal. 
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  • Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online.
  • From the IRP Dashboard, click on the blue “Renew IRP Fleet” button
    • Enter the miles traveled during the reporting period.
    • Verify all vehicle information is correct.
    • Upload any of the requested information. If any information is required, you will be prompted to upload during the process.
    • File and pay.
    • You can print cab cards once all required materials have been reviewed and approved.
To renew your IRP account, the following items will be required:
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  1. Apportioned Certificate (Form TC96-81) for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (Applicant must apply for the title and obtain a certificate before filing for IRP.)​

  2. If operating under another DOT’s Authority, please submit the Operational Lease Agreement Form.
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  3. Stamped Form HVUT 2290​(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight or more for the current tax period. This is for vehicles that have been owned for 60 days or more. The HVUT 2290 is a Federal tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service. The HVUT 2290 can be paid online or in person at an IRS office. KY must verify that the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the HVUT 2290 Schedule 1 (the e-file watermark must be visible if filed electronically), including all the VINs on the required vehicles.
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  4. Operational Lease agreement if operating under another carrier's DOT number. Must be signed by both parties. If you are leased to a motor carrier for your authority, you are required to notify your base state IRP office within 10 calendar days if the motor carrier responsible for safety changes. You may be subject to a citation if you do not notify your base state AND receive an updated cab card.



Whether your company has bought a new truck or a new owner-operator will lease onto your account, vehicles can be added to your IRP account throughout the year. The fastest and easiest way to add vehicles is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal. 
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1. Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online.

2. From the “Account Dashboard” under “Suggested Actions – IRP”, click on Start a Supplement.

3. This will bring you to the “Weights & Units” page. Click on Add Unit under the Weight Group/Vehicle Type that you need on the far right under the “Actions” column.
 
4. It will take you to a screen that says “Vehicle Search”. Enter the Title Number of the vehicle you want to add to your registration and click “Search”.

5. Enter the vehicle details.
  • Unladen Weight: Empty weight of unit only – no trailer, no load (or combination thereof)
  • Factory Price: Click the “Default Factory Price” widget to the right of this field​
  • QC Axles (QC for Quebec, Canada): Tab over this field (it will autofill).
6. Click “Save Unit” at the bottom.

It will bring you back to the “Weights & Units” page of the supplement. Scroll down to the units, make sure you see the + symbol next to the VIN that you added.

1. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Validate and Calculate Fees” at the bottom right.

2. Review the Application Fee Summary. If you have any documents to upload (a stamped 2290/Lease Agreement), you will do it here by clicking on the “Maintain Required Materials” (note: the message that you have required documents will not disappear once they are uploaded because they must be reviewed by our KYTC office, but you can move forward with the supplement). Then click “File Application” at the bottom, then click “Continue” on the next page.

3. Click the “Electronic Payment” radio button at the bottom, then click “Process Payment” at the bottom and wait for the new website to open.

4. Enter your payment information. When it says “Thank you for your payment”, make sure you click “Finish”.

5. Once the payment has posted and IRP has approved your documents, you will be able to print your cab cards from the “Receive Credentials” page of the supplement.

​A vehicle exchange/transfer transaction allows you to remove one vehicle from your IRP fleet and obtain credit toward the purchase of a plate for a new vehicle. Examples include: replacing a wrecked truck with a new vehicle, removing a leased owner-operator's vehicle, and switching their plate to a new vehicle. The fastest and easiest way to add vehicles is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal. 

1. ​Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online.

2. From the “Account Dashboard” under “Suggested Actions – IRP”, click on Start a Supplement.

3. This will bring you to the “Weights & Units” page. Scroll down to the “Units” section of this page, and click the “Exchange Units” button (dark blue widget in top right corner).

4. Click on the Underlined VIN that you’d like to remove.

5. It will take you to a screen that says “Vehicle Search”.  Enter the title number of the vehicle you want to add to your registration, choose the appropriate Weight Group/Vehicle Type from the dropdown, and click “Search”.

6. Enter the vehicle details.
  • ​Unladen Weight: Empty weight of unit only – no trailer, no load (or combination thereof).
  • QC Axles (QC for Quebec, Canada): Tab over this field (it will autofill).
  • Factory Price: Click the “Default Factory Price” widget to the right of this field
7. Scroll down to “Plate Actions”. “Transfer Plate” is preselected, which allows you to transfer the existing plate to the new vehicle. If you select “Issue Plate”, a new plate will be assigned to the vehicle you are adding to the fleet. The existing plate must be mailed back to our KYTC office before a new plate can be issued. If you do not have the existing plate, a notarized affidavit must be completed and uploaded to this supplement for approval by our office.

8. Click “Save Unit” at the bottom of the page.

It will bring you back to the “Weights & Units” page of the supplement. Scroll down to the units, make sure you see the + and – symbols, along with the exchange symbol next to the two VINs.

1. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Validate and Calculate Fees” at the bottom right.

2. Review the Application Fee Summary. If you have any documents to upload (2290/Lease Agreement/Plate Affidavit), you will do it here by clicking on the “Maintain Required Materials”. Then click “File Application” at the bottom, then click “Continue” (Note: The message that you have required documents will not disappear once they are uploaded because they must be reviewed by our office, but you can move forward with the supplement).

3. Click the “Electronic Payment” button at the bottom, then click “Process Payment” at the bottom and wait for the new website to open.

4. Enter your payment information. When it says “Thank you for your payment”, make sure you click “Finish”.

5. Once the payment has posted and we have approved your documents, you will be able to print your cab cards from the “Receive Credentials” page of the supplement.

​A weight change transaction allows you to raise the weight on IRP vehicles. You may need to visit the county clerk to change the weight on your apportioned certificate (if dropping below 55,000 lbs, or changing the weight below 55,000 lbs to a weight above 55,000 lbs). The fastest and easiest way to add vehicles is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal. 

1. Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online. 

2. From the “Account Dashboard” under “Suggested Actions – IRP”, click on Start a Supplement.

3. On the Weights & Units page, add the new weight group.

4. Under Actions for the new weight group, click on Edit. 

5. Move the unit(s) to the new weight group. (Please note TK & TT can only be moved to like groups.

6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Validate and Calculate Fees” at the bottom right.

Review the Application Fee Summary. If you have any documents to upload (2290/Lease Agreement), you will do it here by clicking on the “Maintain Required Materials” (note: the message that you have required documents will not disappear once they are uploaded because they must be reviewed by our office, but you can move forward with the supplement). Then click “File Application” at the bottom, then click “Continue” on the next page.

7. Click the “Electronic Payment” radio button at the bottom, then click “Process Payment” at the bottom and wait for the new website to open.

8. Enter your payment information. When it says “Thank you for your payment”, make sure you click “Finish”.

9. Once the payment has posted and we have approved your documents, you will be able to print your cab cards from the “Receive Credentials” page of the supplement.


If your plate has been lost or destroyed, it can be replaced for a $3.00 fee. The fastest and easiest way to process a plate replacement is to the Motor Carrier Portal. 

1. Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online.

2. From the “Account Dashboard” under “Suggested Actions – IRP”, click on Start a Supplement.

3. This is the “Weights & Units” page. Scroll down to the “Units” section and click on the Underlined VIN of the vehicle you need a plate replacement for.

4. It will open the “Maintain Unit” page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the “Plate Actions” section and click the “Replace Plate” radio button. Then click “Save Unit” at the bottom of the page.

5. You will be brought back to the “Weights & Units” page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Validate and Calculate Fees” at the bottom right.

6. This is the “Application Fee Summary” page. You will be assessed a $3 fee for each plate replaced. For the Required Materials, the existing plate must be mailed back to our office before a new plate can be issued. Alternatively, if you do not have the existing plate, a notarized affidavit must be completed and uploaded to this supplement for approval by our office. Once you have uploaded your documents, click on “File Application”, then “Continue”.  

7. Click the “Electronic Payment” radio button at the bottom, then click “Process Payment” at the bottom and wait for the new website to open.

8. Enter your payment information. When it says “Thank you for your payment”, make sure you click “Finish”.

9. Once the payment has posted and we have approved your documents, you will be able to print your cab cards from the “Receive Credentials” page of the supplement.

An IRP Update Lease Transaction will change the carrier responsible for safety on your cab card. The carrier responsible for safety is listed in the bottom left of your cab card, and this USDOT number should be on the side of your vehicle. If you are leased to a motor carrier for your authority, you are required to notify your base state IRP office within 10 calendar days if the motor carrier is responsible for safety changes. You may be subject to a citation if you do not notify your base state AND receive an updated cab card. The fastest and easiest way to replace credentials is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal. 

1. Click "What Can I Do?" at the top of the page, and then click IRP Online. 

2. From the “Account Dashboard” under “Suggested Actions – IRP”, click on Start a Supplement.

3. This is the “Weights & Units” page. Scroll down to the “Units” section and click on the Underlined VIN of the vehicle that you wish to update the MCRS for.

4. You will now be on the Maintain Unit page.

5. Scroll down to the “Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety” section.

6. Type in the USDOT and FEIN for the new MCRS and then click “Validate USDOT”.

7. Scroll down to the bottom and click “Save Unit.”

8. You will be brought back to the “Weights & Units” page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Validate and Calculate Fees” at the bottom right.

9. Review the Application Fee Summary. Upload your Kentucky Operational Lease Agreement by clicking on the “Maintain Required Materials” (note: the message that you have required documents will not disappear once they are uploaded because they must be reviewed by our office, but you can move forward with the supplement). Then click “File Application” at the bottom, then click “Continue” on the next page.

10. Click on “Make $0 Payment”.

11. The KYTC Office will review/approve your Lease Agreement in the order it was received. You can print the permanent cab cards once the Required Materials widget has disappeared.

If your address has changed, you should always notify the IRP office so your account can be updated. Choose whether the address is an established place of business or a residence.

1. Completed Change of Company Information Form.

2. Proof of Kentucky Physical Address (Established Place of Business (EPOB) OR Kentucky Proof of Residency PLUS two acceptable proofs):
Established Place of Business (EPOB) shall meet the following requirements:
  • At least a one-year lease (copy of lease/mortgage statement required)
  • ​Business Records
  • Staffed by 1 or more employees with at least 20 hours/week, with business hours posted.
  • Photos of the building and signage may be required for Registration purposes

Kentucky Proof of Residency shall meet the following requirements:
  • The Kentucky Driver’s License should match the address listed on the application, which should be the Carrier’s Home Address.
  • Photos of the Residence and/or Mailbox may be required 

Acceptable Address Proofs:
  • Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons License (CCDW) – can only be used if a Kentucky Proof of Residence is provided
  • House/Apartment Lease (One-Year contract minimum) – can only be used if a Kentucky Proof of Residence is provided (this is a required document for EPOB registration, but does not count as an address proof)
  • Property/Home Mortgage Statement (must be less than 60 days old)
  • Federal or State Income Tax Return (current or prior year)
  • Proof of Real Estate or Personal Property Taxes: Real Estate or Vehicle taxes paid to Kentucky (must provide proof of payment)
  • Utility Bills: Phone, Cable, Internet, Electric, Gas, Water Bill, Garbage, ADT (only one of each utility bill will be accepted – must be less than 60 days old and list service address)
  • Kentucky Certificate of Title -OR- Apportioned Certificate (current)​

RESOURCES​​


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​

​Any vehicle with a combined gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or having 3 or more axles regardless of weight operating outside the state of Kentucky needs an apportioned license plate. In addition, any vehicle doing intrastate hauling outside the state of Kentucky, regardless of registered gross weight, must have an apportioned license plate. In the case of apportioned license plates, intrastate hauling is defined as picking up a load in a state other than Kentucky, then dropping that same load in another location within that state. (Example: pick up a load in Toledo, Ohio and drop that same load in Columbus, Ohio.) In the case of intrastate haulers, commercial vehicles of any weight, with the exception of passenger vehicles, must have apportioned license plates.
Apportioned license plates are available in the following weights: 10000, 14000, 18000, 22000, 26000, 32000, 38000, 44000, 55000, 62000, 73280, and 80000. This weight is the combined weight of the truck, trailer and load. This is also known as the taxable weight or registered weight.
Form 2290​ is the Schedule of Heavy Highway Vehicles. It is a tax that is collected by the Internal Revenue Service. You must have a stamped or watermarked 2290 (showing that the tax has been paid) for each vehicle that is 55,000 lbs. or greater that you have owned for 60 days or more. Please be aware that the form 2290 must be in one of the following names (IRP account name, Motor Carrier Responsible or Registered owner of the vehicle). A copy of the 2290 stamped or watermark for the tax period due must be provided to the IRP Office at the time of your renewal or when you add an applicable truck to your account.​
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Visit the Motor Carrier Portal, click “What Can I Do?” at the top, and then select IRP Online in the menu. On the IRP Dashboard, click the blue square button to start the renewal. If you are unable to access the website, please contact the email address below. 

Ensure you have obtained your apportioned certificate before attempting your renewal. All required documents (2290, lease agreement, and address proofs) need to be emailed to the Kentucky IRP department.
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A cab card is the vehicle’s registration with a list of the jurisdictions (states) you are allowed to travel in. The cab card includes specific vehicle and motor carrier responsible for safety information, and cannot be transferred from vehicle to vehicle.​
Your cab card should already have all jurisdictions. Adding jurisdictions​ has been phased out.​
For a lost plate, you can request a replacement online by visiting the Motor Carrier Portal, clicking "What Can I Do?" at the top, and then clicking IRP Online in the menu. Once on the IRP dashboard, you will start a supplement for plate replacement. You must upload a notarized Lost or Stolen Affidavit to the supplement. A new plate will be mailed. Temporary and permanent cab cards can be printed online via the Motor Carrier Connect website.​
Yes, you can receive a credit if the account is kept active, or a refund if the account is closed in good standing. You will need to complete the IRP Request for Refund form and mail it to our office along with the apportioned plate(s).  If you do not have the apportioned plate(s), a notarized affidavit must be completed and submitted to our office for approval.  You will receive prorated credit if the account remains active, or a refund for the Kentucky portion of the remaining fees on the apportioned plate(s).  The credit will need to be used before the next renewal period.  The fees that were paid to other jurisdictions are non-refundable.​

 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Motor Carriers
Attn: IRP Section
PO Box 2323
Frankfort, KY 40602
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Yes, you can exchange/transfer the fees paid from one vehicle to another vehicle by visiting the Motor Carrier Portal, click “What Can I Do? at the top, and then click IRP Online.​
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No. Apportioned license plates are not transferable from one account to another. Your neighbor will have to obtain his own apportioned license plate.​
Usage tax is paid on any vehicle with a combined gross weight 44,000 lbs. and under. This tax is paid at your local county clerk when you register the vehicle for the first time.​
Cost varies according to weight of vehicle, vehicle type, vehicle year, type of operation and previous year mileage. 80,000 lb. plates may cost approximately $1,250.00 to $2,500.00.​
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Visit Motor Carrier Portal, click "What Can I Do?" at the top, and then click IRP Online in the menu. From the IRP Online page you can pay IRP bills online via electronic check (ACH) for a flat $3.00 fee or a credit card with a 4% processing fee.
Yes, by visiting the Motor Carrier Portal, clicking “What Can I Do? at the top, and then click IRP Online. You can process your IRP renewal, add/delete vehicles to your account, change weights, exchange/transfer vehicles, request replacement credentials, print temporary and permanent cab cards, and pay your IRP bill(s).​
​ Yes. It's perfectly legal to haul loads with a temporary cab card. If you have a temporary in your truck, then you may drive in any state without a plate. You do not need to have the original in your truck.​
​Yes. It's perfectly legal to haul loads with a non-reciprocal temporary permit. If you obtain a ​temporary and carry a copy in your truck.

​No, Kentucky no longer issues decals to affix to the IRP plate.  the IRP Permanent Cab Card is sufficient in all jurisdictions.

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