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International Registration Plan (IRP)

Motor Carriers

International Registration Plan (IRP)

Are you travelling 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.

To print your cab card(s) immediately:

ACCESS THE MOTOR CARRIER PORTAL

Contact the IRP office:

IRP TRANSACTION REQUIREMENTS

RESOURCES

HEAVY HIGHWAYUSE TAX (2290)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who needs an apportioned license plate?

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.

What weight apportioned plates are available?

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.

What is a 2290? Do I have to have one?

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.

It’s time to renew my apportioned license plates. What do I need to do?

Visit the Motor Carrier Portal, click “What Can I Do?” at the top, and then select IRP Online in the menu. If you are unable to access the website please contact the email 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.

EMAIL US

What is a cab card?

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.

I need to travel to a jurisdiction that is not on my cab card. What should I do?

Your cab card should already have all jurisdictions. Adding jurisdictions has been phased out.

I’ve lost my plate/cab card. What should I do?

For a lost plate you can request a replacement online by visiting the Motor Carrier Portal, click "What Can I Do?" at the top, and then click IRP Online in the menu. You must fill out a Lost or Stolen Affidavit or submit a letter of explanation along with a police report or insurance accident report and email it to irp.dmc@ky.gov. A new plate will be mailed. Temporary and permanent cab cards can be printed online via the motor carrier connect website.

I sold my truck. Can I get a refund?

Yes, you can. You must delete the vehicle from your fleet by visiting the Motor Carrier Portal, click “What Can I Do? at the top, and then click IRP Online. Apportion Plate for the deleted vehicle must be mailed back to the IRP section. You will receive a prorated credit for the Kentucky portion of the fees that were paid. 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

I sold my truck and bought another one. Can I exchange/transfer the license plates from one to the other?

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.

I sold my truck to my neighbor. Can I exchange/transfer the plate to him?

No. Apportioned license plates are not transferable from one account to another. Your neighbor will have to obtain his own apportioned license plate.

I just bought a new vehicle. Do I have to pay usage tax on it?

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.

How much does an apportioned license plate cost?

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.

How can I pay for my apportioned license plate?

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.

Can I do IRP transactions on the web?

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).

I’ve obtained a temporary cab card, but I'm afraid to drive my truck without a plate on it. Is this really legal?

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.

I’ve obtained a non-reciprocal temporary permit, but I'm afraid to drive my truck. Is this really legal?

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.

Do I need a decal issued for my IRP Plate?

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

NEW IRP ACCOUNT

To obtain IRP plates for the first time, collect the documents below and submit 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 of the company will need proof of ownership of the company (copy of a valid KY driver's license).

2. Completed Schedule B TC95-303.

3. Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form TC 95-641. **Note: 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. Apportioned Certificate for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (applicant must apply for title and obtain certificate before filing for IRP.)

5. Stamped Form HVUT 2290(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight and over 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, including all of the VINs on 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.

DOWNLOAD NEW IRP CHECKLIST

Each year, every IRP account must be renewed. The fastest and easiest way to renew is to visit the Motor Carrier Portal.

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

From the IRP Online page, enter your account number, make sure your vehicle list is correct, and then enter your mileage.

Your bill will be created and available to pay instantly. You can also print temporary cab cards right from the same portal.

If documents like a 2290 or lease agreement are required, you will be prompted to upload them during the process.

To renew your IRP account, the following items will be required:

Apportioned Certificate (Form TC96-81) for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (applicant must apply for title and obtain a certificate before filing for IRP.)
Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form.
Stamped Form HVUT 2290(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight and over 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 the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the HVUT 2290 Schedule 1 including all of the VINs on the required vehicles.
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.

ADD VEHICLE TO IRP INVENTORY

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.

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

From the IRP Online page, enter your account number, start a supplement/add unit and enter your vehicle information.

Your bill will be created and available to pay instantly. You can also print cab cards right from the same portal.

If documents like an HVUT 2290 or operational lease agreement are required, you will need to email them to the IRP Section at irp.dmc@ky.gov.

Apportioned Certificate (Form TC96-81) for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (applicant must apply for title and obtain a certificate before filing for IRP.)
Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form.
Stamped Form 2290(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight and over for the current tax period. This is for vehicles that have been owned for 60 days or more. Form 2290 is a Federal tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service. Form 2290 can be paid online or in person at an IRS office. KY must verify the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the 2290 Schedule 1 including all of the VINs on the required vehicles.
Operational Lease agreement if operating under another carrier's DOT number. It 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.

VEHICLE EXCHANGE/TRANSFER

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.

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

From the IRP Online page, enter your account number, start a supplement/add unit and enter your vehicle information.

Your bill will be created and available to pay instantly. You can also print cab cards right from the same portal.

If documents like an HVUT 2290 or operational lease agreement are required, you will need to email them to the IRP Section at irp.dmc@ky.gov.

Apportioned Certificate (Form TC96-81) for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (applicant must apply for title and obtain a certificate before filing for IRP.)
Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form.
Stamped Form 2290(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight and over for the current tax period. This is for vehicles that have been owned for 60 days or more. Form 2290 is a Federal tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service. Form 2290 can be paid online or in person at an IRS office. KY must verify the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the 2290 Schedule 1 including all of the VINs on the required vehicles.
Operational Lease agreement if operating under another carrier's DOT number. It 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.
The plate is transferred to the new vehicle.

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

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

From the IRP Online page, enter your account number, start a supplement, select the vehicle and select a weight group.

Your bill will be created and available to pay instantly. You can also print cab cards right from the same portal.

If you need to visit your local County Clerk's office, please complete the following:

Apportioned Certificate (Form TC96-81) for each vehicle from your County Clerk's Office. (applicant must apply for title and obtain a certificate before filing for IRP.)
Stamped Form 2290(issued by the Internal Revenue Service) for vehicles 55,000 pounds combined gross weight and over for the current tax period. This is for vehicles that have been owned for 60 days or more. Form 2290 is a Federal tax paid to the Internal Revenue Service. Form 2290 can be paid online or in person at an IRS office. KY must verify the tax has been paid by receiving a paid copy of the 2290 Schedule 1 including all of the VINs on the required vehicles.

IRP PLATE REPLACEMENT

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.

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

From the IRP Online page enter your account number, select start a supplement, select the vehicle and replace plate.
Your bill will be created and available to pay instantly. You can also print cab cards right from the same portal.

Complete the top half of the Replacement Request Affidavit. Make sure to check the "Plate" box if your plate is lost. Make sure to include the IRP plate number on every affidavit.

Your signature must be notarized on this form.

UPDATE LEASE- Change Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety (MCRS)

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.

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

From the IRP Online page, enter your account number, select start a supplement, and select the vehicle to update the MCRS.

Your bill will be created (zero dollar bill) and available to pay instantly.

You can also print cab cards right from the same portal.

If documents like an HVUT 2290 or operational lease agreement TC 95-641 are required, you will need to email them to the IRP Section at irp.dmc@ky.gov.

Completed MCRS Lease Update Form.
Completed Operational Lease Agreement Form.

CHANGE IRP ACCOUNT ADDRESS

If your address has changed, you should always notify the IRP office so your account can be updated. Submit 3 proofs of your new address and the form below to the IRP office:

Completed Change of Company Information Form.
3 proofs of new address. Examples of these are articles of incorporation, copies of Kentucky vehicle title/registration, income tax return, and phone or utility bills showing address.