{"id":35215,"date":"2020-05-12T14:21:48","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T21:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/?post_type=dmv_handbook&p=35215"},"modified":"2026-03-06T12:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T20:01:37","slug":"chapter-1-introduction-and-general-information","status":"publish","type":"dmv_handbook","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/handbook\/irp\/chapter-1-introduction-and-general-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 1: Introduction and General Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1.000 – WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION PLAN (IRP)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

IRP (also referred to as the Plan) is an apportioned or \u201cprorated\u201d registration program that allows payment of license fees based on the total distance operated in two or more Member Jurisdictions. The provisions of IRP are approved by the Member Jurisdictions and maintained by the Board of Directors of IRP Inc. Presently, there are 59 jurisdictions (the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces) that are members of IRP.  California became a member of the IRP effective January 1, 1985.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registrants file for IRP registration in their base jurisdiction.  The base jurisdiction calculates and collects the license fees due to all Member Jurisdictions in which the registrant\u2019s fleet\/vehicles will be operated.  The license fees are divided and disbursed monthly to all Member Jurisdictions in which the registrant\u2019s fleet\/vehicles will be operated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The base jurisdiction issues one set of registration credentials (apportioned license plates and cab card) for each fleet vehicle registered under the plan.  The cab card displays the jurisdictions in which the fleet\/vehicles are qualified for operation and the qualified operating weight for each jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2013, the Full Reciprocity Plan (FRP) was approved granting full reciprocity for all apportioned vehicles in all IRP Member Jurisdictions.  Changes have been implemented in all IRP Member Jurisdictions to provide customers with greater operational flexibility and authorize registrants to travel interstate, as needed, and pay fees for the accrued distance during the next renewal cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRP became effective January 1, 2015.  IRP vehicles with an IRP registration year beginning on or after January 1, 2015 are subject to the new FRP provisions.  The cab card for these vehicles will display all 59 IRP jurisdictions and the qualified operating weight for each jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Plan is available for download free of cost, at the IRP Inc. website at irponline.org.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/span> Vehicles operated solely within California do not qualify for IRP registration.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.005 – SUBMITTING IRP APPLICATIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

California will only accept IRP applications from carriers who provide proof of residency or an established place of business in California. Carriers based outside of California should contact the vehicle registration regulatory agency in their home state. The IRP Inc. website contains a complete list of IRP offices for Member Jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to submitting an original or supplemental IRP application to DMV, please complete the Customer Application Checklist, MC 2129 IRP, to determine what documents and fees are required.  Detailed instructions for completing Schedules A\/B and C can be found on the reverse side of each form. Submit the checklist with the application package and appropriate fees by mail to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department of Motor Vehicles
IRP Operations Section
P.O. Box 932320 MS H160
Sacramento, CA 94232-3200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following physical address may be used for special or expedite mailing only<\/strong><\/em> (no walk-in services are available at this address):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department of Motor Vehicles
IRP Operations Section
2415 First Avenue MS H160
Sacramento, CA 95818<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payment options are listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n