IRP vs IFTA
Compare IRP apportioned registration and IFTA fuel tax reporting at a high level, with official-source verification prompts.
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IRP Cab Card
Check what an IRP cab card proves, what details should match the vehicle, and how to avoid expired or mismatched credentials.
Quick Answer
The IRP cab card is the credential that must be carried in the vehicle at all times during IRP operations — it lists every member jurisdiction covered by the apportioned registration and serves as proof of valid multi-state registration during roadside inspections.
Cab card checks should be paired with renewal timing and mileage records for the registration year. IRP Renewal Checklist, IRP Mileage Records.
Who This Applies To
- Drivers and carriers that must carry current apportioned registration credentials in the vehicle.
- Fleet managers checking plate, VIN, unit, and jurisdiction details after an IRP renewal or supplement.
- Owner-operators leased to a carrier who need to know whose IRP account covers the vehicle.
What To Verify
- That the cab card matches the plate, VIN, unit number, and registration year for the vehicle.
- Whether digital cab cards are accepted in the jurisdictions where the vehicle operates.
- The renewal or supplement date shown by the base jurisdiction, especially after adding a vehicle.
- What documentation a driver should present during a roadside inspection.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Review the cab card as soon as it is issued, before dispatching the vehicle.
- Compare the vehicle identifiers against the title, registration, and plate record.
- Place a current copy in the vehicle or approved digital document system.
- Remove expired cards after renewal so the driver does not present the wrong version.
- Keep a back-office copy with the IRP renewal packet.
Common Mistakes
- Carrying last year's cab card after renewal.
- Adding a vehicle to the fleet but dispatching before the supplement is reflected.
- Assuming the plate alone proves apportioned registration.
- Not checking whether a leased vehicle is covered under the carrier's account or the owner-operator's account.
Official Sources
- IRP Registration International Registration Plan, Inc. · official-organization · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for IRP overview pages and terminology.
- International Registration Plan Summary for Motor Carriers International Registration Plan, Inc. · official-organization · accessed 2026-05-06
Use as a carrier-facing IRP summary source.
Related Pages
IRP Mileage Records
Use IRP mileage records to support apportioned registration renewal and prepare for jurisdiction-distance review.
FAQ
What should I do if my cab card is lost or damaged?
Contact your base jurisdiction DMV immediately to request a replacement cab card — most states can issue a replacement within a few business days. Until the replacement arrives, carry documentation of the replacement request and operate cautiously, as roadside inspectors may issue citations for a missing cab card.
Should IRP mileage be tracked separately from IFTA mileage?
Track it in a way that can support both programs, then reconcile differences before renewal or filing. IRP and IFTA use similar distance concepts, but they are administered separately.
What should I keep with an IRP renewal packet?
Keep the application, cab cards, supplements, payment confirmations, distance summaries, and the trip-level records that support the reported distance.