What Is the IRP, and How Is It Different From UCR?

If you operate commercial vehicles across state lines, you’ve likely come across both IRP and UCR. With so many acronyms in trucking, it’s easy to confuse what each one does. Maybe you were unsure during the UCR registration for 2025 or realized too late that IRP is a separate filing. So, what is the IRP, and how does it compare to UCR?

In this blog post, you’ll learn how both programs work and how FMCA Filings helps you file each one through a single, simple process.

Understand How IRP Trucking Works and Why It Affects Vehicle Travel

If you're in charge of keeping your trucks legal when crossing state lines, you’ve probably come across the International Registration Plan, which allows you to register qualifying commercial vehicles through your home state.

Your base state collects the registration fees and distributes them to other states based on how many miles your trucks travel in each one. The IRP applies to vehicles with three or more axles or that weigh over 26,000 pounds when used in interstate or international commerce.

Each registered truck receives one license plate and one cab card that confirms it has been cleared to travel in all IRP member jurisdictions. Skip this process, and enforcement may pull your truck from service.

Learn How the UCR Program Tracks Your Business, Not Your Trucks

The UCR Program applies to any company involved in interstate transportation, even if you don’t operate any trucks. This includes freight brokers, forwarders, and leasing companies that support the movement of goods across state lines.

UCR registration confirms that your business is active in interstate commerce and has paid the required annual fee. It does not track routes, mileage, or travel history. Instead, it calculates your fee based on the number of power units your company operates or reports during the previous year.

You only need to file once per calendar year, using either your MCS-150 or your past fleet records. There are no decals, cab cards, or plates. Enforcement officers check compliance using federal databases.

If your company fails to register for UCR, you may face fines or enforcement issues, even if all your trucks are properly plated.

Compare IRP and UCR Commercial Vehicle Registration

Both IRP and UCR fall under commercial vehicle registration, but they rely on completely different systems to track compliance.IRP connects to your vehicle title and base jurisdiction, so you need to submit documents like mileage estimates, unit details, and proof of residency to complete registration. UCR relies on your company’s DOT data and skips vehicle-specific paperwork entirely.

You must complete IRP filings before applying for IFTA decals or operating across state lines. UCR does not affect fuel tax filings; however, you still need to file it if your business earns income through interstate transportation.

IRP results in visible proof: a plate and a cab card. UCR does not issue any physical documents, but law enforcement checks registration status during audits and roadside stops. Maintaining UCR compliance and keeping your IRP registration current are required to protect your operating authority. Filing one does not replace the other.

Understand Why Carriers Must File Both IRP and UCR To Remain Legal

If you're managing interstate trucking compliance, filing IRP and UCR correctly protects your authority and keeps your vehicles on the road. These programs work together, but each has its own penalties for missing deadlines.

So, what is the IRP? It registers each vehicle based on its travel location and assigns fees according to the relevant jurisdiction. Failing to file allows enforcement to impound your truck during a roadside inspection. UCR tracks your business activity and confirms that you paid your annual safety fee. Missing your UCR filing puts your company at risk for fines or audit flags, even if your IRP plates are up to date.

Federal trucking regulations require both filings because they enforce different rules. FMCA Filings helps you stay ahead of these requirements with one streamlined process that keeps your records complete and your fleet fully compliant.

Stay Ahead of IRP and UCR Deadlines With Help From FMCA Filings 

The IRP registers your vehicles to operate across multiple states, whereas the UCR confirms that your business has met its annual federal safety filing requirement. You need both, because filing only one does not satisfy full compliance requirements. FMCA Filings helps you handle both through one simple, accurate process.

Curious about what inspectors check after you file? Read our other blog on UCR audits for trucking. If you’re still confused about what the IRP is, contact FMCA Filings for clear answers and step-by-step help with filing.