The procedure describes how the MVA registers a vehicle in accordance with the International Registration Plan (IRP).  The IRP is an agreement among states and some Canadian provinces regarding the collection and apportioning of registration fees for commercial vehicles that travel across state lines.

A Maryland based vehicle must be registered under the IRP when it:

• Travels in other IRP jurisdictions; and,
• Is used for the transportation of persons for hire, or is designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property; and,
• Meets one of the following criteria:

  • Is a power unit having two axles and gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds; or,

  • Is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or,

  • Is used in combination, when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).

Notes:

1. Two axle vehicles or combinations thereof, having a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,000 pounds or less may be issued apportioned registration (IRP) at the option of the registrant.
2. The apportioned tow truck license plate is for vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVW that may operate in capacities other than towing (e.g. rollback truck).
3. The following vehicles are exempt from registration under the IRP:

   • Government owned vehicles;

   • City pick-up and delivery vehicles;

   • Buses used in the transportation of chartered parties;

   • Recreational vehicles; and,

   • Vehicles displaying a restricted license plate.

4. Registrants must have an “established place of business”, defined as follows:

   • must be a physical structure designated by a street number or road location; 

   • must be open during normal business hours;

   • must have a telephone number publicly listed in the name of the fleet registrant;

   • must have a person or persons in the permanent employment of the registrant conducting the fleet registrant’s trucking related business, with access to the operational records of the fleet.

Each of the following procedures is separately discussed below in answer to a commonly asked question.  Either scroll down to the appropriate question and answer, or click on the procedure in which you are interested.

• Establishing an IRP account;
• Renewing a vehicle’s apportioned registration;
• Supplemental actions:

  • Adding a fleet to an existing IRP account;

  • Adding a vehicle to an existing fleet;

  • Transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another vehicle;

  • Obtaining replacement credentials;

  • Adding a jurisdiction;

  • Increasing or decreasing the weight limit for a jurisdiction;

  • Changing the registrant’s address.

• The apportioned registration fee for a vehicle varies by the weight of the vehicle and the jurisdictions through which it is expected to travel during the registration period.
• The customer may pay for the Maryland portion of an invoice with a company or personal check.  However, the Out-of-State (OSS) portion of the invoice must be paid using guaranteed funds:
  • certified check;
  • cashier’s check;
  • money order; or
  • cash - only if the customer is applying in person at the MCS section or an MVA branch office.
• The fee for a Temporary Authority is $2.00.
• Maryland’s fee to transfer a license plate is $10.00; there may be additional fees due depending on the jurisdictions traveled.
• The fee for replacement credentials is $20.00 for license plates, $5.00 for stickers and a cab card (registration) or $5.00 for cab card (registration) only.

MVA
Motor Carrier Services (MCS)
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:

MVA Customer Service Center:	1-800-950-1MVA(1682)
TTY/Hearing Impaired:	1-800-492-4575
Out-of-State:	1-301-729-4550

Procedural Information:

How do I establish an IRP account?

You can apply for apportioned registration of your vehicle(s) by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Include all vehicles to be registered. Use extra forms if needed.  Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
• IRP Original Mileage Schedule - Schedule B

• Surety Bond for Users of Apportioned Registration Plates – This form must be submitted if you are using a personal check to pay for the apportioned registrations.

• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate - This form is required for all vehicles being registered, unless:
  • the form was presented at time of titling; or
  • the vehicle is new and was titled with a Certificate of Origin.
• Proof of federal tax payment– If the vehicle is authorized to carry more than 55,000 pounds, one of the following must be submitted:
  • Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS form #2290) - stamped by the IRS. This form must be filed by the end of the month following the month of first use; or
  • Copy of your cancelled tax payment check – front and back
• Lease Agreement – Must be submitted if the registrant name is different than that of the vehicle owner.

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I renew my apportioned vehicle's registration?

After you receive your annual renewal notice, complete and return it by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can return it through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Renewal Application - You must provide your actual mileage traveled in a jurisdiction during the preceding year.  If you estimate your mileage in a jurisdiction, you must include a detailed explanation.

• Surety Bond for Users of Apportioned Registration Plates – This form must be submitted if you are using a personal check to pay for the apportioned registration renewals.
• Proof of federal tax payment – If the vehicle is authorized to carry more than 55,000 pounds, one of the following must be submitted:
  • Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS form #2290) - stamped by the IRS; or,
  • Copy of your cancelled tax payment check – front and back
• Proof of mileage by jurisdiction – Fuel tax reports, daily trip sheets, etc..

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, your credentials will be mailed to you.  However, you may request and receive a 45-day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C.  The 45-day TA will be faxed to the branch office of your choice, or directly to you if you provided a fax number.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I add a new fleet to my IRP account?

A fleet is comprised of vehicles that travel within the same jurisdictions.  Dump trucks must be included in their own separate fleet. You can apply for the addition of a fleet to your account by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Include all vehicles to be registered. Use extra forms if needed.  Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
• IRP Original Mileage Schedule - Schedule B

• Surety Bond for Users of Apportioned Registration Plates – This form must be submitted if you are using a personal check to pay for the added fleet.
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate - This form is required for all vehicles being registered, unless:
  • the form was presented at time of titling; or
  • the vehicle is new and was titled with a Certificate of Origin.
• Proof of federal tax payment– If the vehicle is authorized to carry more than 55,000 pounds, one of the following must be submitted:
  • Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS form #2290) - stamped by the IRS. This form must be filed by the end of the month following the month of first use; or
  • Copy of your cancelled tax payment check – front and back
• Lease Agreement – Must be submitted if the registrant name is different than that of the vehicle owner.

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I add a vehicle to one of my existing fleets?

You can apply for the addition of a vehicle to an existing fleet in your IRP account on-line through the the MVA's website or directly to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Include all vehicles to be registered. Use extra forms if needed.  Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.

• Surety Bond for Users of Apportioned Registration Plates – This form must be submitted if you are using a personal check to pay for the added vehicle.
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate - This form is required for all vehicles being registered, unless:
  • the form was presented at time of titling; or
  • the vehicle is new and was titled with a Certificate of Origin.
• Proof of federal tax payment– If the vehicle is authorized to carry more than 55,000 pounds, one of the following must be submitted:
  • Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS form #2290) - stamped by the IRS. This form must be filed by the end of the month following the month of first use; or
  • Copy of your cancelled tax payment check – front and back
• Lease Agreement – Must be submitted if the registrant name is different than that of the vehicle owner.

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer license plates from one of my vehicles to another one?

To transfer an apportioned plate, both vehicles must be in the same vehicle class and in the same fleet within your IRP account.  You can apply for the transfer on-line through the the MVA's website or by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Include all vehicles to be registered. Use extra forms if needed.  Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
• Original cab card (registration) - submit the card from the vehicle being deleted.

• Surety Bond for Users of Apportioned Registration Plates – This form must be submitted if you are using a personal check to pay for the transfer.
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate - This form is required for all vehicles being registered, unless:
  • the form was presented at time of titling; or
  • the vehicle is new and was titled with a Certificate of Origin.
• Proof of federal tax payment– If the vehicle is authorized to carry more than 55,000 pounds, one of the following must be submitted:
  • Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS form #2290) - stamped by the IRS. This form must be filed by the end of the month following the month of first use; or
  • Copy of your cancelled tax payment check – front and back
• Lease Agreement – Must be submitted if the registrant name is different than that of the vehicle owner.

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credential will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credential will be mailed to you.

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How do I obtain a replacement plate, stickers and/or cab card (registration)?

You can apply for these replacement credentials by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• Application for Duplicate or Substitute Plates/Stickers

• Application for International Registration Plan Temporary Apportioned Registration – submit this form if you need a Temporary Authority.

Upon review of your application, the MCS section will provide you with an invoice. If you have requested a 45 day Temporary Authority, the invoice must be paid within five (5) business days.  The method by which you receive your credentials (apportioned license plate, stickers, and/or cab card)  depends upon how you submit your payment:

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you may request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by completing Application for International Registration Plan Temporary Apportioned Registration  The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide. Your replacement credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your replacement credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I add a jurisdiction?

You can apply to add a jurisdiction for a vehicle by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original Mileage Schedule - Schedule B - an estimate is required of the mileage to be traveled in the added jurisdiction.
• Original cab card (registration)
• Application for International Registration Plan Temporary Apportioned Registration – submit this form if you need a Temporary Authority.

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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How do I increase or decrease the weight limit for a jurisdiction?

You can apply to increase or decrease the weight limit for a vehicle on-line through the the MVA's website or by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
• Original cab card (registration)

• If you pay in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately after payment.
• If you pay through a branch office, or a tag and title service, you will be required to purchase a Maryland base plate since apportioned plates are not available at these locations. At the time, you may also request and receive a 45 day Temporary Authority (TA) by checking box #11 on the IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C. The 45 day TA will be faxed to the branch office or directly to a fax number you provide.  Your credentials will then be mailed to you.
• If you mail your payment, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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What should I do if my business address changes?

When you change your business address, all of your vehicles’ cab cards (registrations) must be changed to reflect the new address.  You can apply to change your address on-line through the the MVA's website or by mail or in person to the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie MVA office.  You also can apply through any of the MVA’s full service branch offices, or through an MVA licensed tag and title service.

Required documents include:

• IRP Original/Supplemental Application Schedule A/C – Your insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.

Upon review of your application, the MCS section will change your vehicle’s registration address.  

• If you apply in person at the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) section in the Glen Burnie office, your credentials can be handed to you immediately.
• If you apply through the mail, at a branch office, or through a tag and title service, your credentials will be mailed to you.

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