Does Alabama require IRP?

If you base in Alabama and run apportioned (plate) vehicles in two or more IRP jurisdictions, you register under IRP with the Department of Revenue. Single-state intrastate operators plate directly with the state.

Who handles IRP in Alabama?

The Alabama Department of Revenue. Alabama-based carriers register apportioned plates and receive a cab card covering all member jurisdictions.

When does Alabama IRP renew?

Annually, on the Alabama schedule. You report prior-year miles and pay the apportioned fee for the coming year.

Alabama IRP Registration: Cost and How to Apply

By Evan Reid, Founder of Haul Handbook · Updated Aug 27, 2026

Alabama IRP administration

IRP member: Yes
Agency: Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division (Motor Carrier Services)
Office: Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division (Motor Carrier Services)
Process: Apply through the state agency; apportion fees by fleet miles in each jurisdiction; receive plates and cab card.
Fee structure: Apportioned fee = total fleet miles x jurisdiction weight / total miles, per IRP formula.
Cab card: Cab card proves apportioned registration across all IRP member jurisdictions.
Process: system: State IRP portal

More Alabama IRP rules

Renewal: summary: Annual renewal on the state schedule; report prior-year miles, pay coming-year apportionment.
Base jurisdiction rules: summary: Alabama as base jurisdiction for apportioned registration.

Base jurisdiction, renewal, and audit in detail

The rules that decide whether Alabama can be your base jurisdiction, what qualifies, and what happens at renewal and audit. Each one is sourced.

Base jurisdiction rules: Summary: Alabama as base jurisdiction for apportioned registration.
Renewal: Summary: Annual renewal on the state schedule; report prior-year miles, pay coming-year apportionment.

Who registers under IRP in Alabama

Any Alabama-based carrier operating in two or more IRP member jurisdictions registers apportioned plates through the Department of Revenue, with Alabama as the base jurisdiction. The apportionment splits your annual registration fee by the miles you run in each state.

Applying for Alabama apportioned plates

You apply through the Department of Revenue, report your estimated fleet miles in each jurisdiction, and receive your apportioned plates and cab card. The application form and the fee structure are sourced fields on this page.

Annual renewal

IRP registration renews every year on the Alabama schedule. You report actual miles from the prior year and pay the apportioned fee for the coming year. The renewal period is a sourced field on this page.

What pairs with IRP

The same interstate operation that needs apportioned plates almost always needs an IFTA license through Alabama, and heavy power units owe the federal Form 2290 heavy vehicle use tax before plates renew. To compare how other states run IRP, see the national IRP registration table.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alabama require IRP?: If you base in Alabama and run apportioned (plate) vehicles in two or more IRP jurisdictions, you register under IRP with the Department of Revenue. Single-state intrastate operators plate directly with the state.
Who handles IRP in Alabama?: The Alabama Department of Revenue. Alabama-based carriers register apportioned plates and receive a cab card covering all member jurisdictions.
When does Alabama IRP renew?: Annually, on the Alabama schedule. You report prior-year miles and pay the apportioned fee for the coming year.

Haul Handbook publishes educational information about trucking registration and compliance requirements. This is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Rules, fees, and deadlines change; confirm with the agency before you file or pay.