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Commercial & Farm Truck

Frequently Asked Questions


2009 IRP Renewals  |  Apportioned Plates  |  Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (2290 Form)  |  Farm Plates  |  Mileage Tax Plates
Special Hauling Permit



2009 IRP Renewals

Do I need a 2290 Heavy Use Vehicle Form?
A current 2290 (Schedule 1) form is required for vehicles weighing 55,000 lbs. or more. The date on the form must read July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008.

My truck is leased to company but the title is in my name, do I need a USDOT number?
Yes. You will need to have a USDOT number as your are engaged in interstate commerce, but if you are displaying the company’s plate (not yours) you will not need to report the USDOT number to this office.

Why am I required to have a USDOT number?
The USDOT requires that all registered plate owners and those engaged in interstate commerce to have a USDOT number to operate interstate. You may get assistance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

What distance do I use?
If you are the first-time applicant, please refer to the estimated distance chart in the Secretary of State's International Registration Plan Manual. If you registered during the April, May or June period, you must provide the actual distance. If you are renewing with no distance during the reporting period you must still estimate distance using the distance chart in the IRP Manual.

Can the Secretary of State tell me what my fees will be ahead of time?
No. Fees are based on the gross vehicle weight and the number of states in which the vehicle will be apportioned. Each jurisdiction has its own fee schedule.

How do I replace a plate that is damaged? Can I request a replacement at the time of renewal?
Yes. You must place an "X" in the block on your renewal form that indicates "replace plate." You may also request a replacement plate by selecting "RP" on the web renewal service. In both instances a $6 replacement fee per plate will be added to your renewal.

Can I add states to only certain vehicles in my firm?
No. If you have certain vehicles going to different states, they must be in a separate fleet.

Are the Commercial Distribution Fees (CDF) reduced for this year?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2006, the CDF fee for new purchases and registration renewals have a 14.35 percent surcharge of the registration fees.

I just received an invoice for the 2009 renewal. Do I have to pay now?
NO, but to operate April 1, 2008 or after you must have paid your registration fees and received current registration. Operation without proper evidence of registration subjects the vehicle to enforcement action by any law enforcement agency that stops your vehicle(s). Payments should be submitted to Springfield no later than March 10th by mail to allow sufficient time to return your new credentials.

I do not plan to renew for the new registration period. What is required?
You must account for your license plates, even though they may be expired. To do this, you should complete and return a Request for Cancellation of Illinois Apportioned (IRP) Plates Form. Follow the instructions stated on the form, or submit a letter indicating disposition of your license plates. All forms or license plates MUST be returned to our office by April 15th to avoid any further activity or enforcement action.

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Apportioned Plates

What is an Apportioned (IRP) Registration?
Apportionment is required for vehicles operating in two or more International Registration Plan (IRP) member jurisdictions that have a combined gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds, including the weight of the vehicle and the maximum load, or is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight. Commercial vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds operating intrastate in two or more jurisdictions must apportion.

How much will an Apportion (IRP) plate cost the first time it is purchased?
Because each jurisdiction has its own fee schedule and depending on the jurisdictions you are going to apportion the cost varies. After submitting an application, you will be provided with an invoice of the fee owed which will reflect the fee for each jurisdiction. The total amount due will be shown at the bottom of the invoice.

Where do I purchase an Apportion (IRP) plate?
Apportion plates may only be purchased at the following location:
Secretary of State
Commercial and Farm Truck Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 300
Springfield, IL 62756

Do I need to title my vehicle in Illinois to purchase an Apportion (IRP) plate?
Apportioned power units (truck, tractor, truck tractor, buses, mobile home trailers, power wreckers) do not have to be titled in Illinois to purchase apportion plates. However, semi-trailers registered in Illinois must be titled in Illinois.

What documents do I need to apply for IRP plates for the first time?

  • Proof of ownership of the vehicle. Acceptable forms of proof include a copy of the title in the owners name, copies of both sides of the assigned title, a ST-556 tax form, bill of sale within six months of purchase (must be notarized if purchase was between individuals), or an invoice from a dealer signed by both the seller and buyer.
  • Receipted 2290 Schedule 1 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) if the vehicle is being registered at a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more and it has been more than 60 days from the date of purchase.
  • USDOT Number
  • Lease Agreement  (if the vehicle ownership is different from the registrant)
  • Proof of an established place of business. You must submit three documents, one of which must be a phone bill. Any bill submitted must not be over 60 days old. Other acceptable forms are an Illinois driver's license, rental contract, real estate tax bill, utility bills, insurance documents and corporation papers.
  • Completed International Registration Plan Application.
  • Completed Schedule "G" for First-Year Applicants form.

Can I receive a temporary permit to drive?
Once you have paid the original invoice and have an IRP file in good standing, you may purchase a 45-Day Temporary Apportionment Authorization permit. Permits are sold at certain Secretary of State facilities or wire services. For a complete listing of Secretary of State facilities, please refer to the International Registration Plan (IRP) Instruction Manual. Once a 45-Day Temporary Apportionment Authorization has been issued, it is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application for the reason of the permit within 5 days of the issuance of the permit. Failure to timely submit can cause the applicant to forfeit the privilege of temporary permits.

Can I add jurisdictions to my apportioned (IRP) fleet?
Jurisdictions may be added to your fleet at anytime during the year. If you reported actual mileage on your renewal, you must use those actual miles when adding the jurisdictions. If you do not need to submit a mileage report, use the Added Jurisdiction Estimated Mileage Chart in the IRP Manual.

Can I transfer my IRP plate to a new truck I just purchased?
IRP plates may be transferred to new units; however, a different unit number is required. You must provide proof of ownership along with the 2290 Schedule 1 if purchased over 60 days from the date of registration and the gross weight exceeds 55,000 pounds. The Registration Identification Card from the vehicle being transferred or an affirmation statement also is required.

How do I upgrade to a different weight?
Vehicles may be upgraded to a higher weight by submitting a supplemental application. Vehicles cannot be downgraded to lower weights. A supplemental application will be required to be submitted and the additional fees will be invoiced to the applicant. Immediate operation at the new weight may be done on a 45 Day Temporary Apportionment Authorization permit, with the application process following in the required time period.

If I drove on my Apportion (IRP) plate for six months and then sold the truck, can I obtain a refund?
Illinois statutes do not allow a refund on the remainder of unused Apportion registrations.

What is a supplement?
All applications processed after the initial application or renewal are considered supplemental applications or a "supplement". A supplemental application may be completed for additions, transfers, replacement plates, adding jurisdictions, reclass weight, duplicate cab cards and corrected cab cards.

Can I fax my Apportion (IRP) application or submit it online?
No. IRP applications must be mailed to the Secretary of State's office. The office does not accept faxed applications nor does it have online capabilities for supplemental applications at this time. Renewal applications may be processed online.

How long do I have to be under "Secured Funds"?
All new applicants are required to pay by secured funds for the first three years of registration. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, money order or certified check. A company or personal check may be accepted with an irrevocable letter guaranteeing payment from your financial institution. Credit card payments may be made by telephone.

Can I pay for my IRP plate in installments?
The Illinois portion of the registration may be paid by an installment method for any vehicles being charge for a 10-, 11-, or 12-month registration. The first installment is included with your invoice payment. The second installment is due October 1. An installment bond or a certificate of deposit is required for the second installment, not to exceed $100,000 per financial institution.

How can I obtain an IRP application?
IRP applications may be printed from the Commercial and Farm Truck publications section and mailed. You may request the forms by fax (217-785-1800). If you need further assistance please call 217-782-4815 or 217-782-4816.

Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are needed year-round for processing IRP applications. Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. thru 12:00 noon. An appointment is not required when making payments only, unless it is 100 units or more than, a scheduled appointment is required.

I have lost my credential (either plate, cab card or both), how can I continue to operate?
You may obtain a 45-Day Temporary Apportionment Authorization to continue operation until you have submitted the proper application and fees to replace that which was lost. (See “Can I Receive A Temporary Permit To Drive?")

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Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (2290 Form)

What is a 2290 Form?
The 2290 Form, or HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) Schedule 1, is a form used to prove that the Internal Revenue Service has received payment for taxes requires on vehicles registered at 55,000 pounds and more. The form indicates if the tax was suspended for the reasons allowed by the IRS.

Do I need a 2290 Form to register my vehicle?
A 2290 Form is required of every vehicle registered at 55,000 pounds or more.

Where do I get a 2290 Form?
The 2290 Schedule 1 Form may be obtained by contacting the IRS. For information regarding how to obtain a form, paying the tax or other information, please contact the IRS at 800-429-1040 or www.irs.gov.

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Farm Plates

What is Farm Registration?
Farm Registration allows reduced fees for farmers who haul their own commodities in a not-for-hire operation and certain for-hire purposes. No surety bond is required. Farm Vehicles may be operated out of state on a limited basis. Farm plates may be used for trucks, truck tractors and trailers used in various farming operations.

How do I get a Farm plate?
Farm plates may be purchased at the Commercial and Farm Truck Division office in Springfield and Level 3 Secretary of State facilities.

Are there any restrictions on a Farm plate?
Farm plates may be issued to any vehicle that is used exclusively for the owner's agricultural, horticultural or livestock operations and not-for-hire. Farm plates also may be issued to for-hire vehicles only in the transportation of seasonal, fresh, perishable fruit or vegetables from the farm to the point of first processing. An applicant is limited to 5 sets of plates for power units, of which only 2 may exceed 59,500 pounds and 2 farm trailer plates.

Can I go out of state with a Farm plate?
Illinois Farm Registration is recognized by some states. Before entering another state, however, truck operators should check with that state.

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Mileage Plates

What is Mileage Tax Registration?
Mileage Tax Registration allows reduced fees depending on the weight of the vehicle and the number of miles operated. Illinois law allows these vehicles to be operated in Illinois for a limited number of miles, and operators are charged less registration fees than those of long-distance carriers. Mileage Tax Registration does not allow out-of-state operation. There is no restriction on the load and a $500 surety bond is required.

Where can I purchase or renew my Mileage Tax Plates?
Because of the bonding requirements, Mileage Tax plates are only available at the Commercial and Farm Truck Division in Springfield.

What are the restrictions on Mileage Tax Plates?
Because of mileage requirements, vehicles with a Mileage Tax Registration must have working odometers. Trailers are required to have hub-o-meters. Mileage Tax Registrations are subject to suspension or revocation for failure to report mileage, as well as operating vehicles with disconnected or broken odometers or hub-o-meters.

Am I required to have a surety bond?
Surety bonds of $500 per Mileage Tax plate are required by the Secretary of State's office as a guarantee of payment of excess fees. The bonds must be from surety companies approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance. (Schedule Bond CFT IT 8.4)

How are Mileage Tax fees determined for my vehicle?
The combined gross weight of a vehicle will determine the number of miles allowed to be driven and the fees assessed.

Can I reclass my Mileage Tax plates at any time during the year?
Mileage Tax Registration is binding for the fiscal year. Therefore, reclassing to a Flat Weight Tax Registration is not permitted during the effective year. Mileage Tax registration may be upgraded to a higher weight during the registration year. Additional fees will apply.

What is Flat Weight Tax Registration?
Flat Weight Tax Registration is based on the combined gross weight of the vehicle. There is limited liability to operate on other jurisdictions based upon weight, number of axles or intra/interstate operation. For information regarding trip permits, contact the Commercial and Farm Truck Division.

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Special Hauling Vehicle Permit

What is a Special Hauling Vehicle Permit?
A Special Hauling Vehicle Permit or (SHV) allows certain vehicles to be exempted from the federal bridge formula while operating on Illinois highways.

How do I get an SHV?
SHV's may be purchased at the Commercial and Farm Truck Division office in Springfield and Level 3 Secretary of State facilities. SHV Permits may be purchased for apportioned plates at the time of renewal either by using the paper IRP Renewal Application or the web service. Fees will be included on your renewal invoice.

How much does an SHV Permit cost?
The permit costs $125 and can be transferred at no fee.

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