Illinois IRP Form CFT IRP 22 Application Guide – Commercial vehicle operators based in Illinois who travel across state lines or into Canadian provinces rely on the International Registration Plan (IRP). The official form for applying is the Illinois Secretary of State Form CFT IRP 22. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, required documents, how to complete it, and where to submit it, using current information from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
What Is the International Registration Plan (IRP)?
The IRP is a reciprocity agreement among the contiguous U.S. states (except Alaska and Hawaii in some contexts, though most participate), the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces. It allows commercial carriers to register their fleets in a single base jurisdiction (Illinois in this case) and pay apportioned registration fees based on the percentage of distance traveled in each member jurisdiction.
Under IRP, each apportionable vehicle receives one license plate and one cab card valid in all IRP jurisdictions. Fees are calculated according to the distances operated and distributed to the jurisdictions where travel occurs. Apportionment is required for power units that operate in two or more IRP jurisdictions and either have a combined gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or have three or more axles, regardless of weight. Certain lighter commercial vehicles operating interstate may also need to apportion.
Official details are available on the Illinois Secretary of State IRP page and the national IRP, Inc. website.
What Is Form CFT IRP 22?
Form CFT IRP 22 is the official multi-page International Registration Plan Application issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial & Farm Truck Division. The current version (March 2026 — CFT IRP 22.22 ADA) is used for new applications, renewals (when paper is still accepted), supplements, vehicle additions, transfers, corrections, and related transactions.
The form collects applicant information, business details, distance and weight schedules for all IRP jurisdictions, and vehicle-specific data. First-time applicants typically use average per-vehicle distances from the official chart; renewals report actual distances accrued during the reporting period.
Download the official form here: Illinois Form CFT IRP 22 (PDF).
Who Needs to File Form CFT IRP 22?
You need this form if you base commercial vehicle operations in Illinois and operate apportionable vehicles in multiple IRP jurisdictions. This includes:
- For-hire carriers
- Private carriers
- Rental companies
- Household goods carriers
- Operators of trucks, tractors, buses, power wreckers, and certain other commercial power units meeting the weight or axle criteria
Trailers registered in Illinois must be titled in Illinois. New applicants and those making significant changes generally file the full application along with supporting Schedule G (Form CFT 23).
Key Requirements for New IRP Applicants in Illinois
According to the Illinois Secretary of State Commercial and Farm Truck Division, first-time applicants must provide:
- Proof of vehicle ownership (copy of title in the owner’s name, both sides of an assigned title, ST-556 tax form, or dealer bill of sale not more than six months old and signed by both parties)
- Receipted IRS Form 2290 Schedule 1 (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) if the vehicle is registered at 55,000 pounds or more and more than 60 days have passed since purchase
- USDOT number of the carrier responsible for safety (and the registrant’s FEIN)
- Proof of an established place of business or residence in Illinois (typically four documents, one of which must be a current phone bill not more than 60 days old; other acceptable items include Illinois driver’s license, lease/rental contract, real estate tax bill, utility bills, insurance documents, and corporation papers)
- Corporation or LLC documents showing “Good Standing” (domestic or foreign)
- Completed Form CFT IRP 22
- Completed Schedule “G” for First-Year Applicants (Form CFT 23), which covers business ownership, history, operating plan, and related questions
New applicants must pay with secured funds (cash, money order, certified check, credit/debit card, or company/personal check backed by an irrevocable letter of guarantee) for the first three full years of registration. Documentation is typically emailed to [email protected].
Full current guidance is on the Commercial and Farm Trucks page.
How to Complete Form CFT IRP 22?
The form has multiple sections. Key parts include:
Page 1 – Applicant Information: Registrant name, DBA, physical Illinois address, contact details, special mailing address if different, insurance company and policy information, USDOT and FEIN numbers, safety carrier details, and type of operation (haul for hire, private, rental, household goods, etc.). Sign under oath affirming accuracy, insurance compliance, knowledge of federal motor carrier safety regulations, and commitment to maintain individual vehicle distance records for at least three years.
Distance/Weight Schedule: List actual or estimated distances and weights for each IRP jurisdiction. First-time applicants use the Average Per Vehicle Distance Chart (Form VSD 646). Mark “A” for actual or “E” for estimated. Report total actual fleet distance when applicable. All jurisdictions appear on the registration cab card.
Vehicle Information Schedule: Provide details for each vehicle (VIN, year, make, type, axles, fuel, unladen weight, purchase information, USDOT of safety carrier, HVUT status, etc.). Use additional schedules as needed for more vehicles or weight groups. For Quebec, include total axles including trailers.
Detailed instructions appear on the form itself and in the official IRP Instruction Manual (CFT IRP 25). Always consult the latest manual available from the Secretary of State publications page.
Distance Reporting and Average Per Vehicle Distances
First-time applicants without prior actual distances must use the official Average Per Vehicle Distance Chart (VSD 646) for the applicable registration year. Actual distances accrued must always be reported when available. Distance records (Individual Vehicle Distance Records) must be maintained and preserved for a minimum of three years.
The chart is updated annually and published by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Renewals and Online Options
Starting April 1, 2026, IRP registration renewals are accepted online only for most carriers. Fleets with fewer than 250 vehicles receive email reminders containing a PIN. Online renewal allows upload of HVUT Form 2290 and electronic payment. Temporary and plate credentials expiring March 31, 2026, received limited extensions in prior cycles; always check the latest notices.
Address or major vehicle changes generally require a supplemental paper application rather than the online renewal system. The online portal is available through the Illinois Secretary of State e-services.
Where to Submit Form CFT IRP 22?
Mail completed applications (all pages) to:
Office of the Secretary of State
Commercial & Farm Truck Division
300 Howlett Building, 501 S. 2nd St.
Springfield, IL 62756
New applicants may email documentation to [email protected]. In-person processing requires an appointment; call 217-785-1800. For questions or to request the IRP Instruction Manual, contact the Commercial & Farm Truck Division at the same number or visit ilsos.gov.
Supporting Forms and Resources
- Form CFT IRP 22 – IRP Application
- Schedule G (CFT 23) for first-year applicants or operational changes
- Average Per Vehicle Distance Chart (VSD 646)
- IRP Instruction Manual (CFT IRP 25) for the current registration year
- IRS Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
All forms and the latest manuals are available on the official Illinois Secretary of State publications and Commercial & Farm Truck pages. Always download the most recent versions directly from ilsos.gov to ensure compliance.
Important Tips for U.S. Operators
Maintain accurate Individual Vehicle Distance Records showing continuous movement, origin/destination, routes, and odometer readings. Incomplete applications or missing supporting documents cause delays. New registrants face stricter payment and documentation rules for the first three years. Insurance must meet minimum liability requirements and remain in force throughout the registration period.
Because rules, fees, distance charts, and online processes update periodically, verify current requirements on the official Illinois Secretary of State website before filing. For national IRP plan details, refer to IRP, Inc..
This information is based on official publications and web pages from the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State as of the most recent available updates in 2026. It is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact the Commercial & Farm Truck Division directly for your specific situation.