Florida HSMV Form 85008 – IFTA License Application Guide – Florida-based motor carriers operating qualified commercial vehicles across state lines must comply with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). The official form used to apply for an IFTA license in Florida is HSMV Form 85008, titled “International Fuel Tax Agreement License Application.” This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete and submit it, associated fees, and where to download the official document from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
What Is Florida HSMV Form 85008?
HSMV Form 85008 is the official application used by motor carriers based in Florida to establish an IFTA account. Completing this form allows carriers to obtain an IFTA license and the required IFTA decals for their qualified vehicles. Once issued, the Florida IFTA license is recognized in all other IFTA member jurisdictions (the lower 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces), simplifying fuel tax reporting and payment.
The form is a two-page document that includes both the license application and the accompanying IFTA decal order. Applicants must provide accurate business information, Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), vehicle details, and payment for the requested decals.
You can download the official, current version of the form directly from the FLHSMV website: Download Florida HSMV Form 85008 (PDF).
Who Needs to File Form 85008?
Any motor carrier based in Florida that operates one or more IFTA-qualified motor vehicles in at least one other IFTA member jurisdiction must apply for an IFTA license using Form 85008.
A vehicle is considered IFTA-qualified if it is used, designed, or maintained for the interstate transportation of persons or property and meets any of the following criteria:
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds; or
- Has three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
- Is used in combination with a trailer, with a combined GVW or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 pounds.
Florida serves as the base jurisdiction when the carrier bases its qualified vehicles in Florida for registration purposes. Carriers must also maintain operational records in Florida and accrue some mileage within the state.
Exemptions from IFTA Licensing in Florida
Certain vehicles are exempt from Florida IFTA licensing requirements:
- Recreational vehicles not used in connection with any business endeavor
- Government-owned vehicles (note that other IFTA jurisdictions may still require licensing)
Operators of government-owned vehicles should verify requirements with each jurisdiction in which they plan to travel.
Key Information Required on Form 85008
When completing HSMV Form 85008, applicants must provide the following details accurately:
- Business Name – Must match the name used for U.S. DOT operating authority and IRS Form 2290 (Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax). Attach corporation or fictitious name papers filed with the Florida Secretary of State if applicable.
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) – Required for all applicants.
- Business Location and Mailing Address
- Contact Information – Including telephone number and email address
- U.S. DOT Number (if applicable)
- Florida IRP Account Number (if the carrier also has an International Registration Plan account)
- Vehicle Information – Including the number of vehicles requiring IFTA decals
- Previous IFTA Licensing History – Disclosure of any prior licenses or revocations in other jurisdictions
Important note from FLHSMV: IFTA accounts belonging to the same person or business entity that also has an IRP account in Florida should use the identical business name and FEIN on both accounts for cross-reference purposes.
IFTA Decals and Fees
There is no fee for the annual IFTA license itself. However, carriers must order IFTA decals for each qualified vehicle. The current fee is $4.00 per set (one pair of decals per vehicle).
Decals must be affixed to the exterior of the power unit: one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side. IFTA credentials (license and decals) are valid for the calendar year January 1 through December 31. Expired decals must be removed, and only current decals should be displayed.
The application is incomplete without the decal order and payment. Checks should be made payable to the Florida Division of Motorist Services.
How to Submit Florida Form 85008?
New applicants generally submit the completed Form 85008 and payment by mail (unless hand-delivered) to:
Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MAIL STOP 62
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0626
Florida encourages the use of the Interstate Carrier Filing System (ICFS) for many IFTA transactions after an account is established. Online filing offers faster processing, automatic document delivery, online payments, and real-time account access.
Walk-in service is available at the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services in Tallahassee for original applications and certain other transactions. Call (850) 617-3711 in advance to confirm required documentation and current wait times.
After Approval: IFTA License and Ongoing Requirements
Once approved, Florida issues an IFTA license and a set of two decals per qualified vehicle. A copy of the license must be carried in each vehicle (the original may remain with the carrier’s records).
Licensees must:
- File quarterly IFTA tax returns
- Maintain detailed distance and fuel records
- Pay all fuel taxes due to Florida (which then distributes payments to other member jurisdictions)
- Renew credentials annually (decals expire December 31)
Effective October 1, 2026, all IFTA tax return filings and fuel tax decal renewal orders in Florida must be submitted electronically through the system prescribed by the department.
For detailed guidance, refer to the official Florida IFTA Trucking Manual (Form 85920) and the How to Calculate the IFTA Tax Return Manual (Form 85800).
Related Forms and Resources
Additional useful FLHSMV forms for IFTA carriers include:
- HSMV 85010 – IFTA Decal Re-order Form
- HSMV 85041 – IRP/IFTA Change of Address Form
- HSMV 96440 – IRP/IFTA Power of Attorney
- HSMV 85017 – Record Keeping Agreement
National IFTA information is available at the official IFTA, Inc. website.
Contact Information for Assistance
For questions about Form 85008, IFTA applications, or decal orders, contact the Florida Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services Customer Service line at (850) 617-3711.
Official FLHSMV IFTA resources can be found on the department’s International Fuel Tax Agreement page.
Download Florida HSMV Form 85008
Ready to apply? Download the official fillable PDF form here:
Download HSMV Form 85008 – International Fuel Tax Agreement License Application (PDF)
Always verify that you are using the most current version of the form from the official FLHSMV website before submitting your application. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may delay processing or result in denial.