FAQs from the Georgia Trucking Portal
Frequently Asked Questions - Click the blue bars to review your FAQ's.
General FAQs
What is the definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is a type of motor vehicle that may be used for transporting goods or passengers.
Where can I get copy of GA Commercial Motor Carrier Manual?
Department of Revenue Commercial Vehicle Registration Motor Carrier Services Instruction Manual. Click to review and download PDF. Motor Carrier Services Instruction Manual.
When do I need USDOT number or GADOT number? How do I get one?
If you operate a truck for business purposes with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a truck and trailer with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, you need a USDOT number. You can receive your USDOT number immediately by registering online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's On-line Registration and Licensing System.
A commercial vehicle is a type of motor vehicle that may be used for transporting goods or passengers.
Where can I get copy of GA Commercial Motor Carrier Manual?
Department of Revenue Commercial Vehicle Registration Motor Carrier Services Instruction Manual. Click to review and download PDF. Motor Carrier Services Instruction Manual.
When do I need USDOT number or GADOT number? How do I get one?
If you operate a truck for business purposes with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a truck and trailer with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, you need a USDOT number. You can receive your USDOT number immediately by registering online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's On-line Registration and Licensing System.
Operating Authority
I have purchased a bus or truck, what do I need to do before I start operating?
Any person transporting property or passengers for hire within the state of Georgia is required to complete an application to register and receive authority.
What do I need to do before I could lease my vehicles to a motor carrier?
When the vehicle is leased, the lessee (motor carrier) is considered the operator of the vehicle. The lease should include the facts that the leased equipment is to be used solely by the lessee during the time of the lease and that the lessee controls the operation of the equipment including licensing, markings, insurance coverage, drivers, drivers' qualifications, drivers' hours of service and all related items to the same extent as if the lessee was the actual owner of the vehicle.
The lessee must accept responsibility to the public for any injury caused in the operation of leased equipment during the time of the lease, display appropriate vehicle markings and shall maintain and operate the leased equipment in accordance with state rules and regulations. When the lease is terminated, the lessee markings must be removed or done away with and the lease removed from the vehicle.
Any person transporting property or passengers for hire within the state of Georgia is required to complete an application to register and receive authority.
What do I need to do before I could lease my vehicles to a motor carrier?
When the vehicle is leased, the lessee (motor carrier) is considered the operator of the vehicle. The lease should include the facts that the leased equipment is to be used solely by the lessee during the time of the lease and that the lessee controls the operation of the equipment including licensing, markings, insurance coverage, drivers, drivers' qualifications, drivers' hours of service and all related items to the same extent as if the lessee was the actual owner of the vehicle.
The lessee must accept responsibility to the public for any injury caused in the operation of leased equipment during the time of the lease, display appropriate vehicle markings and shall maintain and operate the leased equipment in accordance with state rules and regulations. When the lease is terminated, the lessee markings must be removed or done away with and the lease removed from the vehicle.
International Registration Plan (IRP)
When do I need to register under International Registration Plan (IRP)?
What all is required for first - time IRP registrants?
What is Ad Valorem Taxes?
When is a MCS-150 Form (Motor Carrier Identification Report) necessary?
What type of insurance does IRP accept?
When do I need an employment contract?
What happens when a TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is received and my vehicle breaks down?
How can I apply for IRP license?
When do I need to provide papers from Secretary of State Office?
How long is my IRP license plate and cab card valid?
What credentials do I need to carry in my truck?
Where on my truck do I attach my IRP license plate?
What forms of payments are acceptable?
How and when do I renew my plate(s) and cab card(s)?
How do I receive my IRP plate(s) and cab card(s)?
Can I print/reprint my trip permit?
When do I need to register under International Registration Plan (IRP)?
When a vehicle(s) travels in two or more jurisdictions (State or Canadian Province) and is:
• A power unit having two axles and a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds or more; or
• A power unit having three or more axles regardless of weight; or
• A power unit that is used to pull another unit and the combined weight exceeds 26,000lbs.
What all is required for first - time IRP registrants?
A Georgia title is required to purchase an IRP tag. Georgia residents and Georgia companies are required to have an established place of business located in Georgia where the operational records are maintained.
Complete a Schedule A, B and G (IRP application forms). Usually, for new registrants, the only supporting documents required are the proof of Georgia title application, copy of liability insurance card, certificate of insurance or binder, and (if applicable) a copy of your current Federal Heavy Vehicle Use tax receipt, (IRS Form 2290, with no white-out or corrections). At lease one Motor Carrier Identification Report form (MCS-150) is required, sometimes two. Please see the MCS-150 section under ‘Supporting Documents’ for the rules pertaining to the requirement to have two MCS-150 forms.
What is a Form 2290 and where do I get it? A FORM 2290 is the HEAVY VEHICLE USE TAX FORM (HVUT) that is filed with the IRS for vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This form must be stamped and validated by the IRS with correct and complete VIN (vehicle identification number). This form CANNOT be altered. It is due every year.
What is Ad Valorem Taxes?
Ad valorem taxes are property taxes on all vehicles. This tax must be paid directly to your local county tag office. NO LICENSE PLATES OR CAB CARDS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE PAYMENT OF THESE TAXES IS SATISFIED.
(When is a MCS-150 Form [Motor Carrier Identification Report] necessary?)
What type of insurance does IRP accept?
A MCS-150 is needed for all first-time registrants. This form must be updated yearly due to PRISM requirements by the registrant and/or carrier responsible for safety on an IRP account. It is required for all renewals and adding vehicles.
(What type of insurance does IRP accept?)
When do I need an equipment lease?
An equipment lease is required when the name on the title is different from the registrant on the IRP account. This lease must be signed and dated by both parties and notarized. It must also show the complete VIN (vehicle identification number), year, make and model of the vehicle.
When do I need an employment contract?
An employment contract is required when the registrant is leased onto a carrier responsible for safety.
What happens when a TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is received and my vehicle breaks down?
A TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is a valid registration. Once accepted you are responsible for the invoice.
How can I apply for IRP license?
You may apply in person, by fax (404-724-7760) or by mail. If you fax your completed application, the TVR (Temporary Vehicle Registration) will be faxed to you within 24-48 hours. If you apply in person, the TVR will be issued at that time. If you mail your application, the TVR will be mailed to you.
When do I need to provide papers from Secretary of State Office?
Back To The TopYou may apply in person, by fax (404-724-7760) or by mail. If you fax your completed application, the TVR (Temporary Vehicle Registration) will be faxed to you within 24-48 hours. If you apply in person, the TVR will be issued at that time. If you mail your application, the TVR will be mailed to you.
How long is my IRP license and cab card valid for?
Back To The TopGeorgia apportioned plates must be renewed every year. A license plate's renewal date depends on when the plate was issued. The registration period is listed on the cab card. There are four:
• Jan 1 – Dec 31*
• Apr 1 – Mar 31*
• July 1 – Jun 30*
• Oct 1 – Sep 30*
*(Last business day of the month)
What credentials do I need to carry in my truck?
Cab Card
Where on my truck do I attach my IRP license plate?
All IRP plates must be placed on the front of the truck in the appropriate license plate slot.
What forms of payments are acceptable?
We accept cash, Business or Personal check, Money Order, Credit Card (VISA IS NOT ACCEPTED). There is a 2.5% fee associated with the processing of credit card transactions. We also accept ComData, EFS, and FleetOne Checks.
How and when do I renew my plate(s) and cab card(s)?
The staggered registration process requires that renewal applications for tags under the International Registration Plan must be submitted to the Department of Revenue, IRP office, sixty days before the expiration date. A late filing penalty of 10% will be assessed if the renewal application is received on or after the first day of the expiration month. If the payment for the renewal application is received after the last day of the expiration month, a late payment penalty of 25% of the Georgia fees must be added to the payment.
Renewal notices for all registrants are mailed 3 months before the expiration date of the tag. The registrant must return the renewal notice 2 months before the expiration date. The registrant will return the renewal notice along with the appropriate supporting documents. Application will not be considered received until all requirements are met.
How do I receive my IRP plate(s) and cab card(s)?
All tags and cab cards will be shipped to the business address (you must be able to receive mail at this address) after all registration requirements have been met.
IRP plates and cab cards can be received in person or by mail.
Can I print/reprint my trip permit?
Yes all Trip Permit can be print and reprint.
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What all is required for first - time IRP registrants?
What is Ad Valorem Taxes?
When is a MCS-150 Form (Motor Carrier Identification Report) necessary?
What type of insurance does IRP accept?
When do I need an employment contract?
What happens when a TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is received and my vehicle breaks down?
How can I apply for IRP license?
When do I need to provide papers from Secretary of State Office?
How long is my IRP license plate and cab card valid?
What credentials do I need to carry in my truck?
Where on my truck do I attach my IRP license plate?
What forms of payments are acceptable?
How and when do I renew my plate(s) and cab card(s)?
How do I receive my IRP plate(s) and cab card(s)?
Can I print/reprint my trip permit?
When do I need to register under International Registration Plan (IRP)?
When a vehicle(s) travels in two or more jurisdictions (State or Canadian Province) and is:
• A power unit having two axles and a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds or more; or
• A power unit having three or more axles regardless of weight; or
• A power unit that is used to pull another unit and the combined weight exceeds 26,000lbs.
What all is required for first - time IRP registrants?
A Georgia title is required to purchase an IRP tag. Georgia residents and Georgia companies are required to have an established place of business located in Georgia where the operational records are maintained.
Complete a Schedule A, B and G (IRP application forms). Usually, for new registrants, the only supporting documents required are the proof of Georgia title application, copy of liability insurance card, certificate of insurance or binder, and (if applicable) a copy of your current Federal Heavy Vehicle Use tax receipt, (IRS Form 2290, with no white-out or corrections). At lease one Motor Carrier Identification Report form (MCS-150) is required, sometimes two. Please see the MCS-150 section under ‘Supporting Documents’ for the rules pertaining to the requirement to have two MCS-150 forms.
What is a Form 2290 and where do I get it? A FORM 2290 is the HEAVY VEHICLE USE TAX FORM (HVUT) that is filed with the IRS for vehicles with a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This form must be stamped and validated by the IRS with correct and complete VIN (vehicle identification number). This form CANNOT be altered. It is due every year.
What is Ad Valorem Taxes?
Ad valorem taxes are property taxes on all vehicles. This tax must be paid directly to your local county tag office. NO LICENSE PLATES OR CAB CARDS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE PAYMENT OF THESE TAXES IS SATISFIED.
(When is a MCS-150 Form [Motor Carrier Identification Report] necessary?)
What type of insurance does IRP accept?
A MCS-150 is needed for all first-time registrants. This form must be updated yearly due to PRISM requirements by the registrant and/or carrier responsible for safety on an IRP account. It is required for all renewals and adding vehicles.
(What type of insurance does IRP accept?)
When do I need an equipment lease?
An equipment lease is required when the name on the title is different from the registrant on the IRP account. This lease must be signed and dated by both parties and notarized. It must also show the complete VIN (vehicle identification number), year, make and model of the vehicle.
When do I need an employment contract?
An employment contract is required when the registrant is leased onto a carrier responsible for safety.
What happens when a TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is received and my vehicle breaks down?
A TVR (temporary vehicle permit) is a valid registration. Once accepted you are responsible for the invoice.
How can I apply for IRP license?
You may apply in person, by fax (404-724-7760) or by mail. If you fax your completed application, the TVR (Temporary Vehicle Registration) will be faxed to you within 24-48 hours. If you apply in person, the TVR will be issued at that time. If you mail your application, the TVR will be mailed to you.
When do I need to provide papers from Secretary of State Office?
Back To The TopYou may apply in person, by fax (404-724-7760) or by mail. If you fax your completed application, the TVR (Temporary Vehicle Registration) will be faxed to you within 24-48 hours. If you apply in person, the TVR will be issued at that time. If you mail your application, the TVR will be mailed to you.
How long is my IRP license and cab card valid for?
Back To The TopGeorgia apportioned plates must be renewed every year. A license plate's renewal date depends on when the plate was issued. The registration period is listed on the cab card. There are four:
• Jan 1 – Dec 31*
• Apr 1 – Mar 31*
• July 1 – Jun 30*
• Oct 1 – Sep 30*
*(Last business day of the month)
What credentials do I need to carry in my truck?
Cab Card
Where on my truck do I attach my IRP license plate?
All IRP plates must be placed on the front of the truck in the appropriate license plate slot.
What forms of payments are acceptable?
We accept cash, Business or Personal check, Money Order, Credit Card (VISA IS NOT ACCEPTED). There is a 2.5% fee associated with the processing of credit card transactions. We also accept ComData, EFS, and FleetOne Checks.
How and when do I renew my plate(s) and cab card(s)?
The staggered registration process requires that renewal applications for tags under the International Registration Plan must be submitted to the Department of Revenue, IRP office, sixty days before the expiration date. A late filing penalty of 10% will be assessed if the renewal application is received on or after the first day of the expiration month. If the payment for the renewal application is received after the last day of the expiration month, a late payment penalty of 25% of the Georgia fees must be added to the payment.
Renewal notices for all registrants are mailed 3 months before the expiration date of the tag. The registrant must return the renewal notice 2 months before the expiration date. The registrant will return the renewal notice along with the appropriate supporting documents. Application will not be considered received until all requirements are met.
How do I receive my IRP plate(s) and cab card(s)?
All tags and cab cards will be shipped to the business address (you must be able to receive mail at this address) after all registration requirements have been met.
IRP plates and cab cards can be received in person or by mail.
Can I print/reprint my trip permit?
Yes all Trip Permit can be print and reprint.
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International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
When do I need to register for International Fuel Tax agreement?
What all is required to apply for IFTA license and decals?
How can I apply for IFTA license and decals?
How long is my IFTA license and decals valid for?
What is the cost of IFTA license and decals?
How and when do I renew my license?
How can I order additional IFTA decals?
Do I need to carry license in truck?
How and when do I renew my IFTA license and decals?
Where can I get information on quarterly fuel tax returns?
When do I need to register for International Fuel Tax agreement?
• Your vehicle(s) are registered with GA IRP.
• Your vehicle(s) has more than two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered vehicle weight gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
• Your vehicle has three or more axles, regardless of weight; and
• You travel in jurisdictions outside the state of Georgia.
What all is required to apply for IFTA license and decals?
IFTA Application, Secretary of State Corporation or Fictitious Name papers (if applicable) and proof of Georgia based license plate(s).
How can I apply for IFTA license and decals?
On our electronic filing site, by mail, fax, in person.
How long is my IFTA license and decals valid for?
IFTA license and decals are valid for a calendar year from January 1 through December 31. There is a grace period from January 1 – February.
What is the cost of IFTA license and decals?
Decals are $3.00 per set.
How and when do I renew my license?
In late August of each year, you will receive a notice to renew your license and order necessary decals for the coming year. You can renew online, by mail or in person.
How can I order additional IFTA decals?
Online, by mail, in person.
Do I need to carry license in truck?
Yes
How and when do I renew my IFTA license and decals?
Back To The TopIn late August of each year, you will receive a notice to renew your license and order necessary decals for the coming year. You can renew online, by mail or in person.
Where can I get information on quarterly fuel tax returns?
At the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). We are pleased to offer this new customer-facing application.
If you have Sales & Use Tax or Withholding Income Tax responsibilities or file these taxes on behalf of others, this site contains valuable information for you. Please click on the link to review the information: Georgia Tax Center (GTC)
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What all is required to apply for IFTA license and decals?
How can I apply for IFTA license and decals?
How long is my IFTA license and decals valid for?
What is the cost of IFTA license and decals?
How and when do I renew my license?
How can I order additional IFTA decals?
Do I need to carry license in truck?
How and when do I renew my IFTA license and decals?
Where can I get information on quarterly fuel tax returns?
When do I need to register for International Fuel Tax agreement?
• Your vehicle(s) are registered with GA IRP.
• Your vehicle(s) has more than two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered vehicle weight gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds or 11,797 kilograms; or
• Your vehicle has three or more axles, regardless of weight; and
• You travel in jurisdictions outside the state of Georgia.
What all is required to apply for IFTA license and decals?
IFTA Application, Secretary of State Corporation or Fictitious Name papers (if applicable) and proof of Georgia based license plate(s).
How can I apply for IFTA license and decals?
On our electronic filing site, by mail, fax, in person.
How long is my IFTA license and decals valid for?
IFTA license and decals are valid for a calendar year from January 1 through December 31. There is a grace period from January 1 – February.
What is the cost of IFTA license and decals?
Decals are $3.00 per set.
How and when do I renew my license?
In late August of each year, you will receive a notice to renew your license and order necessary decals for the coming year. You can renew online, by mail or in person.
How can I order additional IFTA decals?
Online, by mail, in person.
Do I need to carry license in truck?
Yes
How and when do I renew my IFTA license and decals?
Back To The TopIn late August of each year, you will receive a notice to renew your license and order necessary decals for the coming year. You can renew online, by mail or in person.
Where can I get information on quarterly fuel tax returns?
At the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). We are pleased to offer this new customer-facing application.
If you have Sales & Use Tax or Withholding Income Tax responsibilities or file these taxes on behalf of others, this site contains valuable information for you. Please click on the link to review the information: Georgia Tax Center (GTC)
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Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
When do I need to register for UCR?
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business with Georgia Department of Revenue and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet. Companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders or leasing companies are also required to register and pay a fee of $39.00.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce to register their business with Georgia Department of Revenue and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet. Companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders or leasing companies are also required to register and pay a fee of $39.00.
Permits
When do I need IRP Trip Permit?
When do I need Motor Fuel Use Tax Permits?
When do I need Hunter’s Permit?
When do I need IRP Trip Permit?
A 72-hour Trip Permit is required for the following out-of-state based vehicles that meet the requirements for apportionment: those with current non-apportioned tags, and those with IRP tags not apportioned for Georgia.
The Permit must be secured prior to entry and must remain with the vehicle while in the state. A duplicate or photocopy is not acceptable.
A Trip Permit for traveling into Georgia will be available online for a fee of $30.00 and allows interstate and intrastate operation in Georgia.
Georgia-based carriers, who are not apportioned to travel in another IRP state, but wish to do so, must contact that state or the wire services to obtain any needed Trip Permit and information on other requirements of operation. If not apportioned for it before entering any other IRP member state, a Trip Permit must be secured and carried in the cab of the vehicle for which issued or the vehicle may be subject to full registration fees in that state and /or fined. Georgia does not sell trip permits to Georgia-based carriers.
When do I need Motor Fuel Use Tax Permits?
If you need to travel out-of-state before you receive your IFTA credentials, you must purchase fuel trip permits to travel in IFTA jurisdictions and for your reentry into Georgia. Your Georgia Motor Fuel Use Tax Permit must be purchased and validated before you reenter the state. A 10-day Motor Fuel Use Tax Permit will be available online for a fee of $16.00.
When do I need Hunter’s Permit?
Georgia based owner-operator who was previously leased to a motor carrier and whose current year tag was in the carrier’s name but is no longer leased to them, and as a result has no IRP registration. This permit allows an operator to move his empty vehicle from place to place, as needed, in looking for employment.
This permit is valid for seven (7) days for a fee of $30.00 and will be available online. The original Unladen Vehicle Registration- Hunter Permit must be carried in the vehicle described and a duplicate or photocopy is not acceptable.
Georgia will recognize a valid Unladen Vehicle Registration-Hunter Permit issued by another state and allow travel in this state without the purchase of a Georgia Unladen Vehicle Registration -Hunter Permit. Other states will recognize a valid Georgia Unladen Vehicle Registration- Hunter Permit.
When do I need Motor Fuel Use Tax Permits?
When do I need Hunter’s Permit?
When do I need IRP Trip Permit?
A 72-hour Trip Permit is required for the following out-of-state based vehicles that meet the requirements for apportionment: those with current non-apportioned tags, and those with IRP tags not apportioned for Georgia.
The Permit must be secured prior to entry and must remain with the vehicle while in the state. A duplicate or photocopy is not acceptable.
A Trip Permit for traveling into Georgia will be available online for a fee of $30.00 and allows interstate and intrastate operation in Georgia.
Georgia-based carriers, who are not apportioned to travel in another IRP state, but wish to do so, must contact that state or the wire services to obtain any needed Trip Permit and information on other requirements of operation. If not apportioned for it before entering any other IRP member state, a Trip Permit must be secured and carried in the cab of the vehicle for which issued or the vehicle may be subject to full registration fees in that state and /or fined. Georgia does not sell trip permits to Georgia-based carriers.
When do I need Motor Fuel Use Tax Permits?
If you need to travel out-of-state before you receive your IFTA credentials, you must purchase fuel trip permits to travel in IFTA jurisdictions and for your reentry into Georgia. Your Georgia Motor Fuel Use Tax Permit must be purchased and validated before you reenter the state. A 10-day Motor Fuel Use Tax Permit will be available online for a fee of $16.00.
When do I need Hunter’s Permit?
Georgia based owner-operator who was previously leased to a motor carrier and whose current year tag was in the carrier’s name but is no longer leased to them, and as a result has no IRP registration. This permit allows an operator to move his empty vehicle from place to place, as needed, in looking for employment.
This permit is valid for seven (7) days for a fee of $30.00 and will be available online. The original Unladen Vehicle Registration- Hunter Permit must be carried in the vehicle described and a duplicate or photocopy is not acceptable.
Georgia will recognize a valid Unladen Vehicle Registration-Hunter Permit issued by another state and allow travel in this state without the purchase of a Georgia Unladen Vehicle Registration -Hunter Permit. Other states will recognize a valid Georgia Unladen Vehicle Registration- Hunter Permit.