International Registration Plan
Renewal Instructions
Approximately three months before the expiration of the registrant’s tag(s), the Florida Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services (Bureau) will mail all active registrants a renewal packet. The renewal packet contains a brief Renewal Notice that includes an online link to detailed renewal instructions and a computer-generated Renewal Form that has pre-populated carrier and vehicle information from the carrier’s account. Account information will be “current” as of the date the renewal form was created, so it will be necessary to update the form with all changes that need to be made for the upcoming registration year. Mileage information is required for the reporting period that corresponds to the registration year, to calculate renewal fees. Due to the high volume of renewals and other transactions handled each month, carriers are encouraged to begin the renewal process as soon as they receive this packet. They are also encouraged to renew online, using the renewal package for reference. When renewing online, there is no need to mail an application and all the supporting documents can be submitted via a special email address for E-File users.
GENERAL RENEWAL TIPS
As indicated above, carriers may begin the renewal process up to three months prior to the expiration of their registration. It may be helpful to keep in mind that renewing early and receiving an invoice early does NOT mean that payment is immediately due. Instead, having a bill in hand is a way of confirming that your credentials are ready to issue as soon as payment has been made and posted. Carriers should consider how long they expect it to take for their new tags and cab cards to reach their location once shipped, and how long it will take to get them on their registered vehicles before the current tags expire. This information can help them determine how long they have before they should make payment. Here are some other tips for keeping IRP renewal on track:
Carefully review all renewal instructions
Regardless of the method used use to submit a renewal, be sure to refer to current year IRP Renewal Instructions.
This document may be previewed at any time, as preparation. The instructions detail all the steps in the renewal process, the carrier and vehicle information that will need to be re-verified through supporting documentation, and the types of documents (proof) that the Bureau can accept. Avoiding mistakes will lessen the chance that the renewal transaction will be delayed because the Bureau needs additional information from the carrier.
Check the pre-populated information on the renewal form for accuracy and completeness
Gather and submit the appropriate supporting documents
The following must be provided every time you renew:
- Proof of current insurance coverage in the applicable amounts
- Proof of current payment of the federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
The following may be needed, depending on your operations:
- If you are adding vehicles to your registration, or you have an existing vehicle that does not have a current Florida title, proof of vehicle ownership.
- If you still have or are adding vehicles with an outstanding lien, a current statement from the lienholder (on the lienholder’s stationary) indicating there is still an outstanding lien and that title will not be released until this lien is satisfied.
- If you do not own your registered vehicles and/or the insurance is in the name of another party, proof of a current lease arrangement.
- If your renewal includes a change in your Florida physical location address, proof that your current established business or place of residence meets the IRP criteria.
Respond promptly to requests for missing information or documents
Pay your invoice in time for credentials to be shipped before your tags expire
Note: First time renewals require payment with guaranteed funds. The Bureau cannot accept a check from a personal or a business account. Acceptable forms of payment include a cashier’s check, a money order, or a credit card.
RENEWING ONLINE
Using the State of Florida’s E-File system can be the fastest way to renew an IRP registration. All information is entered online and the required supporting documents are scanned and sent to a dedicated email address. Scanned documents must be legible. Notarized documents must be submitted by mail. The system is available around the clock and eliminates the need to mail in any paperwork. Generally, the Bureau can review the online renewal request more efficiently, and if there is no missing information or documentation, the carrier can be quickly notified by email when the renewal is approved and is ready for payment.
E-File requires pre-registration as a user. Go to the IRP E-Filing webpage for general information and instructions.
Carriers who are already registered as an E-File user do not need to submit updates on the paper renewal form that comes in the mail. Instead, they may go online to the E-File login page to renew and update their account. The following are tips for renewing online:
Download the E-Filing Quick Reference Guide for IRP Renewals
Review our documentation for technical assistance on completing the renewal process online.
Make legible scanned copies of all supporting documents required for renewal
If the scanned copy is low quality and not suitable for reviewing or filing in the account, another copy will be required. Avoid delays by taking precautions when scanning. PDF format is preferred.
Be prompt when emailing supporting documents
Email CVDSefile@hsmv.gov. Always place the Account Number and Account Name in the subject line of the email. (This makes it easier to locate a submission.)
Monitor email for further instructions or log on to E-File to check status
Once the renewal has been reviewed and approved, the status of the renewal will change from “Review Pending” to “Transaction Approved”, and will then be ready for payment.
Pay online
As soon as the IRP renewal has been billed, E-File users have the option to make an electronic payment. This option allows for payment by credit card or bank draft.
E-File users may request faster delivery of their credentials (via Federal Express) by going to www.fedex.com and creating their own pre-paid mailing label. Once this label is created, it can be forwarded to CVDSLabels@flhsmv.gov with the following three pieces of information on the subject line of the email: (1) Account Name, (2) Account Number, and the words (3) “FEDEX Label”.
Note: Sending credentials via FEDEX is a courtesy; if credentials cannot be shipped the same day, the customers’ FEDEX label will not be used and the Bureau will notify the customer by email.
RENEWING BY MAIL
The pre-populated form that was mailed to the carrier should be used to update vehicle information, add or delete vehicles, and make other corrections. All entries need to be legible, complete, and the form must be signed. Use ink. NOTE: Service agent/power of attorney signatures are NOT acceptable on the renewal application.
If necessary, a blank IRP APPLICATION (HSMV 85900) may be used, marked RENEWAL. All entries need to be legible, complete, and the form must be signed. Use Ink. NOTE: Service agent/power of attorney signatures are NOT acceptable on the renewal application.
The following are tips for renewing by mail:
- Use the following address to submit the application and all documents:
Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Mail Stop 62
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0626
- Mark all supporting documents with the account number.
- Ensure all photocopies of supporting documents are legible.
- Ensure the account has a valid email address on file.
To avoid delays caused by having to be notified by mail if there are additional requirements or documents needed, it will be useful to have a valid email address that the Bureau can use to contact you quickly.
Pay the invoice to trigger release of the credentials
Registrants are mailed an invoice as soon as a complete renewal package is reviewed and approved. The fastest way to pay is with a credit card by phone (850-617-3711) during business hours. Otherwise, Payment may be made to address above or at an IRP service center.
RENEWING IN PERSON
Registrants have the option of visiting an IRP service center, where it may be possible to receive same day service for the renewal transaction. Go to IRP General Information for information about the private tag agencies that offer IRP renewal services. Renewing in person at the BCVDS Walk in Service Center is generally not recommended because of the high and unpredictable volume of last minute renewal customers each month.
Dave Kerner, Executive Director