IFTA Licensing Requirements

IFTA licensing requirements are based on the use of IFTA-qualified vehicles.

When you don’t need IFTA licensing

IFTA licensing requirements don’t apply if either of these is true:

  • You don’t have any IFTA-qualified vehicles.
  • You have one or more IFTA-qualified vehicles, but you only ever operate in one jurisdiction. An example is if you only ever operate in Idaho.

However, this doesn’t mean you don’t have other requirements. For example, if you’re based in Idaho and never leave, you still must register your IFTA-qualified vehicles with Idaho’s Intrastate (full fee) registration program or with the International Registration Plan (IRP).

When you do need IFTA licensing

You must follow IFTA licensing requirements if you have one or more IFTA-qualified vehicles and you operate in two or more IFTA jurisdictions, including your base jurisdiction.  

Do one of these:

  • Get an IFTA license from your base jurisdiction. If you’re based in Idaho, this is an Idaho IFTA license.
  • Get temporary fuel tax permits in every jurisdiction where you operate, including your base jurisdiction.

AND

Do one of these:

  • Register under the IRP.
  • Follow your base jurisdiction’s registration requirements and get temporary registration fee permits in other jurisdictions where you travel.
  • Follow your base jurisdiction’s registration requirements and register full fee in other jurisdictions where you travel.

Only qualified vehicles can be part of an IFTA fleet, carry an IFTA license (cab card), and display IFTA decals.

Getting Idaho permits and registrations

Idaho-based operators who need an IFTA license can get it with us.

You can do any of these at an Idaho Port of Entry or through the State of Idaho’s trucking.idaho.gov website:

  • All operators: Get special trip permits (for oversized loads, hazardous materials, etc.). Any vehicle traveling in Idaho, whether it’s based inside or outside the state, needs these permits if the trip conditions apply.
  • All operators: Do an Idaho Intrastate (full fee) registration.
  • Operators based outside Idaho: Get Idaho temporary fuel tax permits.
  • Operators based outside Idaho: Get Idaho temporary registration fee permits. You can only get three of these per IFTA-qualified vehicle per year.