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Indiana owner-operators: IRP, IFTA and other filings

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 22, 2026Sources checked Oct 22, 2026

Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in Indiana and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

An Indiana owner-operator running under their own authority opens IRP and IFTA accounts with DOR Motor Carrier Services, by appointment or by email. Most owner-operators can claim Indiana as their base by residency. IFTA has a $25 fee. If you lease onto a carrier, the lease agreement becomes part of the IRP and IFTA paperwork.

In this guide
  • Your own authority or leased on
  • Opening IRP
  • Opening IFTA
  • Federal items
  • FAQ

Owner-operators in Indiana handle IRP plates and IFTA fuel tax through the Department of Revenue's Motor Carrier Services (MCS). Here is what DOR asks for and the official link for each step.

Your own authority or leased on

  • Your own authority. You hold the USDOT number and MC authority, file your own IRP and IFTA, and your insurer files your federal proof of insurance.
  • Leased onto a carrier. The carrier you lease to is the motor carrier responsible for safety. The written lease follows 49 CFR Part 376, and DOR's IRP checklist says it will not accept a lease with redactions or strikeouts of nonproprietary information.

Opening IRP

  1. Pick your base. DOR says most owner-operators can claim Indiana by residency. New IRP account
  2. Gather the IRP documents list: Schedules A, B (or New Account Schedule) and G, Notice of Understanding, municipal wheel tax form, USDOT and operating authority, Form 2290 Schedule 1 if it applies, UCR proof, titles, an Indiana-issued ID for sole proprietors.
  3. Apply by appointment or email to [email protected]. Schedule an MCS appointment

Opening IFTA

  1. Same base rule: residency or an Indiana established place of business.
  2. Pay the $25 fee and send the application by appointment or to [email protected]. New IFTA account
  3. File quarterly fuel tax returns through the MCS online portal once the account is open.

Federal items

FAQ

Can I use my home address for Indiana IRP?

Yes, in many cases. DOR says most owner-operators, sole proprietors and new businesses can establish Indiana as their base jurisdiction through residency, and it has a separate checklist for residential addresses.

How do I apply for a new Indiana IRP account?

By appointment with Motor Carrier Services or by email to [email protected]. Online payment is available only after the registration is posted.

What does Indiana IFTA cost to open?

DOR lists a $25 fee for a new IFTA account. You apply by appointment or by email to [email protected].

What documents does Indiana ask for?

The IRP list includes the Schedule A, B and G forms, USDOT verification, FMCSA operating authority, Form 2290 Schedule 1 if it applies, UCR proof, vehicle titles, an Indiana ID for sole proprietors and the carrier lease if you are leased on.

What changes if I lease onto a carrier?

The motor carrier you lease to is responsible for safety, and DOR's IRP checklist says leases with redactions or strikeouts of nonproprietary information will not be accepted. Federal lease rules are in 49 CFR Part 376.

Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in Indiana and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources