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Carriers operating commercial vehicles across two or more states or Canadian provinces are generally required to register under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and display valid IFTA stickers, also known as IFTA decals.
An IFTA license and IFTA stickers simplify fuel tax reporting by allowing carriers to file one quarterly fuel tax report instead of filing separate fuel tax returns in every jurisdiction they travel through.
If your trucking operation crosses state lines and meets the IFTA vehicle requirements, obtaining IFTA stickers is a crucial step in staying compliant and operating legally interstate.
The good news is that the IFTA sticker application process is usually straightforward. Once approved, carriers receive an IFTA license along with stickers that must be displayed on qualified vehicles for the current registration year.
Who Needs an IFTA License and Stickers?
Not every commercial vehicle is required to have IFTA registration. IFTA applies specifically to qualified motor vehicles operating across multiple jurisdictions.
An IFTA-qualified vehicle is generally a motor vehicle used to transport people or property that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds (11,797 kilograms)
- Has three or more axles regardless of weight
- Operates in combination with a total weight exceeding 26,000 pounds
In addition to meeting these vehicle requirements, the vehicle must also travel between two or more participating IFTA jurisdictions.
For example, a truck operating only within one state typically does not require IFTA registration. However, a truck traveling between states for commercial operations will likely need:
- An IFTA license
- Current IFTA stickers
- Quarterly IFTA fuel tax reporting
IFTA decals help enforcement officers verify that the carrier is properly registered for interstate fuel tax reporting.
What Do You Need for an IFTA License Application?
Before applying for IFTA stickers, carriers should gather the required business and vehicle information needed for the application process. Having accurate documents ready can help speed up approval and reduce delays or errors during registration.
Most states require the following information when applying for an IFTA license:
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number: Your FEIN or Social Security Number is used to identify the business or owner-operator applying for the IFTA license and connect the account to fuel tax reporting records.
- USDOT Number: Your USDOT number helps identify your commercial trucking operation and confirms that your business is registered for interstate transportation activities.
- Business Contact Details: Carriers must provide basic company information such as:
- Business name
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Contact person information
- Proof of Registration in Your Base Jurisdiction: The base jurisdiction is usually the state where your vehicles are registered and where operational records are maintained. States may request proof that your business is properly registered in that jurisdiction.
- Complete Vehicle Information: You’ll need details for every qualified vehicle included under the IFTA account, such as:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Unit number
- Registered gross vehicle weight
Providing complete and accurate information during the application process helps carriers receive their IFTA license and stickers more efficiently and avoid processing delays.
IFTA Application: How to Apply for IFTA Stickers
The IFTA sticker application process involves registering through your base jurisdiction, paying any required fees, and receiving stickers for your qualified vehicles.
Most states allow carriers to apply online through their transportation or tax department portals.
- Verify Your Qualifications
Before applying, confirm that your vehicles meet IFTA requirements.
You generally need IFTA registration if your vehicle:
- Exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
- Has three or more axles
- Operates in combination over 26,000 pounds
- Travels in two or more IFTA jurisdictions
If your trucking business meets these conditions, you likely need IFTA stickers and quarterly fuel tax reporting.
- Gather Required Documents
Before starting the application, prepare all required documentation and vehicle information.
This commonly includes:
- FEIN or Social Security Number
- USDOT number
- Business address and contact information
- Vehicle registration details
- VIN numbers
- Plate numbers
- Unit numbers
Accurate documentation helps speed up the approval process and reduces the risk of application errors.
- Apply Through Your Base Jurisdiction
IFTA registration is completed through your base jurisdiction, which is usually the state where:
- Your business is located
- Operational records are maintained
- Qualified vehicles are registered
Most states now offer online application portals where carriers can:
- Submit applications
- Upload documentation
- Pay fees
- Track application status
The IFTA Inc. website can help carriers identify the correct base jurisdiction portal.
- Pay the Sticker Fees
After submitting the application, carriers must pay any required processing or IFTA sticker fees.
In many jurisdictions:
- IFTA licenses are free or low-cost
- IFTA sticker sets usually cost between $5 and $10 per vehicle
Once approved, the jurisdiction issues:
- An IFTA license
- Two stickers per qualified vehicle
The stickers are typically mailed to the carrier’s business address.
- Print Temporary Permits, If Available
Some states allow carriers to print temporary IFTA permits while waiting for physical stickers to arrive by mail.
Temporary permits can help carriers continue operating legally during the processing period. These temporary credentials are often valid for approximately 30 days, though the exact timeframe can vary by jurisdiction.
Drivers should always carry:
- A copy of the temporary permit
- A valid IFTA license
These documents should be kept in the vehicle while operating interstate to help avoid penalties, delays, or compliance issues.
How and When to Renew IFTA Stickers
IFTA licenses and stickers must be renewed every year to remain valid for interstate operations. Carriers should complete the renewal process before their current credentials expire to avoid penalties, delays, or interruptions in trucking operations.
Most jurisdictions begin accepting IFTA sticker renewal applications toward the end of the calendar year, and carriers are encouraged to renew before December 31.
The renewal process is usually completed through your base jurisdiction’s online IFTA portal. It typically involves updating business information, verifying account status, confirming that required filings and payments are current, and ordering new IFTA stickers for the upcoming year.
Steps to Renew IFTA Stickers
To renew IFTA stickers, carriers typically need to:
1. Log into the Base Jurisdiction’s IFTA Portal
Carriers must access the online IFTA system provided by their home state or base jurisdiction to begin the renewal process.
2. Verify Business and Vehicle Information
Review company details, vehicle records, mailing address, and contact information to make sure everything is current and accurate.
3. Confirm Quarterly IFTA Filings Are Up to Date
Most jurisdictions will not issue renewed IFTA stickers if the carrier has missing quarterly fuel tax reports, unpaid tax balances, or unresolved account issues.
4. Pay Required Renewal or Sticker Fees
IFTA sticker renewal fees vary by state or jurisdiction. Carriers are generally required to pay for new sticker sets for each qualified vehicle.
5. Receive the Updated IFTA License and Stickers
Once the renewal is approved, the jurisdiction issues the new IFTA license and current-year stickers. The stickers must be displayed on qualified vehicles before the new registration period begins, unless a grace period applies.
Annual Expiration and Grace Period
IFTA licenses and stickers typically expire on December 31 each year. However, many jurisdictions allow a grace period during January and February for carriers waiting to receive their new IFTA stickers.
During this grace period:
- Carriers may continue displaying prior-year stickers
- The renewal application must already be submitted
- The IFTA account must remain in good standing
- Required quarterly filings and payments must be current
If the renewal is not completed on time, carriers may face:
- Expired IFTA sticker fines
- Temporary fuel permit requirements
- Roadside citations
- Delays during inspections
Renewing IFTA stickers early helps ensure uninterrupted interstate operations and avoids last-minute compliance issues.
Fees and Account Standing
IFTA sticker renewal fees vary depending on the jurisdiction and the number of qualified vehicles being registered.
If a carrier has unresolved account issues, such as:
- Outstanding fuel tax balances
- Delinquent IFTA returns
- Missing quarterly filings
- Other compliance issues
The jurisdiction may delay or deny sticker renewal until those issues are resolved.
Maintaining accurate quarterly IFTA filings throughout the year helps ensure a smoother renewal process and makes it easier to receive updated IFTA stickers on time.
How Are Fuel Taxes Paid When You Have an IFTA Sticker?
Having IFTA stickers does not eliminate fuel taxes. Instead, IFTA simplifies how fuel taxes are reported and paid across multiple jurisdictions.
When carriers purchase fuel, fuel taxes are usually included in the pump price. During quarterly IFTA reporting, carriers must:
- Report miles traveled in each jurisdiction
- Report fuel purchased
- Calculate taxable fuel usage
- Determine taxes owed or credits earned
If more fuel tax is paid at the pump than required, the carrier may receive a tax credit or refund, depending on the jurisdiction and filing results.
If less fuel tax is paid, the carrier must pay the remaining balance during quarterly filing.
This centralized reporting system allows carriers to file one quarterly IFTA return through their base jurisdiction instead of filing separate fuel tax reports in every state or province where they operate.
Obtain Your IFTA Licenses and Stickers
Getting an IFTA license and stickers is an important step for trucking businesses that operate qualified vehicles across multiple jurisdictions.
The application process is usually straightforward when carriers prepare the required documents, confirm vehicle qualifications, and apply through the correct base jurisdiction.
Once approved, current IFTA stickers help show that the vehicle is registered for interstate fuel tax reporting. Carriers must still file quarterly IFTA reports, keep accurate mileage and fuel records, and renew their stickers each year to stay compliant.
Staying current with quarterly reporting and annual sticker renewals is essential for avoiding penalties and keeping your trucking operations running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting IFTA Stickers
How long does the IFTA license last?
An IFTA license is generally valid for one calendar year. Most licenses and decals expire on December 31 and must be renewed annually through the carrier’s base jurisdiction.
Carriers should begin the renewal process early to avoid delays, expired credentials, or interruptions in interstate operations.
How many IFTA stickers do you need?
Each qualified vehicle typically requires two IFTA stickers:
- One sticker on the driver’s side of the truck cab
- One sticker on the passenger side of the truck cab
In addition to displaying current IFTA stickers, carriers should keep a copy of the valid IFTA license inside the vehicle.
What happens if I drive without an IFTA sticker?
Operating a qualified vehicle interstate without valid IFTA stickers can lead to:
- Fines and penalties
- Citations during roadside inspections
- Temporary fuel permits being required
- Possible operational delays
Some jurisdictions may also issue additional compliance violations if valid IFTA credentials are missing, expired, or not displayed properly.
How long does it take to get an IFTA sticker?
Processing times vary by jurisdiction, but many states issue IFTA decals within several business days to a few weeks after application approval.
Some states may also provide temporary permits that allow carriers to operate while waiting for physical stickers to arrive.
Where do I put the IFTA stickers?
IFTA stickers must be displayed:
- On both sides of the truck cab
- Clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle
Proper placement helps enforcement officers quickly verify IFTA registration during inspections and roadside checks.
