The IRP, aka International Registration Plan, is a comprehensive interstate registration plan for apportioned vehicles that allows legal operation across multiple states and jurisdictions.
This program works as an agreement between all the U.S. states and Canadian provinces to allow passage across jurisdictions and ensure registration fees are paid to each region or territory.
IRP registration is necessary to conduct routine business across states and localities.
The California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) IRP System includes a Bonded Web User (BWU) Program that enables eligible industry-related businesses to process interstate registration services for apportioned vehicles on a remote basis.
According to the DMV, “BWU participants are authorized to process and issue the following inventory: apportioned vehicle license plates, year stickers, Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) weight decals, and CVRA year stickers.”
Before participating in the IRP BWU program, DMV requires an IRP web user surety bond.
Why do you need an IRP web user bond in the first place?
The IRP web user bond, as with most surety bonds, involves a three-party agreement. The Obligee is the DMV, the Principal is the program participant(s), and the Surety is the bond provider that ensures the principals will comply with the rules established by DMV in the IRP bonded web user agreement.
The provisions of the rules set by DMV in the IRP bonded web user agreement require that the principal file or have on file with the Department a bond of $50,000. Your financial statements and credit score influence the premium price that you need to pay for your IRP web user surety bonds.
How long does an IRP web user bond remain valid?
A California IRP web user bond is continuous and remains in full force and effect, running concurrently with the IRP bonded web user agreement. The agreement may be renewed or extended until the obligee files a claim.
The surety company may cancel this bond in compliance with the provisions of Article 13 (commencing with Section 996.310), Chapter 2, Title 14, Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
If the participant fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the surety bond contract and the letter of the law, the obligee can file a claim on the bond. The bond protects the obligee – not only DMV but the state in general or any of its officers, agents or employees from financial distress resulting from the participant’s actions. The program participants must compensate the surety for any amount that is paid out.
How do you become a bonded IRP web user in California?
DMV lists down the following forms before a participant can become a full-fledged bonded web user:
- Bonded Web User Application
- Statement of Personal History
- Bonded Web User Security Requirements
- IRP Bonded Web User Program Agreement
- IRP Bonded Web User Surety Bond
- Commercial Requester Account Application Request for Live Scan Service
- Information Security and Disclosure Statements for both employees and firms
- IT Security Guidelines for Use in BWU Program
- Electronic Fund Transfer Authorization Agreement
- Self-Certification Inspection of the Bonded Web User form
Additionally, there is training required to become a Bonded Web User. The participant must complete a comprehensive IRP system training. The training session takes place over the course of two days provided at DMV Headquarters in Sacramento, California.
However, the Bonded Web User Program training sessions do not include IRP training sessions. The Bonded Web User Program applicant must be already well-versed in the IRP policies and procedures.
If you want to learn more about the California IRP Web User Bond and other surety bond consulting needs, please feel free to contact Surety Bond Authority at 800-333-7800.
