Who Needs to Register for IFTA in Washington?
You must register for IFTA in Washington if your commercial motor vehicle:
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Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 26,000 pounds, or
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Has three or more axles regardless of weight, or
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Is used to transport passengers for hire and crosses state lines
Additionally:
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Vehicles must operate in more than one IFTA member jurisdiction (state or province).
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Vehicles must have a Washington State USDOT number and operating authority.
Steps to Register for IFTA in Washington
Step 1 — Gather Vehicle and Carrier Information
You will need:
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Legal business name and address
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USDOT number
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Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
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Vehicle details (VIN, license plate, make/model, gross weight)
Step 2 — Complete the IFTA Application
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Submit Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) Form IF-100 to [email protected]
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Include all vehicles you intend to report under IFTA
Step 3 — Pay the Initial IFTA Fee
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Fees vary depending on fleet size
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Payment can usually be made online, by mail, or in-person
Step 4 — Receive Your IFTA Credentials
Upon approval, you’ll receive:
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IFTA Decal(s) to display on each qualifying vehicle
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IFTA License for your fleet
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Quarterly reporting instructions
Reporting and Compliance
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Washington-based carriers must file quarterly fuel tax returns
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Include total miles traveled and gallons of fuel used in each jurisdiction
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Payment is made to Washington DOL, which then distributes taxes to other member states
Key Tip: Keep fuel receipts and mileage logs for at least four years in case of an audit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to register before operating in multiple jurisdictions
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Not displaying IFTA decals on all qualifying vehicles
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Incorrectly reporting miles or fuel used in each state/province
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Missing quarterly filing deadlines