IFTA and IRP Records for Audit

A practical checklist for organizing IFTA and IRP records that may support trucking audit preparation.

Who this is for
Interstate carriers, Owner-operators, Small fleets
Written by
Dale Whitfield
Reviewed by
DOT Audit Prep Editorial Team
Last reviewed
2026-05-12
Source confidence
Medium

Quick checklist

  • Save current IFTA license and decals where applicable.
  • Keep quarterly fuel tax return records.
  • Save IRP cab cards and registration documents.
  • Match mileage and fuel records to units and dates.
  • Keep jurisdiction account login details available.

Why this matters

IFTA and IRP records are not the same as FMCSA safety files, but they often help explain where equipment operated and whether registration records are current.

What to prepare

Area Records to gather
IFTA records
  • License
  • Decal proof
  • Quarterly returns
  • Fuel receipts
  • Mileage summaries
IRP records
  • Cab cards
  • Registration applications
  • Renewal receipts
  • Fleet unit list
  • Jurisdiction correspondence

Common gaps

  • Fuel receipts are saved but not tied to unit numbers.
  • Mileage summaries do not match dispatch or ELD records.
  • Cab cards are stored in trucks but not in the office packet.
  • State portal access belongs to a former employee.

Before / During / After audit

Before

  • Download current licenses and cab cards.
  • Match mileage and fuel summaries to the audit period.
  • Check state portal access.

During

  • Use IFTA or IRP records only when they answer the request.
  • Keep them separate from safety records unless the auditor asks.

After

  • Archive quarterly returns by year.
  • Review unit and jurisdiction records after equipment changes.
  • Add portal ownership to the carrier contact list.

Download

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Sources

FMCSA · official

FMCSA Registration

Registration, operating authority, and USDOT number resources.

Last checked: 2026-05-12