Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A mobile integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node may transmit, to an IAB supported network, an indication of IAB capability. The mobile IAB node may also indicate to the IAB supported network a mobility status associated with the mobile IAB node. The IAB supported network may conditionally determine authorization for the mobile IAB node based on the mobility status, a subscription status, or both. The IAB supported network may transmit, to the mobile IAB node, instruction to operate in an IAB mode and perform the IAB operation. The mobile IAB node may communicate with one or more devices based on the instruction.