What Is Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?

If you operate in interstate commerce, you already balance multiple compliance requirements to stay legal on the road. One of the most important is the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR).

Many carriers still ask “What is UCR?” or “What is UCR registration?”, and it makes sense because this is one of the most misunderstood annual requirements in the trucking world.

In the trucking industry, UCR refers to the Unified Carrier Registration system, a federally mandated program that requires all interstate carriers—including trucking companies, brokers, and freight forwarders—to register with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and pay an annual fee based on fleet size. This program ensures carriers comply with federal regulations while operating across state lines. Even carriers from non-participating states must meet federal UCR requirements to avoid fines, penalties, or suspension of operations.

UCR registration opens on October 1 each year and must be completed by December 31. In this guide, you’ll get a clear explanation of how the UCR program works, who must file, key deadlines, and what you need to stay compliant—so your operations run smoothly and without interruptions.

What is UCR registration?

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program established under the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005. It requires all qualified commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies engaged in interstate or international travel to register and pay annual fees, which support federal safety programs, USDOT officer training, and nationwide compliance enforcement.

If your business operates across state lines, holds an active Operating Authority (MC number), or maintains an interstate USDOT number, you must complete UCR registration and pay fees based on the size of your fleet. UCR registration must be renewed every year, with enforcement beginning on January 1.

UCR is filed through a single “base state,” even if you run trucks nationwide. Most states participate in the Unified Carrier Registration system, but a handful, including Oregon, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Vermont, New Jersey, Maryland, and Hawaii, do not participate. Even then, carriers based in these states must comply with UCR if they operate interstate, and UCR remains a vital federal program to ensure safe, accountable, and organized commercial vehicle operations across the United States.

Origin of UCR: Replacement of the Single State Registration System (SSRS)

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program was created under the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 (UCR Act – 49 USC §14504a) to modernize and simplify the registration of commercial motor vehicles operating across state lines. Before UCR, carriers followed the Single State Registration System (SSRS), a framework that required trucking companies, motor carriers, freight forwarders, and other interstate operators to register and pay fees in one “base state” while also providing proof of insurance and operating authority. Over time, SSRS became fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult for carriers to manage across multiple jurisdictions.

Although the UCR Act was passed in 2005, the program was officially implemented on January 1, 2007. UCR consolidated state-based motor carrier databases into a single system managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Initially, the program included 41 states and the District of Columbia, allowing carriers to register through one base state while remaining compliant nationwide.

The UCR program also expanded to include carriers from Canada, Mexico, and other countries operating on U.S. interstate highways. By unifying the registration process, UCR simplified compliance, standardized fee collection, and improved oversight of commercial vehicle operations across the United States and neighboring borders.

Who needs UCR registration?

Any motor carrier operating commercial vehicles that transport cargo across state or international borders must register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. This requirement also applies to companies, freight forwarders, brokers, and leasing companies that arrange the shipment of goods. Even if your vehicles never leave the state, you may still need to register if the cargo you transport has crossed state lines before or after your part of the trip, including handling.

Qualified parties that must register include:

• Motor carriers: Any operator moving cargo across state or international borders with a commercial vehicle that meets UCR thresholds.
• Freight forwarders and brokers: Individuals or companies arranging the shipment of goods across jurisdictions, irrespective of whether they don’t operate their own trucks
• Leasing companies: Businesses providing commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.
• Specific vehicle types: Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing 10,000 pounds or more, vehicles carrying hazardous materials in placardable quantities, and passenger vehicles transporting 10 or more passengers (including the driver).
• Carriers in non-participating states: Even if your state does not actively participate in UCR, carriers and other qualified parties operating interstate must comply.

Do you need a UCR registration?

However, not all operators are subject to UCR requirements. Certain carriers and vehicles qualify for specific UCR registration exemptions. Understanding which entities are exempt can help you avoid unnecessary fees while ensuring your business stays fully compliant.

Do you qualify for a UCR exemption?

What is considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) for UCR registration?

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program defines a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) based on specific criteria for interstate travel. Any vehicle that meets at least one of the following conditions must be registered under UCR:

1. Weight: The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. This includes vehicles with connected trailers that, combined, weigh 10,001 pounds or more.

2. Passenger capacity: The vehicle is designed to carry more than 10 passengers, including the driver.

3. Hazardous materials: The vehicle is required by USDOT regulations to display hazardous materials placards due to carrying regulated quantities of hazardous waste.

All CMVs operating in interstate commerce—meaning they transport goods or passengers across state lines—must have valid UCR registration. Even if a vehicle does not travel across state lines itself, it may still be considered interstate if the cargo it carries crosses state borders at any point.

How does UCR registration work?

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program requires all qualified motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies operating across state or international lines to register annually. This federal mandate ensures that vehicles traveling interstate comply with safety and regulatory standards.

For fleet owners, completing UCR registration begins with determining whether your state participates in the program. If your state is part of the federal mandate, you will need to locate the appropriate UCR registration office in your jurisdiction and submit the required fleet information. Registration must be completed annually, and fees are based on fleet size, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines, penalties, or operational interruptions.

How many states participate in the UCR program?

Currently, 41 states participate in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program as part of the federal mandate. Nine states, however, do not follow the UCR system:

• Hawaii
• Florida
• Arizona
• Wyoming
• Maryland
• Vermont
• Nevada
• Oregon
• New Jersey

In addition, the District of Columbia is not a participant in the UCR program.

What if your state doesn’t participate in UCR registration?

Even if your business is based in a state that does not directly participate in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program, you are still required to comply if your commercial vehicles operate across state lines. Under the UCR agreement, fees are collected through a base state on behalf of all participating states. For instance, if one of your trucks briefly crosses a border to deliver cargo and returns to your home state, it is considered interstate travel, and UCR registration is mandatory.

Currently, nine states and the District of Columbia do not participate in the UCR program. However, businesses in these areas must still purchase a UCR certificate from the nearest participating state. For instance, a carrier in Arizona who regularly travels across state lines might obtain its UCR registration through New Mexico to remain compliant.

In a nutshell, residing in a non-participating state does not exempt you from UCR requirements. Any motor carrier conducting interstate commerce must register annually to avoid fines, maintain operational compliance, and stay in good standing with federal regulations. 

When is the UCR registration due?

Once you complete your initial Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), you are required to renew it annually. The UCR filing period opens on October 1 each year and closes on December 31, giving motor carriers nearly three months to submit their registration and payment. Timely filing ensures compliance with federal regulations and helps avoid fines, penalties, or operational disruptions.

For example, UCR registration for 2026 must be completed by December 31, 2025. Payments are calculated based on the size of your fleet, and leased vehicles under your DOT number are also included in your total. Enforcement of UCR compliance begins January 1, so waiting until the last minute could put your business operations at risk.

To remain in good standing with the Department of Transportation (DOT), all carriers—whether filing for the first time or renewing—must complete the UCR process within this annual window.

When is your UCR registration due?

What happens if you don’t register for the UCR program?

Failing to file Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for commercial motor carriers. If your vehicles operate across state lines without a valid UCR, enforcement officials have the authority to detain your trucks and even your entire fleet until compliance is verified.

Penalties vary by state and situation. First-time violations typically carry fines ranging from $100 to $5,000, while repeat offenses may result in higher fines and stricter enforcement. Additional penalties can include operational suspensions, business audits, and, in extreme cases, imprisonment for up to six months.

UCR violations are enforced through roadside inspections, audits, and state compliance checks. Any delay or failure to file exposes carriers to both monetary penalties and operational disruptions for your business. The fines are influenced by factors such as vehicle weight, type, and whether it carries hazardous materials or passengers.

Even carriers based in non-participating states are not exempt. Interstate travel without UCR registration is still considered a violation, and carriers must obtain their UCR filing from the nearest participating state to remain compliant.

What is a UCR fee?

A UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) fee is the annual payment required under the UCR Agreement. It applies to companies and individuals who operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Instead of paying per trip or per state, you pay a flat registration fee to your base state, based on how many commercial vehicles you operate.

How much is UCR fees?

UCR fees depend on your fleet size. The program divides registrants into six fee tiers: Tier 1 covers 0–2 vehicles, while Tier 6 applies to fleets of 1,001 or more vehicles. Brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies with few or no vehicles fall into the lower tiers and pay reduced fees. For 2026, fees range from $46 for companies with one or two vehicles to $44,836 for fleets exceeding 1,000 vehicles.

Brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies that don’t operate their own vehicles pay the lowest tier fee ($46) even if they don’t have a fleet.

Paying the correct UCR fee keeps you compliant with the federal UCR Agreement and helps fund critical safety programs. If you’re unsure what bracket you fall into or how many trucks to count, consider consulting a specialist or using the National Registration System to verify your fleet size and fee.

How much does UCR registration cost?

How to register for UCR and pay the appropriate fees?

eUCR makes it easy to file your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) quickly and accurately. The UCR program applies to businesses operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce, including for-hire carriers, private carriers, brokers, and leasing companies. Companies required to register must pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet, and eUCR ensures your registration meets all compliance requirements.

How to renew your Unified Carrier Registration?

All self-propelled motor vehicles used on highways to transport passengers or cargo in interstate commerce must comply with UCR regulations. Businesses that fall under the program but fail to register face risk penalties. To file your UCR registration or pay the required fees, visit ucr.gov or allow eUCR to handle the UCR process for you efficiently and reliably.

What records must you keep to verify UCR compliance

Filing your UCR is only the first step—maintaining proper documentation is equally important. Carriers are required to retain all UCR-related records for a minimum of two years following the filing deadline or the actual date of submission.

Key forms you may need to keep include:

• UCR-1: Used if you exclude certain vehicles from your fleet count because they operate solely in interstate commerce.
• UCR-2: Required when your current fleet size places you in a lower fee bracket than indicated on your most recent MCS-150 form.

Filing services like eUCR securely store copies of these documents and can provide them in case of an audit or official inspection, helping ensure your operations remain fully compliant.

File your Unified Carrier Registration with eUCR

Managing permits, licenses, and regulatory filings for your trucking business doesn’t have to be complicated. eUCR makes it easy and efficient to access all the necessary filings required by the United States Department of Transportation from a single online platform.

With eUCR, a service of Truckopedia, you can handle annual permits, state-specific filings, compliance checks, exemptions, and other essential documentation—all in one place. Our comprehensive database ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest requirements, helping your trucking company operate legally and without interruptions.

Filing your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) with eUCR is fast, accurate, and stress-free. Avoid the risk of fines, penalties, and delays—some of which can reach up to $5,000 for first-time offenders—by ensuring your registration is current before enforcement deadlines.

Whether you’re renewing your 2026 UCR or filing for the first time, eUCR streamlines the process. Call us at (855) 222-4142, and our team will manage your registration from start to finish. We file and submit your UCR payment for a small service fee, making sure it is accurate and on time.

Contact eUCR today to get your fleet registered hassle-free and stay fully compliant.