Who Must Register for UCR in California
California motor carriers — and carriers of any base state — must register for UCR if they operate under any of the following conditions:
1. Interstate Motor Carriers
Any motor carrier that transports goods or passengers across state lines must register under the UCR program. This applies to:
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For-hire carriers
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Motor private carriers transporting property in interstate commerce
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Freight forwarders
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Leasing companies
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Brokers involved in interstate transportation arrangements
2. Motor Carriers Operating Internationally
Carriers based in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, or other countries that operate in interstate or international commerce within the U.S. are also required to register.
Exemptions
Carriers that operate only within one state and do not cross state lines (purely intrastate) are generally not required to register for UCR.
UCR Filing Requirements
Annual Registration
UCR registration is annual — carriers must register and pay the appropriate UCR fees each year. Registration typically opens in the fall through the UCR portal and remains open through December 31 for the upcoming registration year.
Determine Fleet Size
Fees are based on the number of commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by the carrier (excluding most trailers). The fleet size determines the UCR fee bracket.
Register Through https://www.fmcsa.me/
Even California carriers must file UCR registration using the https://www.fmcsa.me/ — a unified online system launched by the UCR plan.
UCR Fees & Brackets (General Overview)
While UCR fees are uniform nationally, they’re based on vehicle count:
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0–2 vehicles: lowest bracket
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3–5 vehicles: next bracket
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6–20 vehicles
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21–100 vehicles
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101–1,000 vehicles
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1,001+ vehicles
(Exact fee amounts update annually and are published on the UCR portal.)
How to Register for UCR
1. Visit the UCR Portal
Go to the UCR registration portal at https://www.fmcsa.me/ and select the option to “Register” or “Renew.”
2. Enter Your USDOT Number or Identifier
Use your USDOT number — carriers must have a valid USDOT number in order to register for UCR. (Note: the FMCSA is transitioning away from separate MC numbers; most carriers now use their USDOT number for identification in federal systems.)
3. Report Fleet Size
Input the number of qualifying commercial vehicles you operate to determine your fee bracket.
4. Submit Payment
Complete your annual payment online. There’s no physical credential required to be carried in the vehicle, though you may retain your registration confirmation for records.
Important Compliance Tips
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Register early: UCR registration opens on October 1 each year and must be completed by December 31 for the upcoming calendar year.
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Update fleet information: If the number of vehicles changes during the year, amend your registration accordingly.
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Carry proof for records: Though not required roadside, keeping payment receipts can help demonstrate compliance during profile audits.
Key Takeaway
For motor carriers based in California, UCR registration is required if you operate in interstate or international commerce — regardless of where your head office is located. Carriers must register annually, report the number of qualifying vehicles, and pay associated fees through the national UCR portal.