How to Complete Your UCR Registration Online

Nov. 17, 2025, 6:18 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is an annual requirement for interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies. If your business operates across state lines and uses a USDOT number, completing your UCR registration online is essential for staying compliant and avoiding penalties. This guide walks you through the steps to register quickly and accurately using the official UCR online portal.
UCR Registration Online

1. Who Must Register for UCR Online?

You must register if your company operates interstate in any of the following categories:

  • For-hire motor carriers

  • Private carriers

  • Brokers

  • Freight forwarders

  • Leasing companies

If you operate solely within one state (intrastate), you generally do not need UCR unless your state requires it for certain carriers.

2. What You Need Before Starting the Online Registration

Prepare these items to avoid delays:

  • USDOT number

  • MC number (if applicable)

  • Legal business name & address

  • EIN or SSN

  • Number of commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce

  • Payment method (credit card or bank account)

3. Use ONLY the www.fmcsa.me

 

4. Step-by-Step: How to Complete UCR Registration Online

Step 1: Search for Your USDOT Number

Enter your USDOT number so the system can pull your company’s information.

Step 2: Select Your Base State

Your base state is usually:

  • Your home state if it participates in UCR

  • If not, you will choose a neighboring state as your base state

Step 3: Enter Fleet Size

Enter the number of commercial motor vehicles that operated interstate during the previous year.

This number determines your UCR fee bracket.

Step 4: Confirm Company Information

Verify:

  • Business name

  • Address

  • Contact details

  • Operating status

Update anything that is incorrect.

Step 5: Choose Your Payment Method

You may pay with:

  • Credit/debit card

 

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once submitted, you will receive:

  • A confirmation screen

  • A receipt sent via email

You do not receive a certificate to carry in the truck. UCR is registered electronically and visible to enforcement officers.

5. UCR Fees Based on Fleet Size

There are 6 fee brackets, depending on the number of commercial vehicles your company operates:

  • 0–2 vehicles

  • 3–5 vehicles

  • 6–20 vehicles

  • 21–100 vehicles

  • 101–1,000 vehicles

  • 1,001+ vehicles

Fees are updated annually, so check the current year’s rate when registering.

6. Deadlines and Renewal Requirements

  • UCR must be renewed every year.

  • Registration opens on October 1 for the upcoming year.

  • Enforcement typically begins on January 1.

Failing to renew can lead to:

  • Fines

  • Stop orders

  • Delays at weigh stations

  • Possible registration holds

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using fake “UCR registration” websites

  • Entering the wrong number of vehicles

  • Failing to update company information in USDOT first

  • Missing the renewal deadline

8. After Completing Registration

You don’t need a physical document in your truck. Compliance is stored electronically and shown in the nationwide enforcement system.