How to Renew Your UCR Registration Each Year

Nov. 10, 2025, 3:35 p.m.
Renewing your UCR registration is a critical annual task for carriers who operate in interstate commerce. Below is a step-by-step guide covering what you need to do, when you must do it, what you’ll need on hand, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
UCR RENEWAL

Step by Step Renewal Process

  1. Recognize the renewal window

    • The filing period typically opens October 1 of the preceding year.  

    • The deadline is December 31 for the upcoming registration year.  

    • Example: The registration year 2026 opens October 1 2025 and is due by December 31 2025.  

  2. Gather needed information

    • Your USDOT number (or MC number if applicable)

    • The number of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) you operate in interstate commerce. Trailers generally are not counted.  

    • Payment method (credit card, electronic check, etc.).  

    • Review your business info and ensure it’s up to date.  

  3. Access the renewal portal

  4. Select your tier and calculate your fee

    • Your fee is based on the number of CMVs you have. For example: 0-2 vehicles is one bracket, 3-5 another, etc.  

    • Note: UCR is not prorated — even if you file late or part-year. 

  5. Submit and pay

    • Complete the renewal form online with accurate info.  

    • Make payment through the portal using your selected method.

    • After payment, you should receive confirmation/receipt immediately.  

  6. Keep documentation

    • While you may not need to carry a paper certificate in your vehicle in all cases, it’s wise to keep your electronic confirmation in your records. 

    • Maintain records in case of audits or roadside inspection.

 Key Tips & Reminders

  • File early: Don’t wait until December 31. Filing in October or November reduces risk of mistakes or system delays.

  • Accuracy counts: If your fleet size has changed, or your business info changed, update it before submitting. Errors may trigger rejections or audits.

  • Avoid late fees/penalties: Operating without a valid UCR registration can lead to fines, out-of-service orders or other enforcement actions.  

  • Participate in auto-renew (optional): The UCR Plan allows eligible registrants to enroll in an auto-renew program so their registration renews automatically each year using the credit card on file.  

  • Bundle with other compliance tasks: Incorporate UCR renewal into your annual compliance calendar alongside other filings like your MCS-150 biennial update, IFTA/IRP renewals, etc.

  • New entrants: If you started operating mid-year and your business is now interstate, you still must register for that year before your first interstate trip. 

What Happens If You Miss Renewal?

  • Your registration will expire at the end of the year if not filed by December 31.  

  • During roadside inspections, lack of up-to-date UCR may result in citations, delays or even being declared out-of-service. 

  • You may owe back fees for previous years if you skipped registration and later begin or resume interstate operations.