Step-by-Step Guide to UCR Registration

Dec. 10, 2025, 12:10 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program requires most interstate motor carriers—and some brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies—to register and pay an annual fee. The registration period opens October 1 for the following year and must be completed by December 31. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
Guide for UCR Registration

Step 1 — Confirm Whether You Are Required to Register

You must register under UCR if you operate:

  • A commercial motor vehicle across state lines

  • A vehicle that requires USDOT registration

  • Or if you are a broker, freight forwarder, or leasing company involved in interstate commerce

You do not count trailers toward your fleet size.

Step 2 — Determine the Number of Vehicles to Report

For carriers, UCR fees are based on the number of power units (not trailers).
You may use:

  • Current fleet count, or

  • The number of vehicles reported in your last MCS-150 update

Brokers and leasing companies pay the lowest bracket.

Step 3 — Gather the Required Information

Before starting the registration, have the following ready:

  • USDOT number

  • Company legal name and DBA name

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) or SSN

  • Principal place of business address

  • Number of commercial motor vehicles required to be counted

  • A valid payment method (bank account, credit card, etc.)

Step 4 — Go to the  UCR Registration Website

Use only the website below for registration:

https://www.fmcsa.me/

 

Step 5 — Begin Registration

 

  1. Enter your USDOT number

  2. Verify your company information

  3. Select the registration year

  4. Confirm the number of vehicles to be used for the fee bracket

Step 6 — Review and Certify Your Information

You’ll be asked to certify that:

  • Your vehicle count is accurate

  • Your company information is correct

  • You meet the requirements to register under UCR

Make corrections if anything is outdated.

Step 7 — Submit Payment

Payment methods typically include:

  • Credit/debit card

After submission:

  • A confirmation page will appear

  • You can download or print your receipt for records

Step 8 — Keep Proof for Your Records

Although UCR does not require carrying a physical document in the vehicle, you should keep:

  • UCR receipt

  • Registration confirmation email

  • Company filing records

Enforcement checks UCR compliance electronically.

Step 9 — Confirm Compliance After Registration

Within a few minutes to a few hours:

  • Your UCR status will show as “Active” in national databases

  • You can verify at FMCSA’s SAFER website

Step 10 — Repeat the Process Annually

UCR must be renewed every year, regardless of changes in fleet size, unless your business stops interstate operations and you deactivate your USDOT authority.

Optional: Retroactive Registration (If You Missed a Year)

If you discover you missed a previous registration year, you can:

  • Register for the past year(s)

  • Pay outstanding fees

  • Avoid enforcement penalties during roadside inspections