Transferring UCR Registration After a Company Merger or Sale

Nov. 12, 2025, 5:44 p.m.
When a trucking company undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale, one of the most commonly overlooked compliance tasks is transferring or updating the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR). Because the UCR program is tied directly to your USDOT number and business entity, failing to make the proper updates can lead to compliance issues and possible enforcement penalties.
UCR Registration Online

Why UCR Transfer Matters

The UCR registration ensures that your company contributes to the federal-state safety program funding and operates legally across state lines. If your company changes ownership or structure, the old UCR registration does not automatically transfer to the new entity — it must be updated or refiled to reflect the correct owner and business information.

When You Need to Update or Transfer UCR

You must update or re-register your UCR if:

  • Your company changes ownership (sold to a new owner or business entity)

  • You merge with another carrier or business

  • Your USDOT number changes or is reissued under a new legal name

  • You change business structure, such as from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation

In most cases, the new owner or entity must file a new UCR registration under their business name and USDOT number.

Steps to Transfer or Update UCR Registration

  1. Verify Your Current Registration Status
    Visit https://www.fmcsa.me/ to check the current registration and payment status.

  2. Determine if a New UCR Filing Is Needed

    • If your USDOT number remains the same and only contact details changed, you may just need to update information.

    • If your USDOT number or company entity changed, you must complete a new UCR registration.

  3. Update Company Information with FMCSA
    Update your MCS-150 form through the FMCSA website to ensure your company details match your UCR filing.

  4. Register the New Entity (if applicable)
    Go to the UCR registration portal and file under the new business name and DOT number. Pay the applicable fees based on fleet size.

  5. Keep Proof of Registration
    Print or download your UCR confirmation. Law enforcement officers may request proof of valid registration during roadside inspections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming that UCR registration automatically transfers after a sale

  • Failing to update the MCS-150 before filing UCR

  • Overlooking registration under new ownership, resulting in penalties for “failure to register”

  • Paying UCR fees under the old entity, which may not be valid for the new operation

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to transfer or register under the new entity can result in fines, operational delays, or out-of-service orders. Penalties vary by state but can range from $100 to several thousand dollars per vehicle.

Key Takeaway

Whenever your trucking company’s ownership or structure changes, remember that UCR compliance must follow suit. Always review your registration at https://www.fmcsa.me/, confirm your business details with FMCSA, and file a new UCR registration when needed. Staying compliant ensures uninterrupted operations and helps avoid costly enforcement actions.