UCR Requirements for Carriers Operating Across State Lines

Nov. 24, 2025, 3:40 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is a mandatory annual registration for most commercial carriers and transportation businesses operating across state lines. If your company crosses state borders for business—whether with trucks, buses, or even as a broker—the UCR program applies. Understanding the requirements ensures that your operations stay compliant and avoid costly enforcement penalties.
UCR Requirements for Carriers

Who Must Register Under UCR?

Any business that operates commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across state lines must register. This includes:

  • For-hire interstate carriers (trucking companies, bus companies)

  • Private interstate carriers transporting their own goods

  • Freight brokers

  • Freight forwarders

  • Leasing companies involved in interstate commerce

If you operate, manage, or facilitate interstate transportation, you’re generally required to participate.

What Counts as Interstate Operations?

You are considered an interstate carrier if:

  • You cross a state line at any point

  • Your freight is part of interstate commerce, even if your vehicle stays in one state (example: shipping goods from a warehouse in Texas that originally came from Florida)

If your USDOT number shows interstate authority, UCR registration is required unless an exemption applies.

What Vehicles Count Toward the UCR Fee?

UCR fees are based on the number of CMVs operated in interstate commerce. A vehicle counts if it:

  • Has a GVW or GCW of 10,001 lbs or more, or

  • Is designed to transport 10+ passengers, including the driver, or

  • Is used to transport hazmat requiring placards

Only vehicles used interstate are counted. Intrastate-only vehicles do not need to be included.

Annual Fee Requirements

UCR registration:

  • Must be completed once per year,

  • Is paid to a single participating state, and

  • Covers all interstate operations in all 50 states (except exemptions — NV, OR, WY do not enforce but carriers there still must register if operating interstate).

Fees are tier-based depending on the number of interstate CMVs. Enrollment covers the entire fleet.

Documents and Information Needed

To register for UCR, carriers must provide:

  • USDOT number

  • Company legal name and address

  • Number of eligible interstate CMVs

  • Payment information

  • Prior registration year (if late filings exist)

No vehicle VINs or plate numbers are required—just accurate fleet size reporting.

Enforcement for Interstate Carriers

State enforcement agencies check UCR compliance through:

  • Roadside inspections

  • Port of entry checks

  • Safety audits

  • Compliance reviews

Operating without current UCR registration can result in:

  • Fines (often between $100 and $1,000+ depending on the state)

  • Out-of-service orders in some jurisdictions

  • Additional penalties for repeat violations

Who Is Exempt?

UCR exemptions for interstate operations include:

  • Farm vehicles meeting specific state exemption rules

  • Intrastate-only carriers

  • Purely private, non-commercial interstate travel

  • Certain government-owned vehicles

If a motor carrier does not require a USDOT number, it is generally exempt from UCR.

Key Takeaways for Carriers Crossing State Lines

  • If you operate commercial vehicles across state borders, UCR registration is mandatory.

  • You register once per year, based on the number of interstate vehicles.

  • UCR is separate from IRP, IFTA, and other credentials.

  • Enforcement is active nationwide, so staying compliant avoids penalties.

  • Even carriers based in non-participating states must register if they operate interstate.