Who Needs to File UCR in Nevada?

Jan. 7, 2026, 1:30 p.m.
Even though Nevada is not a participating state in the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program, Nevada-based carriers must still comply if they operate in interstate commerce. You just register through a participating state rather than through Nevada itself.
UCR in Nevada

1. Interstate Motor Carriers

You must file UCR if your business operates commercial trucks, buses, or other commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce, meaning your vehicles cross state lines. This applies to carriers based in Nevada as well as out-of-state carriers that run into participating UCR states. 

Who Is Covered Under UCR?

The UCR program applies to several types of carriers when they operate interstate:

 Motor Carriers of Property

  • Companies that transport goods across state lines using commercial vehicles.

  • Applies whether you’re a for-hire carrier (hauling freight for customers) or a private carrier (hauling your own company’s goods). Dot 

 Motor Carriers of Passengers

  • Bus companies or passenger transport fleets operating across state borders must register if the vehicle qualifies as a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). 

 Brokers, Freight Forwarders & Leasing Companies

  • Businesses that arrange interstate freight movement or lease vehicles that are used in interstate commerce also must register under UCR — even if they don’t actually operate the trucks themselves. 

Vehicle Criteria That Trigger UCR

UCR applies when vehicles meet the federal definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), including:

  • Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs or more

  • Vehicles designed to transport passengers above a certain number

  • Vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards
    These standards generally align with the FMCSA definitions used for USDOT and interstate authority purposes. 

Who Doesn’t Need to File UCR in Nevada?

Intrastate-Only Carriers

If your operation never crosses state lines and truly stays within Nevada, UCR is not required — because UCR is a federal interstate program. 

Non-Commercial Vehicles

Vehicles that do not meet the CMV criteria (e.g., light duty vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR used for personal use) do not trigger UCR requirements. 

Summary Checklist: Who Must File UCR

 Trucking companies with trucks operating across state lines
 Carriers of property or passengers transporting in interstate commerce
 Brokers and freight forwarders arranging interstate moves
 Leasing companies providing vehicles used in interstate commerce

 Companies only operating intrastate within Nevada
 Personal or non-commercial vehicles

 

UCR in Nevada