Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
2025 UCR Registration is Now in Effect!
What is the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federally mandated program that ensures all motor carriers and businesses involved in interstate commerce are properly registered. Every carrier, whether private, for-hire, or exempt, must register and pay fees based on their fleet size.
Staying compliant with UCR is crucial for maintaining your ability to operate across state lines. Without proper registration, your business could face significant penalties, including being pulled off the road. Ensure you meet this important requirement to keep your operations running smoothly.
How We Can Help You
DOT Compliance Support takes care of all your registration needs, ensuring your UCR registration is hassle-free and compliant. We have unmatched experience in the trucking industry. We handle everything so you don't have to. We support operations intrastate, interstate, and even across borders, processing all necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Our dedicated team is here to assist trucking companies, brokers, motor carriers, and other businesses that use commercial vehicles. Dot Compliance Support is the registration service you can rely on for all your compliance and registration requirements. Let us manage the details, so you can focus on running your business smoothly.
Does UCR Apply to Your Business?
If you operate in interstate commerce (crossing state lines), UCR applies to the following categories:
- Motor carriers of property, both for-hire and private (including Ag-exempt farmers)
- For-hire passenger motor carriers (vehicles carrying 10+ passengers, including the driver)
- Freight Forwarders (FF)
- Brokers
- Leasing companies that lease vehicles without drivers to interstate motor carriers or FF
What Happens If You Fail to Get a UCR Registration?
Failing to pay your UCR can severely impact your business. Enforcement officials can detain your vehicle and impose significant fines. Penalties for non-compliance vary by state, with some imposing fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 or even possible jail time. It's crucial to renew your UCR on time to avoid these costly distractions.
If you need help with your initial registration or have questions about renewing, our team of professionals is here to provide efficient, accurate, and timely management of your filings and registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
- Private motor carriers of passengers
- All motor carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers
Currently, 41 U.S. states are part of the UCR registration program. It’s important to note that if your business operates in a non-participating state, you are still required to register for UCR if you cross state lines into a participating state. In such cases, you should choose a participating base state closest to your operations.
Non-Participating States: Arizona, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, WyomingEven if your state does not participate in the UCR Agreement, you must still submit your Unified Carrier Registration if your business crosses state or federal lines. This requirement also applies to Canadian-based businesses and drivers from non-participating states.
Don't risk getting caught at the border without proper registration. Drivers found on the road without UCR compliance may face fines and vehicle impoundment. We can assist you in finding a state to register with and help you get back on the road safely.During the UCR registration process, you will generally be asked to provide the following information:
- Company name
- Business address
- Contact details
- USDOT number (if applicable)
- Fleet size
- Other relevant business information