Key facts
| Who pays | Interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, leasing companies |
|---|---|
| Registration year | January 1 - December 31 |
| Opens | Around October 1 of the year before |
| Due | December 31 of the year before |
| Carrier fee brackets | 0-2, 3-5, 6-20, 21-100, 101-1,000, 1,001+ vehicles |
| Brokers / forwarders | Pay the lowest bracket fee |
| Official site | ucr.gov |
Step by step
Count your vehicles
Use the commercial motor vehicles you operated, or the number on your most recent MCS-150, to pick a fee bracket.
Register on ucr.gov
Use the official UCR site. Third-party sites charge extra fees for the same filing.
Pay before December 31
Pay for the coming registration year before it starts so you're covered at roadside inspections on January 1.
Keep your receipt
UCR status is electronic, but keep a copy of your payment confirmation in the truck or on your phone.
Checklist
- Fleet size bracket confirmed
- Registered on the official ucr.gov site
- Paid before December 31
- Payment confirmation saved
FAQ
Do intrastate-only carriers pay UCR?
Generally no. UCR applies to carriers and other companies operating in interstate or international commerce. Some states have their own rules for intrastate carriers.
Is ucr.gov the only official site?
Yes. ucr.gov is the official national registration system. Other sites may file for you but add their own fees.
Want someone to handle it?
Tell us what you need and a Trucking Help Center specialist will reach out, free. Or compare vetted providers in our directory.
Official sources
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your exact situation with the agency linked above.