Answering the Top UCR Compliance-Related Questions

To legally keep your trucks on the road, follow Unified Carrier Registration regulations as closely as possible. FMCA Filings has been helping companies with UCR compliance for several years. As the season for UCR registration 2025 rolls in, we understand you may have various questions.

Are you starting an interstate transportation business or checking your eligibility for the new year? Read more to help your business stay in UCR compliance.

#1. What Is the Purpose of Unified Carrier Registration?

UCR was established in 2005 to replace the Single State Registration System (SSRS). Like its predecessor, UCR aims to make interstate transportation safer for truckers and other road users. Additionally, UCR collects annual fees for highway and interstate road maintenance, though fee usage varies from state to state.

#2. Who Should Register for UCR?

Almost all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) transporting goods, materials, or passengers should be on the UCR registry. While UCR registration mostly focuses on CMVs and their drivers, other industry participants should also register, including:

• Motor carriers
• Leasing companies
• Freight brokers and forwarders

UCR helps maintain accurate information for interstate safety. Even if you aren’t the vehicle’s driver, you may dispatch cargo, provide trucks, or organize the interstate movement of goods, passengers, etc. Each party needs to stay within UCR compliance to continue their work legally.

As a general rule, any vehicle that has a DOT number requires UCR registration.

#3. What If My State Doesn’t Participate in UCR?

Some states do not participate in UCR as of January 2025, specifically:

• Arizona
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Oregon
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.

Even so, your vehicle or the cargo you help transport may cross into states that do participate. Therefore, most industry participants register, even if their home state doesn’t participate. FMCA Filings can help you complete UCR registration for the state closest to yours if your headquarters is in a non-participating one.

#4. What Happens If I Don’t Register?

Not registering your vehicle for UCR when you should goes against trucking compliance regulations.

Although you may feel you can get away with it, safety officers regularly patrol interstate highways. They may pull the driver over for a check and find the truck without proper registry. Your business may also face audits at any time.

Punishments for carrier compliance failures may include fines or a loss of licensure. Depending on the state, first-time offenders may pay anywhere from $100 to $5,000. Instead of risking unnecessary financial loss or having part of your business shuttered, check your eligibility for UCR and register if necessary.

#5. Are There Any UCR Deadlines?

Yes, UCR compliance deadlines exist. Registration periods open in October of the previous year and continue until the end of the upcoming year. For example, the registration period for 2025 opened in October 2024 and continues until the end of the new year.

In this case, previous UCR registration holders should have renewed their information by December 31, 2024. Anyone starting a new business or restarting one previously on hold needs to do so by December 31, 2025, to work legally. Unless any deadline regulations change, you can assume the same process works for the years thereafter.

#6. What Happens If I Miss the UCR Deadline?

If you miss the UCR deadline, you may be unable to register properly. You may also face penalties and fines. If you believe you’ve missed the UCR deadline this year, contact FMCA Filings for expert assistance.

#7. What Information Do I Need During Registration?

Whether registering or renewing your UCR registration, you need to have the same information:

• Number of qualifying automobiles: List the vehicles you intend to use for interstate travel and transport.
• Cargo type: The main types of cargo include livestock carriage, cargo shipments, passenger transport, or hazardous substances. Note which categories you fall under, as you may fall under multiple.
• Industrial role: Who are you in the business? You could be a motor carrier, forwarder, broker, or leasing company. Operation classification helps specify details for UCR compliance.
• USDOT number: These 17 digits collect information that keeps roadways safe with accurate reporting.
• Tax I.D. number: Use your employer identification or social security number.
• Carrier contact information: This information may include your business’s physical address, email handle, phone number, or other contact methods.

#8. How Much Do I Need To Pay?

The amount you pay depends on your business size, the number of UCR-required vehicles in your fleet, and your role in the industry. Fee amounts vary per year, so double-check and budget accordingly.

File Right the First Time With FMCA Filings

Our experts are available via email or online chat to help you stay in UCR compliance. You can also check our UCR renewal guide to refresh your memory or help you set yourself up for success.