Can You File UCR Without a USDOT Number?

As a business or commercial motor vehicle operator involved in interstate commerce, understanding UCR and USDOT is important. Although the process of filing this information can be confusing, it's necessary to remain compliant. Learn more about why filing a UCR registration in 2025 requires a USDOT number and how FMCA Filings can help.

Understanding UCR Registration and What It Does

UCR, or Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, applies to companies, people, and organizations that participate in international or interstate transportation and commerce. If you operate commercial vehicles that drive across state lines, including semi-trailer trucks, you need to complete the UCR submission, usually in your home state.

More than 40 states participate in the UCR program. However, even if your state doesn’t participate, you still need to complete a UCR filing if your business takes you to a state that does participate. You must then complete a UCR filing in the closest participating state.

What is a UCR filing? The filing involves submitting information about your fleet and business as well as paying the required fees. Your submission fees are based on the size of the fleet. UCR registration fees pay for motor carrier compliance and safety initiatives.

Some of the information you’ll need to submit the UCR filing includes the following:

• Company name
• Owner’s name
• Business classification
• Fleet count
• Vehicle information
• Types of cargo
• Any hazardous materials

Understanding the USDOT Number and What It Does

Before you can take care of the UCR filing, you must have a USDOT number. You need a USDOT number when you have a company that operates commercial vehicles across state lines. Companies that haul passengers, cargo, or both across state lines must file for a USDOT number and pay the submission fee.

If you haul hazardous materials inside your state only but must also have a safety permit, you need a USDOT number.

American businesses using vehicles for commerce in another country must also obtain a USDOT number.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks the safety record, inspections, and compliance of the company and vehicle through its USDOT number.

How UCR and USDOT Relate to Each Other

Before you can file your UCR, you must have a USDOT number, so applying for a USDOT number is the first step. Once you have the USDOT number, you can start your UCR submission.

If your company doesn't work in an area that requires a USDOT number, you don't need to complete a UCR registration, either.

How To Apply for a USDOT Number

When applying for a USDOT number, you’ll need to provide quite a bit of information about the business, including:

• Company name
• Owner’s name
• Vehicle ownership details
• Type of operation
• Type of cargo hauled

Many businesses need some help requesting a USDOT number correctly, and our team at FMCA Filings is ready to serve you. We collect your information and submit it correctly and on time. We can help you manage ongoing requirements regarding your USDOT number.

How To File a UCR

You need to file and renew your company's UCR registration each year. The submission window opens between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 for most companies. Before filing the UCR, the USDOT number for your company must be active and in order.

When filing your UCR registration, you can probably use the help of our experts at FMCA Filings. We regularly perform these registrations for our customers.

Our team takes the confusion out of the process and lets you submit the information through our online portal. We make sure you have your USDOT number before filing the UCR. We also make certain you renew your UCR submission on time.

Failing to file the UCR registration correctly and on time could leave your business subject to fines and penalties. The majority of penalties and fines come from your home state, such as not letting you renew your truck’s registration.

Let Our Team at FMCA Filings Help With Your UCR Pre-Registration Needs

When you’re involved in the day-to-day work of running your interstate commerce and trucking business, you have a lot on your plate. Managing employees, the fleet, and your cargo takes a significant amount of time. You may need help staying on top of the requirements for UCR and USDOT.

At FMCA Filings, we specialize in making confusing registrations and paperwork as simple as possible. We help you do everything correctly the first time. If you have any UCR questions, reach out to our team at FMCA Filings today.