UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) is an annual federal registration and fee for companies that operate commercial vehicles across state lines, including brokers and freight forwarders. The fee depends on fleet size, from $55 (0–2 vehicles) to $54,165 (1,001+) for 2027. Register at the official site, plan.ucr.gov.
Who must register for UCR
The Unified Carrier Registration Act requires annual registration and fees from:
- Motor carriers, both for-hire and private, operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or international commerce;
- Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies involved in interstate transportation.
For UCR, a commercial motor vehicle generally means a vehicle over 10,000 pounds, or one carrying 9 or more passengers for pay (16 or more without pay), or placarded hazardous materials. A carrier that operates only within Texas (intrastate only) generally doesn't need UCR, but needs Texas intrastate authority from TxDMV instead.
UCR fees for 2026 and 2027
| Bracket | Number of vehicles | 2026 fee | 2027 fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 0–2 | $46 | $55 |
| B2 | 3–5 | $138 | $167 |
| B3 | 6–20 | $276 | $333 |
| B4 | 21–100 | $963 | $1,163 |
| B5 | 101–1,000 | $4,592 | $5,548 |
| B6 | 1,001+ | $44,836 | $54,165 |
Source: UCR Plan fee brackets. Brokers and leasing companies that don't operate vehicles pay the B1 fee. Fees are set each year, so check the official table before paying.
How to count your vehicles
Count the commercial motor vehicles you owned or operated for interstate commerce. Carriers can use either the number of vehicles on their most recent MCS-150 or the number operated during the 12 months ending June 30 before the registration year. Count power units (trucks and tractors), not trailers. Owner-operators leased to a carrier may be counted by that carrier; check the UCR Plan's guidance for your setup.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 1 | Registration opens for the next year (for example, 2027 registration opened October 1, 2026) |
| January 1 | Enforcement of the new year's registration begins |
Roadside inspectors and state enforcement can check UCR status. Operating without current registration can lead to fines and, in some states, the vehicle being held until the fee is paid.
How to register
- Go to plan.ucr.gov, the official UCR Plan site.
- Enter your USDOT number. Your company details are pulled from FMCSA's records, so keep your MCS-150 current.
- Choose your fleet size bracket and pay by card or bank transfer.
- Keep the receipt. No decal or card has to be carried in the truck.
Watch out for look-alike sites. Several private companies offer to file UCR for an added service fee and send official-looking letters. The fee on the official site is only the bracket amount.
Related registrations
| Registration | Who needs it | How often |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT number and MCS-150 update | Interstate carriers and many Texas intrastate carriers | Every 2 years |
| MC operating authority and BOC-3 | For-hire interstate carriers, brokers, forwarders | Once (kept active) |
| IFTA and IRP | Qualified vehicles crossing state lines | Quarterly (IFTA) and yearly |
| Form 2290 (HVUT) | Vehicles 55,000 lbs and over | Every year, by August 31 |
| UCR | Interstate carriers, brokers, forwarders, leasing companies | Every year |