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September 19, 2025

2026 UCR Compliance: Simple Steps to Keep Your Trucks on the Road

If you operate in interstate commerce, the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a requirement you cannot ignore. The program ensures that carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies contribute fairly to funding safety enforcement across participating states.

UCR Participation by State

Currently, 41 states participate in the UCR program. The 9 non-participating states are:

 

  • Oregon
  • Wyoming
  • Nevada
  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Vermont
  • New Jersey
  • Maryland
  • Hawaii

 

If your company is based in one of these nine non-participating states but your vehicles cross into participating states, you are still required to register and pay UCR fees. Filing is done through a participating state.

The UCR program officially replaced the old Single State Registration System (SSRS) on December 31, 2006.

 

Why UCR Compliance Matters

  • Mandatory for most carriers: Nearly all commercial carriers operating across state lines must register.
  • Covers all vehicle types: Buses, coaches, tractors, and trucks tied to your USDOT number are counted under UCR.
  • Immediate enforcement: When your truck goes through a weigh station, law enforcement can instantly see if your fleet is UCR-registered.
  • Avoid penalties: Operating without UCR registration can result in fines and out-of-service orders.

 

Who Must Register Under UCR

The following are required to register annually and pay based on fleet size:

  • Private property carriers
  • For-hire passenger and property carriers
  • Carriers of exempt commodities
  • Brokers
  • Freight forwarders
  • Leasing companies
  • Farmers regularly crossing state lines with CMVs

 

Both individual owner-operators and companies with large fleets fall under UCR requirements. If you lease vehicles, the carrier with operational control is responsible for paying the UCR fee.

What UCR Registration Provides

Once you’ve paid your annual UCR fee, your commercial vehicles are authorized to operate across all 50 states — even those not participating in the program.

Key Reminder for 2026

  • Filing for 2026 UCR opened October 1, 2025
  • Deadline was December 31, 2025
  • Fees for 2026 remain unchanged from 2025

 

How DOT Compliance Group Helps

At DOT Compliance Group, we make sure you never miss a required filing. Our team handles:

  • Initial UCR registration
  • Annual renewals
  • Compliance monitoring to avoid penalties

 

Stay road ready — let DOT Compliance Group handle your UCR today.

FAQ

What if I renewed my UCR with DOT Compliance Group last year?

If you renewed with us last year, please check your Customer portal. If auto-renewal is still active, your UCR will automatically renew. If you have turned off auto-renewal, you’ll need to submit your renewal here on this page.

If I Pre-Register for 2026 UCR, when will I be charged the total amount?

The total amount will be charged on October 1, 2026 for the 2026 year.

I am an Ag Exempt Farmer. Am I exempt from registering for UCR?

No, if you cross over state lines you are required to register for UCR. Your Ag exemption does not apply to UCR.

Who is Exempt from UCR?

Private Motor Carriers of Passengers and All Motor Carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers.

What states do not currently participate in UCR?

Currently Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, & the District of Columbia are non-participating states. (This information is current as of 6-16-2023. For the most up-to-date information check the FMCSA website.)

If my base state is a non-participating state that means UCR does not apply to me, correct?

No, if you operate as an interstate carrier and cross into a state that does participate, then you are required to register with UCR.

If I am an Amazon or Postal Service Contractor do I have to register for UCR?

Yes. Even though you do not cross state lines, your parcels do. That makes you an Interstate carrier and you would be required to register at the 0-2 fleet size.

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