UCR Filing 2026 — Fees, Deadlines, and How to File in 10 Minutes
The Short Answer
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a mandatory annual filing for every interstate motor carrier, broker, and freight forwarder. 2026 fees run $46/yr for 0–2 trucks up to $46,296 for 1,001+ trucks. Deadline is December 31 each year. File at ucr.gov — it takes about 10 minutes and you get an immediate confirmation.
Every year you must renew your Unified Carrier Registration. Miss it and your MC authority can be deactivated — plus roadside officers can put your truck out of service. It takes ten minutes.
UCR is a federally required annual registration administered by participating states. Every interstate carrier, broker, and freight forwarder must file and pay a fee based on fleet size.
2026 fee schedule
| Fleet size | 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| 0–2 trucks | $46 |
| 3–5 trucks | $138 |
| 6–20 trucks | $275 |
| 21–100 trucks | $958 |
| 101–1,000 trucks | $4,569 |
| 1,001+ trucks | $46,296 |
Filing deadline and consequences
- Deadline: December 31 of the current year (for the following year)
- Grace period: some states allow filing through early Q1, but expect enforcement at roadside
- Consequences of non-filing: MC authority can be revoked, roadside out-of-service order, fines by participating state ($100–$5,000 depending on state)
How to file at ucr.gov
- Go to ucr.gov (the official portal)
- Enter DOT number and MC number
- Confirm fleet size as of the filing date
- Pay by ACH, credit card, or check
- Print/save the confirmation — carry a copy in the truck
Fleet size is a snapshot — not annual average
Report the number of trucks you own or lease on the filing date. Adding a truck in Q1 doesn't require a UCR update — but if you're audited and had more trucks than you filed for, you owe the difference plus penalty.
Who's exempt
- Purely intrastate carriers (no crossing state lines)
- Carriers of federal government freight only
- Farm vehicles under specific state rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UCR replace state trucking permits?+
No. UCR is a federal-level registration. You may also need state-specific permits (NY HUT, KY Weight Distance, OR Weight Mile, NM Weight Distance) depending on where you operate.
Can I file UCR late?+
Yes, ucr.gov accepts late filings and most states offer a short grace period. But you're at risk of roadside enforcement any day past December 31. File on time.
Do I count trailers in fleet size?+
No. UCR fleet size counts power units (trucks and tractors) only, not trailers.