Every year, fleets across the country are required to renew their registration under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. Completing your UCR annual renewal on time is essential to maintaining FMCSA compliance and preventing enforcement penalties that can disrupt operations.
Understanding who must file, when to renew, and how to complete the process ensures your fleet remains in good standing all year long.
What Is UCR and Who Needs to File?
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is a federally mandated system that requires interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies to register and pay annual fees.
Registration fees are based on the size of your fleet, and filing ensures you are operating legally under FMCSA regulations. Even if you registered last year, your UCR must be renewed annually to remain valid.
For more information on UCR requirements and filing details, visit Fleet Compliance Services or Unified Carrier Registration Resources.
When to File
UCR renewals open each year on October 1 for the upcoming calendar year. You must complete your renewal and payment before January 1 to avoid enforcement actions.
Enforcement begins January 1, meaning carriers without an active registration can face fines or be placed out of service during roadside inspections.
Learn more about staying proactive with annual filings in Fleet Management Compliance Tools.
Fee Structure
UCR fees are determined by the total number of commercial motor vehicles you operate interstate. The fee schedule is established annually by the UCR Board and applies to all participating states.
Carriers operating exclusively within one state (intrastate carriers) are generally exempt, unless they also broker or arrange interstate shipments.
For detailed information on costs and fleet classifications, refer to UCR Fee Schedules and FMCSA Updates.
How to File or Renew
Renewing your UCR registration is a straightforward process when you follow these steps:
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Visit the Official UCR Website – Navigate to www.ucr.gov begin your renewal.
- Verify Your USDOT Number – Make sure your registration details match FMCSA records.
- Pay the Annual Fee – Complete payment electronically through the UCR portal.
- Keep Proof of Payment – While credentials don’t need to be carried in vehicles, keeping documentation is recommended.
If your company name, fleet size, or operating status has changed, update your FMCSA records before completing renewal.
Explore our Resource Library for free compliance downloads and renewal tools.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
Failing to renew your UCR registration can lead to serious consequences, including:
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Fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 per vehicle (depending on state)
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Out-of-service orders during roadside inspections
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Delays in renewing related credentials such as IFTA or IRP
Avoid unnecessary penalties by reviewing your registration status in UCR Compliance Management Tools.
Simplify Compliance with GW Connect
Managing multiple renewals — including UCR, IFTA, IRP, and permits — can be time-consuming. GW Connect, VLC’s fleet management platform, helps streamline these processes by keeping everything in one place.
With GW Connect, you can:
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Receive reminders for all annual filings
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Track fleet assets, licenses, and compliance records
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Centralize renewal and audit data for easy access
Learn more about GW Connect Fleet Management Software to simplify compliance for your operations.
Partnering with VLC for Complete Fleet Compliance
For over 25 years, Vehicle Licensing Consultants (VLC) has supported fleets with consulting, licensing, and renewal management. From UCR filings to IFTA renewals, we help keep fleets compliant, organized, and audit-ready.
To stay current on all FMCSA regulations, explore our Resource Library for compliance tools, educational downloads, and filing checklists.
