Unified Carrier Registration Program (UCR): 2026 Compliance Guide for Trucking Companies

What Unified Carrier Registration Program (UCR) is and how it relates to FMCSA

The Unified Carrier Registration Program (UCR) is a yearly state-administered program created under 49 U.S.C. §14504a. It funds state motor-carrier safety activities and applies to for-hire and private interstate carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and leasing companies. Registration and payment are handled through the National Registration System (NRS) at UCR.gov, not on FMCSA’s site. FMCSA points out that UCR is not an FMCSA program (it’s an agreement among participating states), and it’s different from the Unified Registration System (URS) you use to obtain a USDOT/MC number. 

2026 timing at a glance. The 2026 UCR registration window opened October 1, 2025, and states were recommended to begin enforcement on January 1, 2026.

At Simplex Group, we treat UCR like an annual “gate”, we align it with my MCS-150 update cycle and driver file audits so nothing falls through the cracks.

2026 UCR fees and brackets

UCR fees are based on power units (self-propelled CMVs; trailers excluded) as most recently reported on your MCS-150. Official 2026 fees are:

Deadline & enforcement. Registration should be completed before January 1 of the registration year; unpaid entities may be subject to state enforcement afterward.

Before paying, at Simplex, we verify that the MCS-150 power-unit count reflects the current fleet; otherwise, you risk paying into the wrong bracket.

Dates that matter (2026)

• Registration opened: October 1, 2025 (NRS portal).
• Recommended enforcement start: January 1, 2026 (UCR Board). 

How to register on UCR.gov

1. Gather data. USDOT/MC numbers, legal name/DBA, FEIN, and your current power-unit count per the MCS-150. 
2. Go to the official portal (UCR.gov) and sign in or create access. Follow on-screen prompts for your entity type (carrier, broker, forwarder, leasing). 
3. Confirm bracket. The system uses your reported power-unit count; adjust only if your MCS-150 is out of date (update that first).
4. Select the payment method and submit. Keep your electronic receipt (see “Proof” below).
5. If you missed prior years, register those years in the portal as required.

In my workflow, we pair UCR payment with a quick DQF (Driver Qualification File) spot-check, medical cards, MVRs, and clearinghouse queries on the same calendar slot so the safety file stays synchronized with your registration activity.

Proof of compliance & what to keep

Most states do not require a physical proof of UCR to be carried in the vehicle. Keeping the payment receipt is optional but helpful. You can check the status online via UCR.gov. 

I usually archive the receipt and confirmation email in the company’s compliance drive under UCR/2026/ and log the completion date in our compliance calendar to simplify audits.

Pro tips for continuous DOT safety compliance

• Use auto-renew (if it fits your controls). UCR’s Auto-Renew uses the power-unit count from your current MCS-150 and charges the saved card when the new year opens, useful if your fleet size is stable and your back-office has strong change controls.
• Bundle your cadence. Align UCR with your semiannual MCS-150 updates, random drug/alcohol program checks, and DQF maintenance (MVR pulls, med card verifications).
• Centralize documentation. Keep receipts, MCS-150 snapshots, and authority letters in one version-controlled folder.
• Train for the roadside. Ensure drivers know that UCR is checked electronically and what documents they do need to produce on request.

FAQs