What UCR is
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Agreement is a federal program, run by participating states, that collects a yearly fee from companies that move freight or passengers across state lines. The money funds state truck safety programs. It is separate from your USDOT number, MC authority, IRP plates and IFTA, and you need it on top of all of them.
2027 UCR fees
FMCSA's final rule, published September 1, 2026 and in effect October 1, 2026, raised fees about 20% for the 2027 registration year. Your bracket depends on how many power units you count.
| Power units | 2026 fee | 2027 fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | $46 | $55 |
| 3–5 | $138 | $167 |
| 6–20 | $276 | $333 |
| 21–100 | $963 | $1,163 |
| 101–1,000 | $4,592 | $5,548 |
| 1,001 or more | $44,836 | $54,165 |
Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies that operate no trucks pay the lowest fee, $55.
Who must register
- For-hire carriers in interstate commerce, including one-truck owner-operators with their own authority.
- Private carriers of property that cross state lines with their own goods.
- Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies.
A leased-on owner-operator running under a motor carrier's authority is normally covered by that carrier's UCR and does not register separately. Carriers that run only within one state (intrastate) do not need UCR. If you are based in a state that does not take part in UCR but you drive into states that do, you still must register.
How to count your trucks
UCR counts power units (trucks and tractors), not trailers. A vehicle counts if it is a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce: generally 10,001 pounds or more, or placarded hazmat. You can usually base the count on either:
- the number on your most recent MCS-150 filed with FMCSA, or
- the number you owned or operated in the 12 months ending June 30 before the registration year.
Trucks you lease long-term (30 days or more) count; short trip leases do not. Keep the count honest. A drop to a lower bracket can draw an audit, and the number should match what FMCSA has on file.
How to file for 2027
- Update your MCS-150 if your truck count or address changed.
- Go to the official site, ucr.gov, and enter your USDOT number.
- Confirm your company details and power unit count.
- Pay by card or bank transfer and save the receipt. Keep a copy in the truck.
Many websites offer to file UCR for you for an extra service fee. That is optional. Filing directly at ucr.gov costs only the fee in the table. Penalties for running without UCR are set by each state and can include fines and the truck being held at roadside until you register.
Planning your yearly costs? Add UCR to your fixed costs in the cost per mile calculator. It is small, but it sits next to IRP plates, IFTA, the heavy vehicle use tax and insurance in your startup and annual costs.
Common questions
How much is UCR for 2027?
2027 UCR fees are $55 for 0–2 power units, $167 for 3–5, $333 for 6–20, $1,163 for 21–100, $5,548 for 101–1,000 and $54,165 for more than 1,000. Brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies with no trucks pay $55.
When is the UCR deadline for 2027?
Registration opened October 1, 2026. Pay by December 31, 2026, because enforcement for the 2027 year begins January 1, 2027.
Do owner-operators need UCR?
Yes, if you have your own authority and run interstate. If you are leased on to a carrier and run under its authority, the carrier’s UCR normally covers your truck.
Do brokers need UCR?
Yes. Brokers and freight forwarders must register and pay the lowest bracket fee, $55 for 2027, even with no trucks.
Is UCR the same as IFTA or IRP?
No. UCR is a yearly federal registration fee. IFTA covers fuel tax and IRP covers apportioned plates. Interstate carriers usually need all three.