Carrier Launch KitUCR Registration: Due Date and Cost
Last updated: October 20, 2026 · Sources: 49 CFR 367.40/367.50 (as amended at 91 FR 56063, Sept. 1, 2026), plan.ucr.gov fee brackets
Quick answer: Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) must be completed and paid before January 1 of each registration year. The 2027 registration opened October 1, 2026. Fees depend on fleet size: for 0–2 trucks it's $46 for 2026 and $55 for 2027. Register through ucr.gov or your base state. Brokers and leasing companies pay the lowest bracket.
UCR is an annual federal registration and fee program run with the states. Interstate for-hire and private motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies are covered. Autocomplete for "ucr registration" shows the questions people ask most: cost, renewal, requirements, meaning, and lookup. Here are the answers.
UCR fee brackets
| Bracket | Commercial motor vehicles | 2025 & 2026 | 2027 onward |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 0–2 | $46 | $55 |
| B2 | 3–5 | $138 | $167 |
| B3 | 6–20 | $276 | $333 |
| B4 | 21–100 | $963 | $1,163 |
| B5 | 101–1,000 | $4,592 | $5,548 |
| B6 | 1,001+ | $44,836 | $54,165 |
Sources: 49 CFR 367.40 and 367.50, as amended at 91 FR 56063 (effective Oct. 1, 2026), and plan.ucr.gov fee brackets. Brokers and leasing companies pay the B1 fee.
When is UCR due?
- Due: registration and payment must be complete before January 1 of the registration year.
- Opens: the 2027 registration period opened October 1, 2026. The 2028 date hasn't been announced. October 1 is the pattern, but check ucr.gov.
- Late: the fee is still owed after January 1, and running interstate without UCR can lead to state enforcement at roadside.
How to register (step by step)
- Have your USDOT number and an accurate count of the commercial motor vehicles you own or operate.
- Go to the official site, ucr.gov (helpline 1-833-UCR-PLAN). Third-party filing services exist and are legal, but they're optional. Check the web address before you pay.
- Choose your bracket based on vehicle count, following the counting instructions on ucr.gov.
- Pay online and save the receipt in your compliance binder.
- Add "UCR for next year opens Oct 1, due before Jan 1" to your calendar.
New authority in the middle of the year?
If your authority was granted partway through the year, register for the current year before your first interstate load, then register for the next year starting October 1. If you were granted authority this fall (October through December 2026), you may need both a 2026 and a 2027 registration. Check that both show as paid.
Who needs UCR?
UCR covers motor carriers in interstate commerce (both for-hire and private), along with brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies. Carriers that operate only within one state are generally outside UCR, but a carrier whose in-state hauls are part of an interstate movement (for example, the last leg of an imported or out-of-state shipment) can be in interstate commerce and owe UCR. Your state's rules still apply, so check with your state agency if you aren't sure.
UCR vs. other registrations
| Item | What it is | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| UCR | Annual federal-state fee program | Every year, before Jan 1 |
| MCS-150 | FMCSA registration update, free | Every 24 months, month set by USDOT digits (390.19T) |
| IFTA | Fuel tax license and decals | Annual license, quarterly returns |
| IRP | Apportioned plates | Annual, through your base state |
| Form 2290 | IRS heavy vehicle use tax (55,000 lb+) | July–June tax year |
The Carrier Launch Kit workbook has a 12-month filing calendar with UCR, IFTA quarters, 2290 and your personal MCS-150 month already filled in. Weekend shifts are included. Holiday shifts aren't adjusted, so double-check those dates. Get the kit →
FAQ
How much is UCR for one truck in 2027? It's $55, the B1 bracket for 0–2 vehicles.
Is UCR due on January 1? It must be completed before January 1 of the registration year.
Do freight brokers pay UCR? Yes. Brokers pay the B1 fee.
When did 2027 UCR open? On October 1, 2026.
Is UCR the same as the MCS-150 biennial update? No. UCR is an annual fee. The MCS-150 update is free and due every two years.
How do I check whether my UCR is paid? Use the registration lookup on the official UCR site.
Educational only, not legal or tax advice. Carrier Launch Kit is not affiliated with the UCR Plan, FMCSA or USDOT. Fees are from the sources above as of the date shown.
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