1. Understand What UCR Is
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a federal agreement between states and carriers to ensure that all eligible entities pay into a shared system that helps fund state and federal transportation enforcement programs.
UCR registration is required if you operate interstate and have:
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A USDOT number, and
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A Washington presence as a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder
Important: UCR is not a Washington-specific permit; it’s part of a national system. But you must be compliant if you enter Washington as an interstate operator.
2. Determine If Your Operation Requires UCR
You must register for UCR in Washington if your business:
Operates commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce
Has a USDOT number
Engages in motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarding operations that cross state lines
Common entities that need UCR:
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Trucking companies
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Logistics brokers
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Freight forwarders
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Leasing companies with interstate activity
If your operations are strictly intrastate (i.e., only within Washington), UCR may not be required—but always verify your operating structure before skipping registration.
3. Know the UCR Fee Deadlines
UCR fees are charged annually based on your fleet size (vehicles ≥10,001 lbs GVW). Deadlines typically fall around March 1 each year, but check for updates annually since changes can occur.
Tip: UCR fees apply to vehicles that operate interstate, even if you conduct most business in Washington.
4. Gather What You Need
Before registering, be ready with:
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Your USDOT number
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Legal business name and mailing address
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Employer Identification Number (EIN) or SSN
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Number of vehicles (based on UCR fee tiers)
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Credit card or payment method
Accurate vehicle counts are critical—they determine your UCR fee.
5. Register Through the UCR National Database
Washington does not handle UCR registration separately. Instead, you register through the
Steps:
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Go to https://www.fmcsa.me/
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Enter your USDOT number
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Enter your vehicle count
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Choose your entity type (motor carrier, broker, etc.)
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Review your fee amount
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Pay your annual fee
You’ll receive a UCR confirmation and a registration number that should be kept in your compliance files.
6. Save and Print Your UCR Proof
After paying, you’ll get documentation showing:
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Your UCR registration year
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Your fee tier
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Your UCR registration number
Keep digital and printed copies in your vehicle and office files.
7. Renew Every Year
UCR is annual and must be renewed for each calendar year by the deadline (usually by March 1). Late renewals:
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Trigger fines
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May cause compliance issues during roadside inspections
Set calendar alerts each year to renew on time.
8. What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Non-compliance can lead to:
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Fines during Washington inspections
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Out-of-service orders
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Violations recorded on your safety profile
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State enforcement actions
Even if your headquarters is elsewhere, you must be UCR compliant if you operate in Washington.
Quick UCR Registration Checklist
Confirm interstate operations
Verify USDOT number
Count qualifying vehicles accurately
Register at https://www.fmcsa.me/
Pay UCR fee based on vehicle tier
Save proof of registration
Renew on time each year
Final Tips
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UCR registration is simple but mandatory for interstate carriers in Washington.
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Always double-check your vehicle count—it directly affects your fees.
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Use a compliance calendar to avoid missed deadlines.