UCR Registration Requirements for Washington-Based Carriers

Dec. 30, 2025, 6:28 p.m.
The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Program is a federally mandated registration and fee system that Washington participates in, administered locally by the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC). Carriers base-state registration allows them to operate across all participating states under one annual fee.
UCR Registration in Washington

Permits for Washington State avaliable at https://www.washingtontruckingonline.com/

 

1. Determine If You’re Required to Register

You must register for UCR if your Washington-based business engages in interstate commerce — meaning you cross state lines or arrange transport across state lines and operate covered commercial motor vehicles or functions such as:

  • Motor carrier transporting goods or passengers

  • Private carriers hauling their own goods Interstate

  • Freight forwarders

  • Brokers

  • Leasing companies 

Note:
• Strictly intrastate carriers that never cross state borders generally don’t need UCR (though other state requirements may still apply). 
• Simply having a USDOT number alone does not trigger UCR — it’s tied to interstate operations. 

 2. Active USDOT Number

To register, your company must have an active USDOT number — even if you don’t operate for hire (e.g., private carriers) — because UCR uses that number to link your authority and fleet. 

 3. Report Your Fleet Size

You must report the number of commercial motor vehicles you own or operate (with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001+ lbs, carry hazardous materials requiring placards, or designed to carry 10+ passengers including the driver). 

The fleet count determines your annual UCR fee bracket — the more vehicles, the higher the fee. 

 4. Pay the Annual UCR Fee

UCR fees are annual and not prorated. You must pay the appropriate fee based on your fleet size for the upcoming year. Fees typically must be paid by December 31 of the year prior to the registration year. 

 5. Maintain Annual Renewal

UCR registration must be renewed each year — fees and fleet reporting must be updated annually to remain compliant. 

 6. How to Register

Washington carriers register using the national UCR system at the  UCR registration portal - https://www.fmcsa.me/   
Steps generally include:

  1.  Enter your USDOT number.

  2. Confirm your business profile and fleet count.

  3. Submit payment for the applicable annual fee.

  4. Keep your registration receipt as proof of compliance. 

 7. Compliance & Enforcement

UCR compliance is checked during inspections. If you cannot confirm registration (e.g., with a payment receipt), you may face:

  • Citations and fines

  • Enforcement holds until compliance is restored 

No specific physical UCR credential needs to be carried in the vehicle, but it’s recommended to have proof of payment available if inspected. 

 Quick Summary

Requirement Applies? Notes
Active USDOT Number yes Needed for UCR linking
Interstate Operations yes Required for UCR
Intrastate Only no Not generally required for UCR
Annual Fee Payment yes Based on fleet size
Annual Renewal yes Must renew yearly
Proof of Compliance Recommended Keep payment receipt

 

 

UCR Registration in Washington