How to File Your UCR Registration in Indiana

March 1, 2026, 4:03 p.m.
Filing your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is an annual requirement if your trucking or commercial vehicle business operates interstate and meets federal thresholds. This guide walks you through the steps to file your UCR registration as an operator in Indiana.

1. Determine If You Are Required to File  

You must file a UCR registration if you operate:

  • Interstate commerce vehicles

  • Commercial motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight ≥ 10,000 lbs

  • Passenger vehicles designed to carry more than 10 people

  • Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) on the driver’s license

If you only operate within Indiana (intrastate) and don’t meet the above, UCR may not apply.

 2. Know the Registration Period

UCR registrations are tied to the calendar year:

  • Registration opens December 1 for the next year

  • All carriers must register and pay fees by December 31

For example, for the 2026 calendar year, the registration window is Dec 1–Dec 31, 2025.

 3. Gather Necessary Information

Before starting, have the following ready:

  • USDOT Number

  • MC/MX/FF Number (if applicable)

  • Legal business name and physical address

  • Number of vehicles you operate

  • Payment method (credit/debit card or e-check)

 4. File UCR Online (Fastest Method)

Most carriers file online through the UCR Portal.

  1. Visit: www.fmcsa.me

  2. Enter your USDOT Number

  3. Confirm or enter your business info

  4. Declare the number of vehicles

  5. Review your UCR fee total

  6. Submit payment

After payment, you will receive a confirmation and invoice — save this for your records.

 

 6. Pay Your UCR Fees

UCR fees are based on your fleet size — the more vehicles you list, the higher the fee. For most small fleets, fees are affordable, but they increase with fleet tiers (e.g., 1 vehicle vs. 100 vehicles). The national system will calculate your fee automatically.

 7. Keep Proof of Registration

Once filed and paid, you should:

  • Print or save your UCR invoice/receipt

  • Keep it with your operating authority documentation

  • Provide it during roadside inspections or audits

UCR proof is often requested by law enforcement and auditors.

 8. Avoid Common Filing Mistakes

  • Filing late — UCR deadlines are not flexible

  • Incorrect vehicle counts — leads to underpayment and penalties

  • Wrong USDOT number — causes processing errors

  • Missing payment confirmation — always save proof

 9. Mark Your Calendar for Next Year

UCR is annual, so set reminders for:
Dec 1–Dec 31 – next year’s registration period

Staying on schedule helps avoid late fees and compliance issues.

 

 

How to File Your UCR Registration in Indiana