Guides / UCR vs other registrations
UCR vs USDOT, MC Authority, MCS-150, IRP, IFTA and Form 2290
The registrations new carriers confuse with UCR, who issues each, how often it renews, and how the UCR vehicle count is cross-checked against MCS-150 and IRP records.
Updated November 4, 2026 · 6 min read · sources cited inline
A new interstate carrier meets half a dozen registrations in the first month, and several of them sound alike. Here is what each one is, who issues it, and how often it comes back.
Side by side
| What | Issued by | Purpose | How often | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT number | FMCSA | Your company's identification number | Once (kept current via MCS-150) | Interstate operators of CMVs (10,001+ lbs etc.) |
| MCS-150 | FMCSA | Updates company data, including the power-unit count UCR reads | At least every 2 years and on changes | Everyone with a USDOT |
| MC number / operating authority | FMCSA | The right to haul others' freight for pay or to broker | Once | For-hire carriers, brokers, forwarders |
| BOC-3 | Filed by a process agent through FMCSA | Designates agents for legal service in every state | Once | Anyone obtaining MC authority |
| UCR | UCR Plan (ucr.gov) | Annual fee for operating in interstate commerce | Every year | Interstate carriers, brokers, forwarders, leasing companies |
| IRP | Base state (DMV) | Apportioned plates; fees split between states by mileage | Every year | Heavy vehicles (generally over 26,000 lbs or 3+ axles) in interstate travel |
| IFTA | Base state | Fuel tax, reported quarterly by miles per state | License yearly, returns quarterly | The same heavy vehicles as IRP |
| Form 2290 (HVUT) | IRS | Federal heavy vehicle use tax | Every year | Vehicles of 55,000 lbs or more |
How UCR connects to MCS-150 and IRP
UCR doesn't live in isolation. Your bracket is checked against two other records:
- MCS-150 — the default (Option A) source of the power-unit count. If you register with fewer units than your MCS-150 shows, keep a UCR-2 list.
- IRP plates — the FARs audit process compares your bracket with your number of active apportioned plates. More plates than your bracket implies is an anomaly your base state must investigate.
Keep the three numbers consistent and audits stay theoretical. See counting vehicles and how audits work.