How Much Does it Cost to Register a Commercial Motor Vehicle? Part 2.

If you need to register a truck, see if your state registration fees are included below. If not, check out part one of our Foley article series! 

We've all registered a passenger vehicle and are familiar with our state's registration fees. But how much would it cost you to register a tractor-trailer or commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

Is your vehicle a commercial motor vehicle?

Before registering it, you'll need to find out if your vehicle is considered a CMV by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) definitions, which are as follows:

• Weighs over 10,000 pounds, whether it is loaded or not 
• Transports hazardous materials (Hazmat) which require a placard 
• Transports 16+ people, including the driver 
• Transports 9+ people, including the driver, for compensation 

If registering a CMV is part of your journey toward becoming an owner-operator, this Foley article will tell you what you need to know before you get on the road.

Now that you've deciphered if your vehicle is a CMV, let's review how much it would cost to register it in any of the 25 states below.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration Fees by State

Each state bases its registration fees on one or more of the following factors: 

• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – The maximum loaded weight of a semi-tractor and trailer combined.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – The maximum loaded weight of any given vehicle (tractor or trailer), provided by the equipment manufacturer. 
• Unladen weight – The weight of an empty tractor and/or trailer. 
• Model year 
• Where you operate

Here are the fee ranges you can expect to see each time you register a truck in the following 25 states.

What other permits and registrations do you need to operate legally? 

Legally registering your CMV is one of the first steps toward becoming a successful and compliant motor carrier. You should also find out if you need any or all of the following:

• USDOT number – You'll need a DOT number if you plan to drive passengers, transport hazardous materials, or deliver interstate freight. Click here to find out if you need a USDOT number. 
• MC number – This “authority to operate” number is required for transporting regulated goods. Click here to find out if you need an MC number. 
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) – You need to file a UCR every year if you’re a motor carrier and you travel across state or international lines. Brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies must also file a UCR annually. Click here to file your UCR. 
• Blanket Legal Entity (BOC-3) – This is an official list of companies or individuals you’ve given permission to receive legal documents on your behalf. The BOC-3 is the form the FMCSA requires you to file to provide proof that you have a process agent in each state you operate. Click here to file your BOC-3. 

Get an All-in-One Compliance Solution from Foley

No matter if you're building a business as an owner-operator or you're registering additional CMVs for your growing company, Foley can help you with your DOT compliance requirements.

We can ensure you have all the above permits and registrations to get started, then continue to support you through ongoing DOT compliance management. You'll be better prepared for your next compliance audit.

The first step toward simplified DOT compliance is a FREE demo with a Foley compliance expert. Click here to schedule yours now or fill out the form below to see how easy it is to get ahead of the DOT.