What is an MC Number? A Complete Guide on Operating Authority

The FMCSA has announced updates that may eventually phase out the use of MC numbers. However, most brokers and carriers are still required to obtain and maintain one today. For anyone planning to enter the trucking or freight transportation industry, this makes understanding MC numbers just as important as ever. New carriers and owner-operators often face confusion around DOT numbers, MC numbers, and which one applies to their specific operation—especially when federal compliance is non-negotiable.

An MC number, officially known as a Motor Carrier Identification Number, is a federal operating authority issued by the FMCSA to certain trucking businesses that transport regulated commodities or operate as for-hire carriers across state lines. While a USDOT number identifies a company and tracks its safety record, an MC number determines whether a carrier is legally authorized to operate in interstate commerce. 

Obtaining MC authority is often one of the most intimidating parts of starting a trucking business, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with FMCSA rules and timelines. The application process can take several weeks and involves multiple compliance requirements that must be completed before the authority becomes active. In this guide, we break down what an MC number is, how it differs from a DOT number, who needs one, and how to get it.

What is an MC number?

An MC Number, short for Motor Carrier Number, is a federal operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It allows certain trucking and transportation businesses to operate in interstate commerce. With an MC number, carriers can transport regulated goods or passengers across state lines for compensation. Because of this role, an MC number is also commonly called Operating Authority or Interstate Operating Authority.

The MC number applies to businesses, not individual drivers, and primarily covers for-hire carriers. Companies that haul freight, transport passengers, or arrange transportation of federally regulated commodities across state lines typically need this authority. This includes trucking companies, passenger carriers, and brokers—while the industry may use terms like trucking authority or broker authority, they all refer to the same FMCSA operating authority obtained through the same application process.

Who issues an MC number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues an MC operating authority. The FMCSA operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and regulates interstate trucking and transportation businesses. While the FMCSA also manages USDOT numbers, an MC number serves a different purpose. The USDOT number tracks safety and compliance, while the MC operating authority grants permission to operate in interstate commerce.

The FMCSA is currently transitioning away from MC numbers as part of a broader registration system overhaul. In the future, the agency plans to use the USDOT number as the primary identifier for all carriers to reduce fraud and simplify compliance. While MC numbers are still required today, the exact timeline for full implementation of this change is still evolving.

Types of Operating Authority issued under an MC number
Not all MC numbers are the same. An MC number authorizes carriers and brokers to operate legally within the United States and defines the type of transportation business they are allowed to conduct. The FMCSA issues three primary types of operating authority:

• MC Authority – Issued to U.S.-based motor carriers and brokers that transport or arrange the transportation of goods or passengers.
• FF Authority – Assigned to freight forwarders who manage cargo logistics, including storage, packaging, and transportation coordination.
• MX Authority – Granted to carriers and brokers based in Mexico that are approved to move freight into and through the United States.

Each authority type includes specific classifications that determine which application and registration details are required.

Why is the MC number important?

An MC number is essential for operating legally in the trucking industry. Without it, a trucking business cannot lawfully transport goods across state lines. Operating without the proper authority can result in significant fines, shipment delays, enforcement actions, and even shutdowns.

For intrastate-only operations, the federal government typically requires only a USDOT number. However, once a carrier transports goods across state borders, federal law requires an MC number to establish interstate operating authority.

Certain types of cargo also come with additional compliance requirements. For example, carriers hauling hazardous materials must obtain a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit, while companies transporting household goods must hold a Household Goods Motor Carrier permit. These approvals apply alongside the MC number, not in place of it.

Finally, carriers must maintain proper insurance coverage that meets both federal and state regulations. Depending on the cargo and operation type, additional permits or licenses may also be required to remain fully compliant.

How does an MC number differ from a USDOT number?

A USDOT number and an MC number serve different purposes, and not every carrier needs both. A USDOT number identifies a carrier for safety compliance, inspections, audits, and operational tracking. It is required for most businesses operating commercial vehicles, even if they operate solely within one state. 

An MC number, on the other hand, grants a carrier legal authority to operate for hire in interstate commerce. It allows them to transport regulated goods or passengers across state lines. Companies that operate only intrastate or transport exempt commodities typically do not need an MC number. Any carrier that requires an MC number must also have a USDOT number.

MC number vs DOT number: What’s the difference?

Do I need an MC Number?

An MC number (Motor Carrier Operating Authority) is not required for every commercial vehicle or trucking business—but many carriers involved in interstate, for-hire transportation must have one. Whether your company needs an MC number depends on what you haul, how you operate, and where you operate.

What type of businesses typically need an MC number?

You generally need an MC number in addition to a USDOT number if your business does any of the following:

1. Operates as a for-hire carrier

If your company transports goods or passengers for payment or compensation, you usually need an MC number. This applies even if you operate within one state, as long as the freight or passengers are part of interstate commerce.

2. Transports passengers across state lines

Passenger carriers—such as bus operators, charter services, or shuttle providers—must obtain operating authority if they transport passengers or arrange passenger transportation between states.

3. Hauls federally regulated commodities in interstate commerce

Carriers that transport federally regulated goods across state lines need an MC number. These commodities may include household goods, vehicles, certain food products, chemicals, or hazardous materials regulated by federal law.

4. Operates in interstate commerce

If your business crosses state lines—or if the cargo originated in or is destined for another state—you are considered an interstate carrier and will likely need MC authority. This also applies to intermodal equipment providers operating in interstate supply chains.

5. Acts as a freight broker or freight forwarder

Companies or individuals that arrange transportation between shippers and carriers in interstate commerce must also obtain MC authority, even if they never physically transport the freight themselves.

6. Interstate moving companies

Household goods movers operating across state lines are required to have an MC authority, as they transport regulated commodities for hire.

Who is exempt from an MC Number?

Not every trucking business or driver must obtain MC authority. In many cases, carriers and drivers can legally operate without an MC number, depending on how they run their operations, what they haul, and where they operate.

Which trucking operations do not require an MC authority?

You are generally exempted from needing an MC number if you fall into one of the following categories:

1. Company (Fleet) drivers:

Drivers employed by a trucking company do not need their own MC authority. These drivers operate under the company’s MC number and USDOT number, not their own.

2. Independent drivers operating under another Carrier’s Authority:

Independent or leased owner-operators who drive under another company’s operating authority are not required to obtain a separate MC number. In this setup, the carrier assumes responsibility for compliance, insurance, and operating authority.

3. Intrastate-only carriers

Carriers that operate exclusively within a single state and do not cross state lines are often exempt from MC authority requirements. However, some states impose their own rules, so state-specific regulations may still apply.

4. Private carriers

Private carriers that transport only their own goods and do not offer transportation services to the public do not need an MC number. Since they are not operating for hire, a federal operating authority is typically not required.

5. Carriers transporting only exempt commodities

Some commodities are classified as exempt from federal regulation, such as certain agricultural products or raw materials. For-hire carriers that haul only exempt commodities may not need MC authority, as long as they do not transport regulated freight.

6. Carriers operating solely within a federally designated commercial zone

Carriers that operate entirely within a federally designated commercial zone—usually located around large metropolitan areas that span multiple states—may be exempt from interstate operating authority rules. A common example is the Washington, D.C.–Maryland–Virginia commercial zone.

7. Owner-operators working under another company’s authority

Some owner-operators choose to partner with or lease onto a carrier that provides operating authority. In these cases, the driver runs under the company’s MC authority and does not need to apply for one independently.

Even in these cases, a USDOT number may still be required.

What are the requirements for an MC Number?

Carriers must meet specific FMCSA registration, insurance, and update requirements to obtain and maintain an MC operating authority. These rules apply both when you first apply and throughout the life of your authority.

Initial requirements to obtain MC authority

Before applying for an MC number, make sure you complete the following:

1. Application and filing fee

You must pay a $300 federal filing fee to apply for permanent MC authority. If your authority becomes inactive and you need to reinstate it, the FMCSA charges an $80 reinstatement fee.

2. Required insurance coverage

You must have the appropriate insurance on file with the FMCSA, based on your authority type:

• BMC-91 or BMC-91X – Required for Motor Carriers of Property (excluding household goods)
• BMC-34 or BMC-83 – Required for Motor Carriers of Household Goods

Your insurance provider files these forms directly with the FMCSA.

3. Designated process agent (BOC-3)

All applicants must appoint a process agent, who acts as a legal representative for the service of documents. You must file a BOC-3 form listing this agent before the FMCSA activates your MC authority.

Ongoing requirements to maintain MC authority

4. Biennial updates (Every two years)

The FMCSA requires all carriers to update their MC number every two years, even if no information has changed. Most carriers can complete this update online.

5. Mandatory updates when information changes

You must update your MC authority immediately whenever key business information changes. This includes:

• Business name changes
• Address or contact updates
• Changes to EIN or SSN
• Reactivation of a USDOT number
• Requests to revoke operating authority
• Out-of-business notifications

Some of these changes require submitting an online support ticket or faxing documents directly to the FMCSA.

How to get an MC number?

Getting an MC number is a straightforward process through the FMCSA registration system. First-time applicants who do not yet have a USDOT number should use the Unified Registration System (URS). Begin by selecting “Apply for a New USDOT Number and/or Authority” and enter the required business information.

If you already have a USDOT number or previous MC authority, you can use the FMCSA legacy registration system to update or add authority.

During the application process, you will need to:

• Provide business details and select the type of MC authority you require.
• Pay the application fee for your MC number.
• Complete insurance filings based on the type of authority (e.g., property, household goods, or freight forwarding).
• Designate a process agent for each state in which you operate, or a single agent covering all states. Freight brokers must select process agents as part of their licensing process.

First-time carriers must also participate in the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, an 18-month probationary period designed to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations.

Although the FMCSA registration site guides applicants step by step, delays can occur if insurance filings or process agent designations are missing or incomplete. By following these steps carefully, carriers can efficiently obtain their MC number and begin operating legally in interstate commerce.

What form do you need to apply for an MC Number?

To apply for an MC number, you must submit the appropriate FMCSA registration form based on your business type:

• MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report): Used by motor carriers and brokers to register their business information.
• MCS-150B (Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and Hazardous Materials Permit Application): Required for motor carriers that transport hazardous materials.
• MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report): Used by businesses that supply or manage intermodal equipment for motor carriers.

If you already hold operating authority and want to apply for an additional or different type of authority, you must file the appropriate form from the OP-1 series.

How long does it take to get an MC number?

The time it takes to obtain an MC number depends on several factors, including the completeness of your application and whether the FMCSA flags it for additional review. For most new applicants using the Unified Registration System (URS), the process typically takes 20–25 business days.

If your application undergoes extra scrutiny or requires further review, the timeline can extend by eight weeks or longer. Carriers applying by mail should anticipate 45–60 business days due to processing and review time. Once the FMCSA grants operating authority, documents are usually sent within 3–4 business days.

How much does an MC number cost?

Unlike USDOT numbers, which are free, obtaining an MC number involves several fees set by the FMCSA. The permanent operating authority costs $300 per operating class and can be paid by credit card or check via USPS. If you need to reinstate your authority in the future, the fee is $80, and a business name change requires an additional $14. 

Beyond these, carriers may also encounter processing and biennial renewal fees depending on their updates and filings. These fees ensure that your MC authority remains active and compliant with federal regulations.

Building a compliant and successful trucking business

Starting a trucking business requires more than just a truck and a load—it demands a clear understanding of DOT numbers, MC authority, and ongoing FMCSA compliance. Knowing the difference between a USDOT number and an MC number helps you register correctly based on how you operate and the type of freight you haul. Along with these registrations, new carriers must also manage essential setup tasks such as choosing a business structure, applying for an EIN, securing insurance, and finding reliable freight.

Staying compliant is just as important as getting started. The FMCSA requires carriers to keep their USDOT and MC information up to date, and missing a biennial update can lead to costly fines or even the loss of operating authority. At the same time, carriers must remain alert to scams and fraudulent messages that falsely claim to represent the FMCSA, as the agency does not request payments or sensitive information through email.

In the long run, treating MC authority as more than a one-time registration—by maintaining accurate filings, meeting insurance requirements, and following federal rules—helps carriers avoid disruptions and build a stable, scalable trucking business. With proper preparation and attention to compliance, trucking companies can operate confidently and set themselves up for long-term success.

Frequently asked questions on the MC number

Do you need MC authority for intrastate operations?

No. MC authority applies only to interstate operations. If your business operates strictly within one state and does not cross state lines, you typically do not need an MC number. However, you must still comply with state-level regulations, which may include holding a USDOT number or additional state permits.

What happens if a carrier operates without an MC number?

Operating without the required MC authority can result in serious consequences. The FMCSA may issue hefty fines, place vehicles out of service, or take enforcement action that disrupts business operations. Carriers without proper authority may also struggle to obtain insurance coverage, secure contracts, or work with brokers and shippers, since most verify an active MC number before tendering loads.

How can you check the status of the MC Number?

You can check your MC authority status through the SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) system. Under FMCSA Searches, select Licensing & Insurance, enter your MC number or USDOT number, and click Search to view your authority details.

Can you transfer the MC Authority to another party?

No. MC authority is not transferable. If you sell your business or change ownership, you must complete a formal update process with the FMCSA to reflect the new authority holder or apply for new authority as required.

Can you hold multiple types of MC authority at the same time?

Yes. A carrier may hold multiple types of MC authority simultaneously, provided all requirements for each authority type—such as insurance, filings, and compliance—are met.

What insurance is required for an MC Number?

Carriers with MC authority must maintain minimum liability insurance coverage and file proof of insurance with the FMCSA before the authority becomes active. Depending on the type of operation or cargo, additional coverage—such as cargo insurance—may be required. Failure to maintain proper insurance can result in suspension or revocation of the MC authority.

How often do you need to review the MC Number?

The FMCSA requires carriers to update their MC number and USDOT information every two years. You must also update your information immediately if there are changes to your business details, even if it’s not time for your biennial update.

Can you operate vehicles while waiting for an MC number?

You may operate as a for-hire interstate carrier only after your MC number is issued and activated. Operating before the authority becomes active can lead to fines, delays, and enforcement actions. Until the MC authority is active, carriers should limit operations to activities that do not require interstate operating authority.