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Starting a trucking company involves more than getting on the road—it requires meeting a long list of regulatory requirements that must be handled correctly from day one. Missing or incorrect documentation can quickly put your business out of compliance, leading to costly fines, operational delays, or even preventing you from hauling freight altogether. To operate legally, trucking companies must obtain the proper identification and operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including a USDOT number and, in many cases, an MC number.
A motor carrier number (MC number)—also called your operating authority or motor carrier authority—grants your trucking company the legal permission to operate across state lines. Generally, an MC number is required for companies that –
- Transport passengers in interstate commerce for a fee or other compensation, whether directly or indirectly
- Haul federally regulated commodities owned by others, or arrange for their transport for a fee in interstate commerce.
An MC number is required to legally operate in interstate commerce. While the application process can feel confusing—especially for new carriers—securing your MC authority is a critical step toward building a compliant and successful trucking business. This step-by-step guide explains how to get an MC number, what’s required at each stage, and how to avoid common mistakes that can delay approval.
How to get an MC Number: MC authority application process
Obtaining motor carrier operating authority is a detailed process that requires careful attention and proper documentation. Depending on your business and the completeness of your application, the process can take anywhere from 20 to 60 business days. Successfully securing MC authority involves meeting specific FMCSA requirements, submitting all necessary forms, and paying the applicable fees.
To avoid delays or complications, it’s essential to follow each step of the application process carefully and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Step 1: Establish your trucking business
You need to set up your trucking business correctly before you apply for MC authority. The FMCSA reviews key details during the application process, including your business structure, cargo type, and operation type, so these must align with your overall business plan from the start.
Begin by deciding your business name and entity type—such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. It’s critical to finalize your name and address exactly as you want them to appear on federal records. Making changes later can cause long delays and added costs.
Step 2: Obtain your EIN and secure insurance
After establishing your business entity, the next step is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Your EIN serves as your business’s federal tax ID and is required to complete the FMCSA registration process. Without it, you cannot move forward with your MC authority application.
At the same time, you must secure pre-approval for liability and cargo insurance. All carriers and brokers are required to carry insurance, and proof of coverage is mandatory later in the FMCSA approval process. If you delay this step and are denied insurance after submitting your application, your MC authority request will be void. Confirming insurability early helps avoid setbacks and keeps the process moving smoothly.
The business formation process typically takes up to 60 days, depending on your state and insurance provider. State filing fees usually range from $50 to $500, while annual insurance costs commonly fall between $9,000 and $12,000, based on your operation and risk profile.
Once your business is officially established, your EIN is issued, and insurance is lined up, you’ll be ready to move forward with the FMCSA MC authority application.
Step 3: Obtain your USDOT number
Once your trucking business is officially set up, the next step toward MC authority is securing a USDOT number. This number is issued by the FMCSA and is required before you can proceed with your MC authority application.
USDOT numbers are obtained through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS). The application is straightforward, and there is currently no fee to obtain a USDOT number.
During the USDOT registration process, you’ll be asked to provide details about your operation, including:
- Business information
- Type of operation and cargo classification
- Vehicle details such as VIN, model year, and gross vehicle weight
Once you update and file the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) and Safety Certification Application, you’ll receive your USDOT Number.
Carriers must have a USDOT number before applying for MC authority. Brokers, however, are not required to obtain a USDOT number.
Step 4: Apply for the MC authority
After you receive your USDOT number, you can proceed with your MC authority application. Obtaining an MC number is a critical step for carriers planning to operate in interstate commerce. The process involves several steps and can be completed online through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS) or by submitting paper forms by mail. This step officially authorizes your trucking business to operate in interstate commerce.
1. Gather all required information
Before starting your application, make sure you have the following details on hand:
- Business information: Legal name, DBA (if applicable), principal and mailing addresses, and contact details.
- Personal information: Owner or responsible party’s contact information.
- Vehicle information: Number of vehicles, types of vehicles, and cargo classification.
- Operation type: Specify whether you are applying as a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
- Insurance information: Liability and cargo insurance details (required for MC authority).
- Safety certification: Confirmation that your operations comply with federal safety regulations.
2. Start your application
- Online via URS: Visit the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS), create an account, and follow the step-by-step instructions to begin your MC number application.
- Paper submission: Download the required forms from the FMCSA website, complete them carefully, and mail them to the address provided.
3. Complete the application forms
Fill out the OP-1 form (Application for Motor Carrier and Broker Authority). Specify the type of authority you are seeking—common carrier, contract carrier, or broker—and provide your insurance and business details.
4. Submit your application
- Online submission: Review all information for accuracy, submit the application through URS, and pay the $300 non-refundable MC authority fee.
- Mail submission: Ensure all forms are complete and accurate, then mail them to the FMCSA. Paper applications take longer to process.
The FMCSA charges a $300, non-refundable, filing fee for MC authority. Once the MC number application is submitted, it enters a mandatory 10-business-day federal waiting period. During this time, your application is posted publicly, allowing objections to be filed.
This waiting period does not affect your USDOT number, but it must be completed before your MC authority can be approved. During this time, you must ensure that your insurance filings are submitted and accepted and that your BOC-3 form is on file with the FMCSA.
Once the protest period ends and your insurance and BOC-3 filings are verified, the FMCSA will issue your MC authority certificate. Applications requiring additional review can take up to 60 business days, and mailed applications may take even longer. You can monitor and check the status of your MC number application through the SAFER website to ensure everything is progressing and that there are no outstanding issues.
Step 5: File BOC-3 and appoint a legal process agent
You must file Form BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage) with the FMCSA to keep your MC authority application moving forward. This is a mandatory requirement for both carriers and brokers, and your authority cannot be approved without it.
What is a BOC-3, and who needs it?
The BOC-3 is a legal document that designates a process agent—an individual or company authorized to receive legal notices, court papers, and official government documents on behalf of your business. A BOC-3 process agent must be designated in every state where you operate, ensuring that the FMCSA and courts have a reliable way to contact your company if legal matters arise.
The BOC-3 form must be filed electronically by the process agent, not by the carrier or broker directly. The FMCSA maintains an official list of approved process agents who are authorized to submit this filing accurately on your behalf. When filing, the process agent provides their business name, contact details, and the states in which they are designated to represent you.
Most process agents charge a one-time fee ranging from $10 to $50 to file the BOC-3. Once accepted, the agent remains on record as your legal representative unless you choose to update or replace them in the future. Without an approved BOC-3 on file—regardless of whether all other steps are completed—your MC authority will not be granted.
Step 6: File your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
After your MC authority is approved, filing your Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a mandatory step to operate in interstate commerce legally.
What Is Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?
UCR confirms that your business has active insurance coverage in the states where you operate, and applies to both carriers and brokers involved in moving freight across state lines. Even if you don’t operate a truck, UCR is still required when arranging interstate transportation.
Know who needs to register for Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)?
To complete your UCR filing, you’ll need your USDOT and MC numbers, which you should already have by this stage. Since insurance is secured earlier in the process, filing UCR is typically quick—but skipping or delaying it can lead to serious penalties and fines. The annual UCR fee depends on the size of your fleet.
Step-by-step instructions on how to file for UCR registration.
Truckopedia’s eUCR service simplifies the entire process by guiding you through the required steps and ensuring your UCR is filed accurately and on time. Instead of navigating state systems on your own, you can file your UCR in one place and stay compliant with ease.
File your UCR online and keep your MC authority active and penalty-free.
Step 7: Pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT)
Before you can begin operating under your MC authority, you must pay the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). This is an annual federal tax that applies to heavy vehicles operating on U.S. public highways and is required for ongoing compliance with IRS and FMCSA regulations.
What is Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT)?
To pay HVUT, you must file IRS Form 2290, also known as the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return. This filing requires accurate vehicle information, including your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and taxable gross weight. The tax amount owed depends on factors such as the vehicle’s weight and how it is used throughout the tax year.
Form 2290 Instructions: How to fill Form 2290
eForm2290, a Truckopedia service, simplifies the entire HVUT filing process by allowing you to file Form 2290 online with built-in accuracy checks. Instead of navigating complex IRS paperwork, you can submit your return confidently and receive your IRS-stamped Schedule 1 quickly, helping you stay on track without unnecessary delays.
File your HVUT quickly and accurately with eForm2290 and get your Schedule 1.
Submitting Form 2290 is not optional—you cannot register your vehicle under the International Registration Plan (IRP) or complete state-level registration without proof that your HVUT has been filed and paid. The IRS-issued Schedule 1 serves as confirmation and is required by state motor vehicle agencies.
Step 8: Register for the International Registration Plan (IRP)
If your trucking operation crosses state lines or enters Canada, the next step is to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is an agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada that allows carriers to register their vehicles in a single jurisdiction while paying apportioned license fees based on the distance traveled in each state or province.
IRP registration provides your vehicles with apportioned plates, giving your trucking company the legal authorization to operate across multiple jurisdictions without having to register separately in each state. This streamlines compliance and ensures your fleet meets interstate transportation regulations.
To register, you’ll need all relevant vehicle information, including VINs, weight, and other ownership details. Fees for IRP registration typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 per vehicle, depending on the jurisdictions where your trucks will operate and how extensively they travel. Completing this registration is essential before putting your vehicles on the road for interstate transport.
Step 9: Set up an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) account
Once your vehicles are registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP), the next step is to set up an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) account. IFTA is an agreement among the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada that standardizes the collection and reporting of fuel taxes for trucks operating across multiple jurisdictions.
With an IFTA account and license, carriers must file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base jurisdiction, ensuring each state receives its fair share of fuel taxes. Compliance with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) simplifies fuel tax reporting and reduces the administrative burden of filing separate returns in every state where you operate.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with state-specific requirements, as some jurisdictions may require additional permits beyond the IFTA license. For example, states such as Kentucky, New Mexico, and New York require weight-distance permits, while Oregon may require both a permit and a bond for certain operations.
Step 10: Enroll in a Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
Before you can haul your first load, you must complete FMCSA drug and alcohol testing enrollment. Federal regulations require all CDL drivers operating under your MC authority to be enrolled in an approved testing program, even if you are the only driver in your business.
The FMCSA and USDOT strictly regulate these programs, outlining which substances are tested, when testing occurs, and how often drivers must be tested. Enrollment also requires compliance with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which tracks testing history and ensures drivers meet federal safety standards.
Once enrolled, drivers are subject to ongoing testing requirements, and carriers are responsible for maintaining records and ensuring continued compliance. The FMCSA provides detailed guidance on how to meet these obligations and avoid violations.
Once you’ve completed all the required steps, your trucking business is officially authorized to operate within the United States and begin accepting loads. Before hitting the road, take a moment to review your compliance status and confirm that all required permits, registrations, testing enrollments, and supporting documents are active, accurate, and available in your vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for your MC Number
Applying for an MC number is a critical step for any carrier operating in interstate commerce, and mistakes can lead to delays or even denied authority. To help your application go smoothly, avoid these common errors:
- Submitting inaccurate or incomplete information
Errors in your MC number application—such as incorrect business addresses, wrong entity type, or inaccurate vehicle weight details—can delay approval or create compliance issues. Ensure all business and vehicle information matches official FMCSA records before submitting, and always file through the official .gov portal.
- Choosing the wrong type of authority
Your type of cargo and operations determines the authority you need. Carriers transporting regulated commodities or operating across state lines require interstate MC authority. Filing under the wrong category can result in extra fees, processing delays, or additional paperwork. When unsure, contact FMCSA at 800-832-5660 before submitting.
- Neglecting the process agent requirement
For interstate operations, an approved BOC-3 form is required to designate a process agent in every state where your company operates. The agent receives legal notices and official documents on your behalf. Without a valid BOC-3 on file, your MC number cannot be activated.
- Failing to maintain proper insurance
Proof of liability and cargo insurance is required before your MC number is issued. Applications submitted without valid insurance documentation can be delayed beyond the standard 20–25 business-day processing window. Make sure your coverage meets FMCSA requirements for the type of freight you transport.
Managing trucking authority without gaps
Obtaining your MC number is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s the foundation of your trucking authority and your ability to operate legally, confidently, and profitably in interstate commerce. From establishing your business and securing insurance to completing FMCSA filings, tax registrations, and safety requirements, each step plays a critical role in keeping your operation compliant and road-ready.
While the process can feel complex, following the steps in the right order—and understanding why each requirement matters—helps you avoid costly delays, penalties, and compliance gaps. While understanding the application process is important, maintaining an active trucking authority requires continuous attention to filings, insurance status, deadlines, and regulatory updates.
One of the biggest challenges carriers face isn’t knowing they need authority—it’s managing everything that supports it. MC authority, insurance filings, BOC-3, UCR registration, HVUT payments, and ongoing FMCSA requirements are often handled across multiple systems and service providers. When these pieces aren’t connected, it becomes difficult to track what’s active, what’s pending, and what requires action.
If trucking authority is not maintained in a compliant and active status, carriers can face serious operational, financial, and regulatory consequences. Without a structured compliance approach, carriers may experience:
- Inactive or revoked MC authority due to missing filings or lapsed insurance
- Load rejections and broker denials during carrier verification
- Fines, audits, or out-of-service orders for operating without proper authority
- Insurance claim denials if the authority is inactive at the time of an incident
- Costly downtime while the authority is reinstated
These issues don’t usually happen because carriers ignore compliance—they happen because authority management is fragmented and hard to monitor across disconnected tools and portals.
This is where a unified compliance platform makes a difference. Truckopedia brings trucking authority management, required filings, and regulatory guidance together, giving carriers clear visibility into what’s active, what’s due, and what needs attention—before issues impact operations.
Truckopedia: Connecting authority, compliance, and action
Managing trucking compliance can quickly feel overwhelming. MC authority, USDOT registration, UCR, Form 2290, MCS-150 updates—each requirement comes with its own rules, deadlines, and systems. When these filings are handled separately, it’s easy for important steps to get missed, duplicated, or delayed, putting your authority and operations at risk.
Truckopedia is built to eliminate that fragmentation by bringing all major trucking filings and compliance requirements into one connected platform. Instead of managing MC authority, UCR, Form 2290, MCS-150 updates, and documentation across multiple systems, carriers can view, complete, and track critical compliance tasks in one place.
By linking regulatory requirements directly to actionable filings, Truckopedia helps carriers:
- Access clear, up-to-date DOT and FMCSA guidance tailored to their operation
- Complete required filings like Form 2290, UCR, and MCS-150 accurately and on time
- Keep organized records and filing history for audits, broker verification, and renewals
Truckopedia is the smarter way to manage compliance, where a continuous, coordinated process is followed. This allows carriers to stay legally authorized, operationally prepared, and focused on running their business with confidence.
