What Is a BOC-3 and Who Needs It?

Starting a trucking company is exciting—but the paperwork can quickly feel overwhelming. As you work through registrations and compliance steps, one requirement often catches new carriers off guard: the BOC-3. Many first-time carriers pause here, wondering how this filing fits into the process of getting operating authority.  The BOC-3 is simpler than it seems, and understanding it brings you one step closer to getting your authority activated.
Federal law mandates that every motor carrier, broker, and freight forwarder designate a process agent before the FMCSA will issue operating authority. This designation is made through Form BOC-3, a crucial filing that ensures your business has a representative in every state to receive legal and official documents on your behalf.

This guide breaks down what BOC-3 is, the filing process, why it is required, and how to complete it—helping you stay compliant so you can focus on getting your trucks on the road.

What is BOC-3?

BOC-3, short for “Blanket of Coverage” and officially called the “Designation of Agents for Service of Process,” is a mandatory federal filing required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any transportation company seeking interstate operating authority—including motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders—must complete this BOC-3 filing before they can begin operations.

A BOC-3 designates a legal representation—known as a process agent— in every U.S. state where the company operates. These agents are responsible for receiving legal documents such as court notices, government correspondence, and compliance-related paperwork on behalf of your business. The filing includes the names and addresses of all individuals or companies authorized to accept service of process in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For motor carriers, the BOC-3 must be filed through an FMCSA-registered process agent. Brokers and freight forwarders may file on their own if they are not actively operating vehicles. Without a valid BOC-3 on record, the FMCSA will not issue your operating authority.

What is a process agent?

A process agent is an individual or company designated to handle legal documents and official notices on your behalf. Even though you provide a business address when applying for your motor carrier authority, the FMCSA requires a reliable point of contact to ensure your company can be reached, particularly if your fleet is frequently on the road.

Think of a process agent as a dedicated business address for legal matters—separate from your main office—allowing you to respond promptly to important or time-sensitive notices, no matter where your vehicles are operating.

Who needs a BOC-3 filing?

Any new transportation business seeking to operate under FMCSA interstate authority must file a BOC-3 before it can legally begin operations in the United States. The following types of companies are required to complete this filing:

• Motor carriers: Includes for-hire carriers transporting goods or passengers, as well as private carriers hauling their own freight or personnel as part of their business operations.
• Freight forwarders: Companies that consolidate, arrange, or manage the movement of shipments—including documentation, warehousing, and logistics services—must maintain a valid BOC-3 on file.
• Brokers: Businesses acting as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, arranging transportation and negotiating rates, are required to file a BOC-3 before receiving their broker authority.
• Private motor carriers: Companies that move their own goods or passengers for business purposes, even if they don’t offer public transportation services, also fall under FMCSA authority and must file.
• Mexican carriers operating in the U.S.: Carriers based in Mexico that transport goods or passengers across the border for commercial or business purposes must complete BOC-3 registration.

A BOC-3 filing is also required if you are reinstating previously revoked operating authority. In short, any new or returning transportation company seeking interstate operating authority must complete this filing to obtain or maintain its MC Number.

Who is exempt from BOC-3 registration?

While most transportation companies operating across state lines must file a BOC-3, certain groups are exempt from this requirement. These exemptions typically apply to organizations or operations that do not fall under standard FMCSA authority regulations. Entities that may be exempt include:

• Intrastate-only carriers: Businesses that operate strictly within a single state and never cross state lines do not need to file a BOC-3.
• Government-owned carriers: Transportation entities owned and operated by government bodies—such as state DOTs or federally recognized tribes—are not required to complete BOC-3 registration.
• Certain hazardous materials carriers: Motor carriers transporting hazardous materials under a specific FMCSA-issued permit may qualify for an exemption.
• Farmer-owned vehicles: Trucks owned and used by farmers solely for their own agricultural operations are not required to submit a BOC-3.
• Special-purpose construction carriers: Some vehicles designed exclusively for transporting dumpsters or construction containers may be eligible for FMCSA exemption as well.

These exemptions ensure that only companies operating under interstate commercial authority are required to appoint process agents and maintain a BOC-3 on file.

Why does the FMCSA require a BOC-3?

The FMCSA requires a BOC-3 to ensure that every motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder has a reliable, legally recognized representative in every state where they operate. This form designates process agents nationwide so courts and federal agencies know exactly where to send legal notices, compliance documents, or other official correspondence.

Without a completed BOC-3 on file, the FMCSA will not activate your DOT, MC, or FF number. It means you cannot legally operate under federal authority. This requirement ensures accountability across state lines and prevents companies from avoiding legal obligations by lacking a valid point of contact in a particular state.

What information is included on Form BOC-3?

To file a BOC-3, you need to provide specific information about your business and your designated process agents. Even if your FMCSA-registered process agent completes the filing on your behalf, you must share the following details:

• Business information: The legal name and mailing address of your trucking company, broker, or freight forwarding business.
• Authorized signer: The full name and title of the person authorized to sign the form on behalf of your company.
• Process agent information: The name and street address of the service of process (SOP) agent for each state where your company will operate. You can list individual agents for each state or designate a blanket process agent to cover all states, including the District of Columbia.

How to file the BOC-3 Form?

Filing a BOC-3 is a straightforward process, but it must be done correctly to activate your FMCSA operating authority. In most cases, a designated process agent—or a blanket company that provides agents in all 50 states—files the form electronically through the FMCSA’s online system. This is the easiest and most efficient method, especially for new carriers, because only one BOC-3 can be on file at a time, and duplicate filings can delay approval.

Steps to file a BOC-3 

Step 1: Choose a process agent

A process agent serves as your official legal representative for receiving court documents and government notices. Most carriers and brokers use a BOC-3 processing company that provides agent coverage in all 50 states, ensuring nationwide compliance.

Step 2: Complete the BOC-3 form

Your form must include:

• The legal name, business address, and MC Number of the carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
• The name and physical address of a designated process agent in every state of operation.
• The signature of an authorized company representative confirming the designations.

Step 3: Submit the form to FMCSA

• Electronic Filing: Motor carriers are required to have their BOC-3 submitted electronically through an FMCSA-registered process agent.
• Paper Filing: Only brokers and freight forwarders without commercial vehicles are permitted to file a physical paper form.
• Filing Portal: All online submissions go through the official FMCSA BOC-3 Filing Portal (via approved agents).

Step 4: Keep a copy for your records

Once filed, the carrier, broker, or freight forwarder must retain a copy of the completed BOC-3 at their principal place of business as proof of designation and compliance.

You must file your BOC-3 within 90 days of your Operating Authority application being published in the FMCSA Register. Missing this deadline will result in dismissal of your application and forfeiture of the filing fee. 

Where to file the BOC-3?

The original signed BOC-3 form must be filed with the FMCSA at the following address:

FMCSA
Office of Registration and Safety Information, MC-RS
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W65-206
Washington, DC 20590

Additionally, one signed copy should be kept on file by the company, and if a physical filing is being made, copies must be submitted to each state where operations occur.

FMCSA rules for filing BOC-3

Regulations under 49 CFR 366 outline how carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders must appoint agents for service of process. Important requirements include:

• You must designate an agent in each state in or through which you operate.
• Each designated person, association, or corporation must physically reside in the state they represent.
• A carrier, broker, or freight forwarder may designate themselves only for the state where they live.
• A state official may serve as an agent only if written consent is provided.
• PO boxes are not allowed—a physical address is mandatory.

If your information changes, you must file a new BOC-3. Updated forms only need to be sent to the states impacted by the change.

What happens after filing a BOC-3 Form?

Once your BOC-3 form is filed electronically and all other FMCSA requirements are completed, the agency will issue your operating authority. Typically, the FMCSA mails the operating authority documents within 3–4 business days after approval.

If 10 or more business days pass since the grant date and you have not received your documents, you can contact the FMCSA for assistance. You can also verify the status of your operating authority through the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance website.

In certain situations—such as a company name change, transfer of authority, or reinstatement of operating authority—you may need to refile your BOC-3 to ensure your process agents remain properly designated.

What happens if you do not file a BOC-3?

You must submit your BOC-3 form within 90 days of the FMCSA publishing your Operating Authority application in the FMCSA Register. Failing to meet this deadline will result in your Operating Authority application being dismissed, and your application fee will be forfeited. Timely filing is essential to ensure your application is processed properly and to avoid delays or compliance issues that could prevent your business from legally operating.

Can you file your own BOC-3?

No. You cannot file your own BOC-3 if you operate as a motor carrier hauling loads across state lines. Since motor carriers are frequently on the road or may not have a fixed business location, the government requires a designated process agent to receive legal notices and other official communications on your behalf.

However, if you are a broker or freight forwarder who does not operate vehicles yourself, you may file your own BOC-3. In this case, you must designate a process agent for each state where your business primarily operates. Note that motor carriers planning to drive trucks for their own company must use an FMCSA-registered process agent and cannot self-file.

How much does it cost to file a BOC-3 form?

The cost of filing a BOC-3 form depends on the process agent you choose and the type of services they provide. Most providers charge between $20 and $50 for the initial filing, though some may charge more if additional support is included. Beyond the basic fee, the total cost can increase if the agent charges for forwarding legal documents, updating your information, or offering ongoing annual services instead of a one-time payment. Since pricing varies widely, it’s best to ask your chosen agent for a complete list of fees to avoid surprises.

How long does it take to file a BOC-3 form?

Filing a BOC-3 is a quick process—once you select and pay your process agent, they usually submit the form to the FMCSA electronically within a short time, often the same day or within a couple of business days. After the FMCSA receives the filing, your authority typically begins to move toward activation, and your operating authority documents are mailed within approximately 3–4 business days. In most cases, you can see updates to your status online within 24–48 hours, making the overall turnaround fairly fast and allowing you to start interstate operations soon after the filing is completed.

Does a BOC-3 expire?

A BOC-3 form does not have an expiration date, but it must be kept current to remain valid. You are required to update your BOC-3 whenever there are significant changes to your business or authority, such as:

• A company name change
• A transfer of operating authority
• Reinstatement of revoked authority
• Your process agent is no longer valid or reachable

Maintaining an up-to-date BOC-3 ensures that your business stays compliant with FMCSA regulations. Failure to update your form or keep your process agent information current may result in non-compliance and could affect your operating authority.

Keeping your BOC-3 up to date for smooth operations

Filing and maintaining your BOC-3 is one of the most essential steps in securing and protecting your FMCSA operating authority. Whether you’re a new motor carrier launching your business or a broker reinstating previously revoked authority, having the right process agents in place ensures you never miss critical legal notices or compliance-related documents.

Keeping your BOC-3 accurate and up to date—especially after any business changes—helps you stay compliant, avoid costly delays, and keep your operations running smoothly across state lines. By choosing a reliable, responsive process agent and ensuring your information remains current with the FMCSA, you can focus on what matters most: safely and efficiently moving freight.

If you’re ready to activate your operating authority or need to update your existing BOC-3, taking action now ensures your business stays protected and fully compliant on the road ahead.