Stay Compliant and Confident on the Road

You’ll need to apply for an MC Number if any of the following apply:

• You’re hauling freight that belongs to someone else across state lines
• You plan to provide transportation services for payment
  
• You intend to become a freight broker or freight forwarder
  
• You’re switching from intrastate (within one state) to interstate (across state lines) operations
• You’re registering for IFTA, IRP, or UCR, and your business qualifies as a for-hire interstate

You don’t need an MC Number if:

• You’re a private carrier — meaning you haul your own goods, not someone else’s
  
• You’re a for-hire carrier hauling only exempt commodities, such as unprocessed agricultural products, logs, or livestock (i.e., items that aren’t federally regulated)
  
• You operate only within a federally designated commercial zone, like the greater D.C. area (which includes parts of Maryland and Virginia), where interstate authority doesn’t apply.
  
• You operate entirely intrastate (within one state) and never cross state lines.
  

However, if you already have a USDOT number and plan to haul for hire across state lines, you will need to apply for a separate MC authority.

Applying for an MC Number online is straightforward and easy, using the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). This process requires you to provide key business details, insurance information, and operational specifics.

Step-by-step guide to Apply for a new MC number online

1. Visit the FMCSA URS Portal.  Go to FMCSA URS Portal
2. Create a Login.gov Account. Sign up with your email, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and use this account to log in to FMCSA.
3. Select Registration Type. Choose the applicable registration type you need: Motor Carrier of Property, Household Goods, or Broker (Property/Household Goods)
4. Enter Business Information. Provide your legal business name, EIN or SSN, business address, phone number, and email.
5. Choose Operation & Cargo Type. Select your operation type (for-hire carrier, freight forwarder) and cargo type (e.g., General Freight, Household Goods, hazardous materials).
6. Pay Application Fee. Pay a non-refundable $300 fee per authority type via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer
7. Submit Insurance & BOC-3 Form. File Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X with your insurance provider, and submit BOC-3 through a third party (usually $30-$50). Track your application at the FMCSA Carrier Query. 
8. Wait for FMCSA Approval & Receive MC Number.  FMCSA typically processes applications within 20–25 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive your MC Number and an Operating Authority Letter via email.

Step-by- Step guide to Apply for an MC number by mail

1. Download the OP-1 Form. Visit the FMCSA website and download Form OP-1 (Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority).
2. Fill out the form.  Provide your business info, EIN/SSN, contact details, cargo classification, and operation type ( for-hire carrier).
3. Include payment
   A $300 per authority type (non-refundable) check or money order payable to FMCSA.
4. Mail your application. Send the completed form and payment to:
   Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
   P.O. Box 6200-33
   Portland, OR 97228-6200
5. Arrange Insurance & BOC-3 filing. Have your insurance provider file Form BMC-91/BMC-91X and hire a BOC-3 process agent.
   Wait for approval. FMCSA processes paper applications in 4-6 weeks. Your MC Number is active once insurance and BOC-3 are filed and accepted.
   
6. Check your status.  Track your application via the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance website:
   FMCSA Carrier Query

Applying for an MC Number requires a one-time, non-refundable fee of $300 for each type of operating authority.
For example:

• Motor Carrier of Property: $300
  
• Broker of Property: $300
  
• Motor Carrier of Household Goods: $300

If you apply for more than one authority type at the same time, you’ll need to pay $300 for each.

To activate your MC Number:

• You must file a BOC-3 through a third-party provider, which typically costs $30–$50
  
• Your insurance provider must submit Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X to the FMCSA

Insurance costs will vary depending on your business type and the level of coverage you need.

Operating without an active MC Number is a federal offense. Carriers or brokers found transporting goods without proper authority face the following penalties:

• Up to $10,000 per violation for operating without an MC Number
  
• Up to $28,142 per violation, per day in severe cases (instances like  repeated violations, knowingly operating after being denied authority, or arranging unauthorized transport)

Failing to stay compliant can lead to serious consequences, including: your vehicle being placed out of service, your registration being revoked, and future applications being denied.

You must update your MC Number (via the MCS-150 form or directly through the FMCSA) whenever your business information changes, such as your legal name, address, business type, or type of operation.

If this information isn’t kept up to date, it can cause filing delays, trigger audits, or result in penalties.