Guide for new carriers

How to get MC authority: a step-by-step guide

What you file, who files it, what it costs and how long it takes to run for-hire freight across state lines under your own name.

Last checked: October 2026 · This is general information, not legal advice.

¿Prefieres leerlo en español? Cómo sacar la autoridad MC.

USDOT number vs. MC authority

People say "MC number" for two different things. The USDOT number identifies your company to the U.S. Department of Transportation. FMCSA says you need one if you run a vehicle of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce, and many states require one even for trucking inside the state.

Operating authority (the MC or "docket" number) is the permission to be paid to haul. FMCSA says companies that transport federally regulated commodities owned by others across state lines need operating authority in addition to a USDOT number. If you lease onto another carrier and run under their authority, you don't need your own.

Step 1: Set up the business first

Most carriers form a company (often an LLC) with their state before applying, so the authority, insurance and bank account are all in the company's name. Then get an EIN (tax ID). The IRS says an EIN is free and you can apply online, and warns: beware of websites that charge for one.

Step 2: Apply to FMCSA for the USDOT number and authority

You apply online with FMCSA. In May 2026 FMCSA launched a new registration system called Motus, which uses Login.gov and an identity check. Some FMCSA pages still link to the older Unified Registration System (URS), so start from FMCSA's registration page and follow the link it gives new applicants.

Fee: FMCSA charges a one-time fee of $300 for each type of operating authority, and it is not refundable.
Type of authority: a company hauling general freight usually applies as a for-hire motor carrier of property. Brokering is a separate authority with its own fee.
Only use fmcsa.dot.gov. Many private sites look official and charge extra to "file" for you.

Step 3: Get your BOC-3 filed

A process agent is a person who can receive court papers for your company. Motor carriers must name one in each state where they operate, on Form BOC-3. For a trucking company, only a process agent can file the BOC-3 on your behalf. Many companies offer a "blanket" agent that covers every state for a fee. The OP-1 instructions say it must be filed within 90 days of your application being published, or the application is dismissed.

Step 4: Get your insurance filed

For a for-hire carrier of non-hazardous freight in trucks of 10,001 pounds or more, FMCSA's insurance filing chart sets a minimum of $750,000 for bodily injury and property damage (liability). Your insurance company files proof with FMCSA on Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X (or a BMC-82 surety bond). The policy also needs the MCS-90 endorsement.

Hazardous materials need higher limits; see the same chart.
FMCSA does not require cargo insurance for general freight, but brokers and shippers often ask for it in their contracts.
The insurance filing also has a 90-day deadline from publication, per the OP-1 instructions.

Step 5: Wait for the grant

After FMCSA accepts the application, it is published in the FMCSA Register, which starts a 10-day protest period. FMCSA says first-time online applications may take 20 to 25 business days, and applications picked for vetting may take another 2 to 8 weeks. Authority is granted once the application, insurance and BOC-3 are approved. Your authority papers usually arrive 3 to 4 business days after the grant.

Don't haul under your own authority until FMCSA shows it as active. Having the number is not the same as having active authority.

Step 6: UCR, IRP, IFTA and Form 2290

UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)

A yearly fee based on how many trucks you run. The UCR Plan's 2027 fees took effect October 1, 2026:

Trucks	2027 fee (carrier)
0–2	$55
3–5	$167
6–20	$333
21–100	$1,163

IRP (apportioned plates)

A truck that runs in two or more states needs IRP plates if it has two axles and is over 26,000 pounds, three or more axles, or runs in a combination over 26,000 pounds. You apply in your base state, where your company has a real place of business.

IFTA (fuel tax)

IFTA uses the same weight and axle rules. If you run a qualified vehicle in two or more member states or provinces, IFTA says you get a license from your base state and file a fuel tax return every quarter, with your miles and fuel bought in each state. See IFTA reporting software for how to keep those numbers.

Form 2290 (heavy vehicle use tax)

The IRS taxes trucks with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. The tax year runs July 1 to June 30, and Form 2290 is due by the last day of the month after the month you first use the truck. The stamped Schedule 1 is your proof of payment to register the truck. The instructions give $550 as the full-year tax for an 80,000-pound truck.

Step 7: Drug and alcohol testing and the Clearinghouse

Before you hire a CDL driver, FMCSA requires a pre-employment query in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and a query every year for each driver you keep. An owner-operator under their own authority registers as an employer and must name a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA).

Step 8: The new entrant safety audit

FMCSA watches new carriers for their first 18 months and does a safety audit within 12 months of starting. It checks drug and alcohol testing, driver files, insurance, hours of service and truck inspections and repairs. A carrier that fails must fix the problems, or its USDOT registration is revoked. Keep your records organized from day one.

A typical timeline

Week 1: company, EIN and bank account; insurance quotes.
Week 1–2: apply with FMCSA; order the BOC-3; tell your insurer to file.
About 4–5 weeks later (longer if vetted): authority granted.
Before the first load: UCR, IRP plates, IFTA license, Form 2290 and your drug and alcohol program.

Questions people ask

How much does MC authority cost?

FMCSA charges a one-time, non-refundable fee of $300 for each type of operating authority. On top of that you pay for insurance, a process agent for the BOC-3, the yearly UCR fee, IRP plates, IFTA and, for trucks of 55,000 pounds or more, the Form 2290 tax. Insurance is usually the biggest cost.

How long does it take to get MC authority?

FMCSA says first-time online applications may take 20 to 25 business days, and applications picked for vetting may take another 2 to 8 weeks. Your insurance and BOC-3 must be on file before the authority is granted.

Can I haul loads as soon as I get my MC number?

No. Getting the number is not the same as having active authority. You can run interstate for-hire loads under your own authority once FMCSA has granted it, which happens after your insurance and BOC-3 filings are approved.

Do I need MC authority if I only haul inside my state?

Interstate operating authority is for carriers that haul regulated freight owned by others across state lines. Many states still require a USDOT number or their own permits for trucking inside the state, so check with your state agency.

Once you're running

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Official sources

Fees and rules change. Check FMCSA's site for the current fee before you pay anything.