How to Get Your MC Number and DOT Number: New Carrier Authority Requirements Explained
Starting a trucking operation without the right federal authority isn't a paperwork problem — it's an operating-without-authority violation. Here's how to get set up correctly from day one.
Step 1: Get Your USDOT Number
The USDOT number identifies your business as a motor carrier in the federal system. Under 49 CFR § 390.19, any commercial motor vehicle operator engaged in interstate commerce must register with FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number before operating.
Who needs a USDOT number:
- Any carrier operating CMVs in interstate commerce
- Vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR over 10,001 pounds crossing state lines
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring a placard
- Vehicles designed to transport 9 or more passengers (including driver) for compensation
You register through FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS) at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov. The USDOT registration is free.
Once registered, your USDOT number must be displayed on both sides of every CMV you operate, in letters at least 2 inches tall. This includes your name, city, state, and USDOT number.
Step 2: Apply for Operating Authority (MC Number)
The MC number (Motor Carrier number) is your operating authority. It gives you the legal right to transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce for hire.
Not everyone needs an MC number. If you're a private carrier hauling your own freight — not for hire — you only need a USDOT number. But if you're a for-hire carrier, you need MC authority.
Types of authority:
- Common carrier — transports property for the general public for compensation
- Contract carrier — transports property for specific shippers under contract
- Broker — arranges transportation of property for compensation (requires its own authority)
You apply for MC authority through the same FMCSA URS portal. The application fee is currently $300 per authority type.
After approval, your authority goes through a 10-day protest period during which the public can object to your registration. If no valid protest is filed, authority is granted.
Step 3: Get Your Insurance in Place
This is where new carriers get tripped up. Your operating authority is conditionally granted — it won't be activated until you file proof of insurance that meets FMCSA's minimum requirements under 49 CFR Part 387.
| Commodity Type | Minimum Liability Coverage |
|---|---|
| Property (non-hazmat, under 10,001 lbs) | $300,000 |
| Property (non-hazmat, 10,001 lbs and over) | $750,000 |
| Hazardous materials (oil) | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous materials (certain types) | $5,000,000 |
Your insurance provider files the Form BMC-91 (liability) directly with FMCSA. You cannot do this yourself — your insurer must file it electronically.
Without active insurance filings on record, FMCSA will not activate your operating authority.
Step 4: Designate a Process Agent (BOC-3)
Before authority is activated, you must designate a process agent in every state where you operate or have an office. You do this by filing Form BOC-3 through a process agent service. The cost is typically $20–$50 through commercial BOC-3 filing services. Your operating authority will not be activated without it.
Step 5: Register with UCR and Get Your IRP/IFTA
- Unified Carrier Registration (UCR): Annual registration required for any carrier operating in interstate commerce. Fees are based on fleet size. Registration opens in October for the following calendar year.
- International Registration Plan (IRP): Required if your truck is over 26,000 lbs and travels in more than one state.
- International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA): Required if your truck operates in more than one IFTA jurisdiction. File quarterly fuel tax reports.
The New Entrant Safety Audit: What Happens in Your First 12 Months
After you receive operating authority, FMCSA will contact you within 12 months for a New Entrant Safety Audit. This is mandatory under 49 CFR Part 385.
The audit is not a compliance review designed to find violations and penalize you — it's educational. But if you fail it, your operating authority can be revoked.
You must have your compliance systems in place before the audit — not after you're notified of it.
| Area | What They Want to See |
|---|---|
| DQF | Complete file for every driver — application, MVR, PSP, physical, road test |
| HOS | ELD device installed and working, or valid exemption documented |
| Vehicle maintenance | Pre-trip and post-trip reports, maintenance records |
| Drug/alcohol testing | Enrollment confirmation, pre-employment test results |
| Insurance | Active coverage meeting Part 387 minimums |
Common Mistakes New Carriers Make
- Hauling before authority is active. Do not haul freight for hire until FMCSA's system shows your authority as “Active.”
- Letting insurance lapse. If your BMC-91 is canceled without a replacement filing, FMCSA will immediately revoke your authority.
- Missing the new entrant audit. Build compliance systems on day one.
- No drug and alcohol testing program. You must be enrolled in a DOT-compliant program before your first driver operates a CMV. For owner-operators, this means joining a consortium. Learn more at DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a USDOT number and MC authority?
USDOT numbers are issued immediately upon registration. MC authority takes longer — after the 10-day protest period clears and insurance/BOC-3 filings are confirmed, activation typically takes 3–6 weeks total from initial application.
Can I get a USDOT number for intrastate operations only?
Yes. Some states require a USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicle operations. Requirements vary by state. Check with your state's DOT for intrastate-specific thresholds.
Do I need MC authority if I'm a private carrier?
No. If you're hauling your own freight (not for hire), you need a USDOT number but not MC operating authority.
What happens if I fail the new entrant safety audit?
FMCSA will issue a Notice of Claim proposing to revoke your operating authority. You have an opportunity to respond and demonstrate corrective action. If you don't respond or the issues aren't resolved, your authority is revoked.
What's the difference between a common carrier and a contract carrier?
A common carrier transports goods for any member of the public willing to pay. A contract carrier transports goods under specific contracts with particular shippers. Both require MC authority.
Get the Owner-Operator Compliance Starter Kit
Every document template and checklist you need to launch with your compliance house in order — DQF templates, maintenance recordkeeping forms, drug testing enrollment guidance, and more. Build it right from the start.
Download the Compliance Starter Kit ($45) →Manage compliance the smart way
Start your free trial of BridgeWorks One™ — the compliance and operations platform built for owner-operators and small fleets.
Start Free Trial