How to get an MC number (operating authority)

Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 6, 2026

In general, if you haul federally regulated freight owned by someone else, for pay, in interstate commerce, you need operating authority from FMCSA, often identified by an MC number, on top of a USDOT Number. The same goes for brokers who arrange that freight and for carriers that move passengers interstate for pay. Each type of authority costs $300. [1][3]

1. Decide which authority types you need

   Motor carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or more than one. Each type is a separate $300 fee. [1][3]

2. Apply in Motus

   New applicants apply for a USDOT Number and operating authority in Motus at motus.dot.gov, and pay by credit or debit card. [4][5][8]

3. Watch for publication in the FMCSA Register

   Once your application notice is published, the 10-day protest period and your 20-day filing deadline both start. [2][10]

4. Get your insurance and BOC-3 filed within 20 days

   Have your insurer file the BMC-91 or BMC-91X (or your surety the BMC-82; for brokers, the BMC-84 or BMC-85), and get your BOC-3 process-agent designation on file. [2][12]

5. Wait for the grant before you haul

   You may operate only once FMCSA's records show your authority as issued. [8]

MC number requirements: who needs operating authority

In general, you need it if you carry passengers interstate for compensation, or carry or arrange the transport of federally regulated commodities owned by others, for compensation, in interstate commerce.

Authority is usually identified as an MC, FF or MX number, depending on the type. A company may need more than one type. [3]

Who doesn't need it

You don't need operating authority if you are:

• a private carrier hauling your own cargo
• a for-hire carrier hauling only exempt (not federally regulated) commodities
• a carrier operating only inside an exempt commercial zone

If you run commercial vehicles in interstate commerce, you still need a USDOT Number. [3][6]

MC number cost

The application fee is a one-time $300 for each type of authority. Two types cost $600 (FMCSA's example is passenger plus household goods authority). Common and contract carrier authority for property count as one type, with one fee. Once FMCSA accepts your filing, the fee isn't refunded, even if the application is denied, dismissed or withdrawn. FMCSA takes only credit or debit cards.

Sources: [1][3][7][8][9]

The 10-day protest period

After you apply, a summary of your application is published in the FMCSA Register. Anyone may file a protest within 10 days of that publication. For property carrier and broker applications, a protest can argue only that you aren't fit. If no one opposes it, the grant takes effect when FMCSA issues your certificate, permit or license. [10][11]

Insurance and BOC-3: the 20-day deadline

Under the rule in force (49 CFR 365.109T), your insurance filing and your BOC-3 must be on file within 20 days of the date your application notice is published in the FMCSA Register.

If the filings aren't made in 20 days, FMCSA serves a decision saying your application will be dismissed unless you comply within 60 days. [2][12]

Which insurance filing you need

Your insurer or surety files the proof for you, not you.

• For-hire property carriers prove bodily injury and property damage (BI&PD) liability with a BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing, or a BMC-82 surety bond. The minimum for non-hazardous freight in vehicles of 10,001 pounds GVWR or more is $750,000 ($300,000 if every vehicle in the fleet is under 10,001 pounds).
• Brokers must have a $75,000 surety bond (BMC-84) or trust fund (BMC-85) in effect before FMCSA will register them. Since January 16, 2026, a trust fund may hold only cash, irrevocable letters of credit or Treasury bonds that can be turned into cash within 7 calendar days.
• Freight forwarders of property need $75,000 of coverage filed on a BMC-84 or BMC-85.

Sources: [12][13][14]

When you can start hauling

Only when FMCSA's records show your certificate, permit or license as issued. A paper certificate isn't proof that your authority is active, and FMCSA doesn't require domestic carriers to carry a copy of it in the truck.

For carriers operating trucks, authority doesn't become permanent until you complete the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. See New Entrant safety audit. [8][15]

How long it takes

FMCSA's "Get Operating Authority" page, written for URS, says new applications may take 20 to 25 business days, or an additional 8 weeks or longer if they get further review. Applications now go through Motus, so treat that as a rough guide only. [3][4]

MC numbers weren't eliminated

MC and FF docket numbers were not eliminated when Motus launched. FMCSA has proposed no longer assigning MC numbers; it says that change is under consideration and will be open for comment in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. [4][16]

Common questions