Authority and Registration FAQ
Short answers to the questions we hear most about USDOT numbers, MC authority, UCR, MCS-150 and BOC-3. For the full explanation behind any of these, follow the link.
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Do I need a USDOT number or MC authority, or both?
A USDOT number is required for most commercial vehicles over a certain weight, for safety tracking. MC authority is separate permission to haul other people’s freight for pay across state lines. A private carrier hauling only its own goods usually needs just the USDOT number; a for-hire interstate carrier needs both.
How long does a new USDOT number take?
Usually a few business days once your Unified Registration System (URS) application is complete and identity verification clears. See How long does it take to get a new DOT number and MC authority? for the full timeline.
How long does new MC authority take?
By law, FMCSA holds a 10-day protest period after publishing your application (49 CFR 365.203) before authority can activate, and you also need insurance and a BOC-3 on file. Most clean applications go active in three to six weeks total.
What is a BOC-3 and do I need one?
A BOC-3 names a process agent in every state you operate in, so there’s someone who can legally accept legal papers on your behalf. FMCSA will not activate MC operating authority without one on file.
What is UCR and who has to pay it?
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a yearly fee most interstate for-hire carriers, brokers and freight forwarders pay, with the fee set by fleet size. See UCR Registration for this year’s brackets.
What is the MCS-150 and how often do I file it?
It’s the biennial update that keeps your USDOT record current. You file every 24 months in a month set by the last digit of your USDOT number, in odd or even years set by the next-to-last digit. See MCS-150 biennial update: deadlines, who must file, and what happens if you miss it.
What happens if I miss my MCS-150 deadline?
FMCSA sends a warning letter first, then deactivates your USDOT number if you still don’t file. Failing to file also carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day, capped at $10,000.
Does FMCSA charge a fee for the MCS-150 or BOC-3?
No. Neither has a government fee. FMCSA does charge an application fee for MC operating authority itself, and your insurer or process agent may charge their own service fee for filing on your behalf.
Can I get MC authority without insurance?
No. Your authority cannot go active until your insurer files BMC-91 or BMC-91X (or a BMC-82 surety bond) directly with FMCSA, confirming you carry the required coverage.
I’m leasing on to a carrier — do I need my own authority?
Not to drive for them: you operate under their authority while leased on. You’d only need your own USDOT number and MC authority if you plan to find and haul your own loads directly. See New authority for owner-operators.
How do I find my USDOT number’s MCS-150 due date?
Run our free USDOT lookup, or check your record directly through FMCSA’s own carrier search. The due month comes from the last digit of your number, and the due year from whether the next-to-last digit is odd or even.