MC & DOT numbers are an important part of setting up your trucking business. When creating your trucking business, laying these foundations for your business are integral. Before you take the step of getting an MC or DOT number you’ll need to make sure you’ll set up your business legally:
- Form your legal entity: Set up your trucking business as an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp to protect personal assets.
- Obtain an EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is like a social security number for your business.
When do you need to get a DOT or MC number?
Where is a DOT number required?
How much does a DOT number cost?
What is required to obtain an MC number that is not required for DOT?
How much does an MC number cost?
When do you need to get a DOT or MC number?
- You’re operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or combined weight over 10,000 pounds.
- Hauling hazardous materials that require a safety permit.
- You’re driving a vehicle designed to carry nine or more paying passengers, or 15 passengers for any reason, across state lines.
- Your truck is involved in interstate commerce, meaning you’re crossing state lines with goods or passengers.
What is a DOT number?
A DOT (Department of Transportation) number is a unique identifier required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce.
For owner-operators, it serves as their company's federal ID number and is mandatory before beginning any operations. This crucial identifier must be displayed on both sides of your truck and is used for multiple essential purposes, including company identification during inspections, tracking safety compliance history, collecting crash investigation data, and conducting safety audits and compliance reviews.
Where is a DOT number required?
You’re also required to get a DOT number if you run your business from one of the following 31 states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
For the full scoop on how to get a DOT number and to ensure compliance with all regulations, the official FMCSA website.
How much does a DOT number cost?
A USDOT is free and active right away.
How to apply for a DOT number
Step 1: Determine eligibility
Before you get started, make sure you actually need a DOT number. Flip back to our “When Do You Need to Get a DOT Number?” section to double-check. If your rig meets the weight requirements or you’re hauling special cargo, you’re in the right lane and will need to apply for a DOT number.
Step 2: Prepare necessary information
- Business information: Have your EIN OR SSN handy.
- Vehicle details: What are you driving, how much does it weigh, and are you crossing state lines?
- Insurance information: Proof that you're covered, especially if you’re carrying hazardous materials.
Step 3: Access the FMCSA registration page
When you’re ready to apply for the DOT number, head over to the FMCSA Registration Page. You might need to provide for other certifications (like an MC number) depending on your operation. So keep your eyes peeled for any extra requirements.
Step 4: Complete the application form
Now for the main event. Accuracy is key here, folks. One wrong move and you'll be back at square one. Here’s what you can expect:
- Business information: Name, contact details, and those all-important identification numbers (EIN or SSN). Make sure everything matches what’s on file with the IRS to avoid delays.
- Operation classification: Interstate or intrastate? For-hire or private carrier? Choose wisely and pay close attention here. Selecting the wrong classification can complicate your compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Vehicle information: Spill the beans on your fleet, including how many and what types of vehicles you’re operating. Be accurate about gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) since it affects what regulations apply to you.
- Cargo type: What are you hauling? Hazardous materials need additional safety certifications, so keep that in mind.
- Driver information: Include driver details, especially if multiple drivers are operating under your DOT number.
Step 5: Submit and confirm receipt
After you’ve carefully reviewed your application for any mistakes, hit that submit button! Once you’re done celebrating, this is what you can expect:
- Submission confirmation: Immediately after submitting, you should see an on-screen confirmation that your application has been received by the FMCSA. Screenshot this if you're feeling extra cautious (or want to remember this moment forever).
- Email confirmation: Keep an eye on your inbox for the FMCSA's email, which typically arrives within a few hours but can take up to a day. This verifies that your application is in the system, so don't lose it.
- Checking application status: To keep tabs on your application’s status, simply visit the FMCSA website and use the confirmation details provided in the email.
Step 6: Follow up
You should expect to receive your DOT number within a few days. Typically, the FMCSA processes DOT numbers within 1-2 business days, but sometimes it can take up to a week.
If you start getting impatient, here’s how to follow up:
- Check the status online: Head to the FMCSA’s website and track the status of your application using the confirmation number from the email.
- Contact FMCSA: If your application seems stuck in the mud, contact the FMCSA directly through their support channels. Be sure to have your confirmation details ready to speed things up.
What is an MC number?
An MC (Motor Carrier) number, also known as an operating authority number, is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that grants permission for owner-operators to transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. This number is different from a DOT number, though both are often required. The MC number specifically authorizes the type of cargo you can haul and whether you can cross state lines while operating as a for-hire carrier.
What is required to obtain an MC number that is not required for DOT?
To get a fully active MC# you’ll need to meet a few additional requirements. You have 90 days from submitting an application to meet these requirements. If you don’t within the 90 days you have an additional year grace period before your application will be permanently denied and you’ll need to pay the $300 again to reapply.
- BOC-3 Coverage. You need to have a registered “agent” in every state you plan to operate in. You can only act as your own agent in the state you’re registered in so typically you’ll need some sort of additional coverage. Many providers over blanket coverage that ensures you’re covered across the whole US. This typically can cost $20-$300
- $750k in Liability coverage. FMCSA requires at least $750k in liability insurance (however most brokers require 1mil). To get insurance you’ll need your truck VIN number and CDL so this is typically the last step before officially starting your trucking business.
Where is an MC number required?
An MC is always required to cross state lines. Additional requirements vary from state to state, so the best practice for owner-operators is to:
- Check directly with each state's Department of Transportation or Motor Carrier division where you plan to operate
- Consult with a compliance service or transportation attorney familiar with your specific operation
- Research state-specific requirements when bidding on lanes in new states
- Stay updated on requirement changes, as regulations can shift over time
How much does an MC number cost?
$300 and will go through a 21 day protest period & is subject to additional requirements before fully becoming active.
How to apply for an MC number
Before Starting:
- Make sure you already have a DOT number
- Have your business formation documents ready
- Prepare credit card or payment method for the application fee
- Set aside 3-4 weeks for the full process
Step 1: Create a FMCSA account
You can easily apply online via their Unified Registration System (URS).
Step 3: Select your type of operating authority (usually common carrier for most owner-operators)
A good thing to note, is that the type(s) the Operating Authority requested will impact the type and level of insurance that is required by FMCSA. The great thing is, the FMCSA has a list of all operating authorities.
Step 4: Fill out your business information including:
- Company name and structure
- Physical and mailing addresses
- Contact information
- DOT number
- Type of cargo you'll transport
Step 5: Pay the application or filing fee
For a first time applicant, you are looking to pay a $300 Permanent Authority fee.
Step 6: Wait for FMCSA to publish your application in the Federal Register (10-day protest period)
Required After Submission:
- Obtain proper insurance and have your insurance company file proof with FMCSA:
- $750,000 minimum liability coverage typically required
- Insurance company must file form BMC-91 or BMC-91X
- Designate process agents in each state where you'll operate (BOC-3 filing)
- Monitor your application status through the FMCSA website
- Wait for your active authority to be granted (typically 3-4 weeks if no issues arise)
Final Steps:
- Once approved, ensure your MC number is properly displayed on your truck
- Keep copies of your authority documentation in your truck
- Set up systems to maintain compliance requirements
- Consider setting reminders for any renewal requirements
Many owner-operators choose to work with compliance services or consultants to ensure everything is filed correctly, as mistakes can delay the process significantly.