How to Get Your MC Number: Complete Guide to Motor Carrier Authority

Your MC number is your federal operating authority — the legal permission to haul freight for hire across state lines. Without an active MC number, you cannot legally operate as a for-hire motor carrier in interstate commerce. This guide covers everything you need to apply, what happens during the process, and what to do once your authority is active.

What Is an MC Number?

An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and grants a carrier the authority to transport regulated commodities for compensation across state lines.

The MC number is different from your USDOT number. Your USDOT number identifies your company in the safety database. Your MC number is your operating license — it's what authorizes you to haul freight for hire.

Who Needs an MC Number?

You need an MC number if you are:

• A for-hire motor carrier transporting regulated commodities in interstate commerce
• A freight broker arranging transportation
• A freight forwarder
• A carrier transporting passengers for hire

Private carriers (companies hauling their own goods, not for hire) typically do not need an MC number, though they still need a USDOT number for interstate operations above the weight threshold.

Before You Apply: What You Need

Before starting your MC number application, make sure you have:

• A USDOT number — apply first at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov if you don't have one (free)
• Your EIN — Employer Identification Number from the IRS
• Business entity information — LLC or corporation registered in your state
• Principal place of business address
• Credit or debit card — the $300 fee is paid at application

Step 1: Apply Through the FMCSA Unified Registration System

Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and access the Unified Registration System (URS). Select “Register as a new entity” and choose your authority type:

• Property carrier — if you're hauling general freight
• Passenger carrier — if you're transporting passengers
• Broker — if you're arranging transportation (not operating a truck)
• Freight Forwarder — if you're arranging and consolidating freight

Each authority type costs $300. If you need multiple authority types, you pay $300 per type. Most small carriers only need property carrier authority.

Step 2: File Your BOC-3 (Required)

The FMCSA requires a BOC-3 form on file before your MC authority will activate. The BOC-3 designates a process agent — a legal representative — in each state where you operate.

Use a registered BOC-3 filing service (not a state-by-state agent). Services typically charge $30–$50 and file the form with the FMCSA electronically. This can be done the same day you apply for your MC number.

Step 3: Get Commercial Insurance Filed with the FMCSA

Your MC authority will not activate until your insurance provider submits proof of coverage directly to the FMCSA. This is called a Form BMC-91 (or BMC-91X for cargo insurance).

Federal minimum insurance requirements for property carriers:

• $750,000 bodily injury and property damage liability (freight over 10,001 lbs)
• $300,000 bodily injury and property damage liability (freight under 10,001 lbs)
• $1,000,000 for carriers transporting hazardous materials

Contact a commercial trucking insurance broker immediately after applying — insurance procurement can take 1–2 weeks and is often the longest part of the process.

Step 4: The 10-Day Protest Period

After your application is filed and fees paid, the FMCSA publishes your application in the FMCSA Register. There is a mandatory 10-day protest period during which existing carriers can object to your application.

Protests are rare for standard freight carriers. If no protests are filed, your authority proceeds to activation once your BOC-3 is on file and insurance is verified.

Step 5: Authority Activation

Once all conditions are met — BOC-3 filed, insurance on file, protest period complete — your MC authority activates. The full process from application to active authority typically takes 20–25 business days.

You will receive notification via email when your authority is active. You can also check your authority status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov using your MC or USDOT number.

Important: Do not haul freight for hire until your authority is confirmed as “Active” in the FMCSA database. Operating without active authority is a federal violation.

After Your Authority Is Active

Once your MC number is active, complete these steps before taking your first load:

• Register for UCR — Unified Carrier Registration is required annually
• Register for IFTA — if operating across multiple states
• Set up your ELD — required for HOS compliance
• Complete driver qualification files — required before drivers operate
• Establish a drug and alcohol testing program
• Set up your operating platform — dispatch, invoicing, compliance tracking

Maintaining Your MC Authority

Your MC authority can be revoked if you fail to maintain required insurance coverage or miss compliance requirements. Keep your authority active by:

• Maintaining continuous insurance coverage with FMCSA-filed certificates
• Completing annual UCR registration
• Responding to any FMCSA safety audit requests
• Keeping your MCS-150 (motor carrier identification report) updated every 2 years