BOC-3 Filing
A federal form that designates a process agent in each state where a motor carrier operates, required by the FMCSA before operating authority can become active.
What Is a BOC-3 Filing
A BOC-3 is a federal form titled Designation of Agents for Service of Process.[^1] It designates a person or company in each state who can receive legal documents on your behalf. The FMCSA requires every motor carrier with operating authority to have a BOC-3 on file before their MC number can become active.[^2]
The concept is straightforward. If someone needs to serve your trucking company with legal papers, there must be a designated agent in whatever state the legal action originates. Since you could potentially haul freight through any state, you need an agent in every state.
For new carriers starting a trucking business, the BOC-3 is one of those checkbox items that is easy to overlook but can hold up your entire authority activation if you miss it.
Why the BOC-3 Exists
The BOC-3 requirement exists under 49 CFR Part 366 to ensure that motor carriers can be reached through legal process in any jurisdiction where they operate.[^1] If a carrier causes an accident in Georgia but is based in Texas, the injured party's attorney needs a way to serve legal documents in Georgia without tracking down the carrier across state lines.
Your designated process agent receives the legal papers and forwards them to you. This ensures proper legal notice even when you are on the road and hard to locate at your business address.
How to File a BOC-3
The most practical approach is using a national BOC-3 filing service. These companies maintain networks of process agents in all 50 states plus Washington DC and handle the filing on your behalf.
Using a Filing Service
Search for BOC-3 filing services online. There are dozens of providers. The process typically works like this:
- Choose a service provider and pay their fee ($30-$80)
- Provide your business information, USDOT number, and MC number
- The service designates their network agents on your behalf
- The completed BOC-3 form is filed electronically with the FMCSA
- The filing appears in the FMCSA system, usually within 1-2 business days
Timing
File your BOC-3 as soon as you receive your USDOT number, ideally the same day you submit your MC authority application. Your MC authority cannot go active without the BOC-3 on file, so filing early eliminates one potential delay in getting your authority activated.
What to Look For in a Service
Most BOC-3 filing services are straightforward and reliable. Look for services that provide blanket coverage in all states, file electronically with the FMCSA for fast processing, and offer confirmation that your filing is active. Some services include the BOC-3 as part of a package with other startup filings.
Maintaining Your BOC-3
Your BOC-3 must remain on file for as long as you hold active MC authority. If your process agent filing is removed from the FMCSA system, your authority is at risk of revocation.
Most filing services provide continuous coverage. Some charge a small annual fee, while others include ongoing coverage in the initial price. Verify with your service provider what their renewal terms are and set a reminder to confirm your filing remains active each year.
If you switch BOC-3 providers, the new provider will file a replacement BOC-3 that supersedes your previous filing. There is no need to cancel the old one first.
BOC-3 in the Bigger Picture
The BOC-3 is one piece of the authority startup process. Here is where it fits in the sequence:
- Apply for EIN from the IRS
- Apply for USDOT number and MC authority through the FMCSA MOTUS portal
- File BOC-3 (same day as MC application)
- Arrange commercial trucking insurance
- Complete UCR registration
- Set up IFTA account
- MC authority goes active (4-6 weeks after application)
Getting the BOC-3 filed early means one less item standing between you and active authority. It takes minutes to complete through a filing service, costs less than a tank of DEF, and eliminates a potential bottleneck in your startup timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a BOC-3 filing cost?
- A blanket BOC-3 filing through a national service typically costs between $30 and $80 as a one-time fee. Some services charge a small annual renewal fee. You can designate individual process agents state by state, but blanket coverage through a single filing service is simpler and usually cheaper than handling each state separately.
- Do I need a BOC-3 if I only operate in one state?
- If you have an MC number from the FMCSA for interstate authority, you need a BOC-3 filing regardless of how many states you actually operate in. The BOC-3 designates process agents in all states so that legal documents can be served in any jurisdiction where a claim might arise. If you only have intrastate authority without federal MC authority, check your state's specific requirements.
- What happens if my BOC-3 filing lapses?
- If your BOC-3 process agent designation is removed or lapses, the FMCSA may begin the process of revoking your operating authority. Without a valid BOC-3 on file, your MC authority cannot remain active. Most filing services provide continuous coverage as long as you maintain your account, but verify annually that your filing remains active in the FMCSA system.
- Can I file a BOC-3 myself?
- Technically yes, but it is not practical. You would need to identify and designate a process agent in every state individually, which requires finding agents in all 50 states plus Washington DC. National BOC-3 filing services maintain networks of process agents across all jurisdictions and handle the entire filing for a small fee. Using a service saves significant time and ensures complete coverage.