MC Number
A unique identifier issued by the FMCSA that grants a motor carrier the authority to transport regulated freight across state lines.
What Is an MC Number
An MC number, formally called Motor Carrier authority, is an operating credential issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.[^1] It authorizes a trucking company to haul regulated commodities for compensation across state lines. The MC in MC number stands for Motor Carrier.
Every for-hire carrier operating in interstate commerce needs MC authority before legally hauling freight. This applies to owner operators running a single truck and to large fleets alike. Without an active MC number, brokers will not tender you loads and shippers will not let you on their docks.
Your MC number is separate from your USDOT number. The USDOT number identifies your company for safety tracking and compliance purposes. The MC number specifically grants you the legal right to transport freight for hire. Most carriers need both, and you apply for them through the same FMCSA registration process.
Who Needs an MC Number
You need MC authority if you operate as a for-hire carrier transporting regulated commodities in interstate commerce.[^2] This includes the vast majority of owner operators and small fleets hauling general freight for brokers and shippers.
Some operations do not require MC authority. Private carriers hauling their own goods only need a USDOT number. Carriers operating exclusively within a single state follow that state's intrastate authority rules. Certain exempt commodities like unprocessed agricultural products, newspapers, and livestock may not require MC authority, though you still need a USDOT number.
If you are starting a trucking business and plan to haul freight for other companies, plan on getting your MC number as one of the first steps.
How to Get Your MC Number
The application process goes through the FMCSA's MOTUS portal at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov. This system replaced the older registration processes and handles both USDOT and MC authority applications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Gather your information first. Before starting the online application, have the following ready: your legal business name, EIN (Employer Identification Number), business address, the type of cargo you plan to haul, and the states where you will operate.
Create your MOTUS account. Register on the FMCSA portal with your business information. If you already have a USDOT number, you can link it to your new MC application.
Complete the application. Select Carrier as your operation type and Property as your cargo type for standard freight hauling. The system will walk you through required fields including your operation classification, cargo types, and equipment information.
Pay the filing fee. The application fee is $300, payable by credit card or ACH through the portal.[^1]
Wait for processing. After submission, the FMCSA publishes your application in the Federal Register with a mandatory 10-day protest period. Total processing time runs 4-6 weeks from submission to active authority.
What to Do During the Waiting Period
Do not wait for your MC number to arrive before handling other requirements. While your application processes, complete these steps:
File your BOC-3 process agent designation. This is required before your authority can go active. Most filing services handle this for $30-$80.
Arrange your commercial trucking insurance. You need primary liability coverage ($750,000 minimum for general freight), cargo insurance, and physical damage coverage. Your insurance provider files proof of coverage directly with the FMCSA.
Complete your UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) for $76 and set up your IFTA account for fuel tax reporting.
Maintaining Your MC Authority
Getting your MC number is not a one-time event. You must keep several ongoing requirements current to maintain active authority.
Your insurance must remain on file with the FMCSA continuously. If your insurance lapses, the FMCSA will revoke your authority. Reinstatement requires a new application and fees.
Your BOC-3 process agent designation must stay active. If your process agent filing lapses, your authority status is at risk.
You must complete the USDOT biennial update every two years to keep your registration current. Missing this update can lead to FMCSA deactivating your USDOT number and your MC authority along with it.
Common MC Number Issues
Authority shows pending. New applications take 4-6 weeks. If your application has been pending longer than 6 weeks, contact the FMCSA directly through the MOTUS portal support.
Authority revoked for insurance lapse. This is the most common problem. Work with your insurance agent to ensure continuous coverage and that proof of insurance (BMC-91 or BMC-91X) stays filed with the FMCSA.
Need to change business structure. Changing from sole proprietorship to LLC or changing your legal name may require a new MC application depending on the circumstances. Contact the FMCSA before making changes to determine what is required.
For a complete walkthrough of all the steps to get your trucking business started, including MC authority, insurance, and everything else, see our guide on starting a trucking business. For ongoing regulatory requirements, check our FMCSA compliance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an MC number cost?
- The FMCSA charges a one-time filing fee of $300 to apply for MC authority through the MOTUS portal. This covers the application itself. You will also need to budget for a BOC-3 filing ($30-$80), insurance ($12,000-$20,000 annually), and the UCR registration ($76 for 0-2 power units). The MC number itself does not have a recurring fee, but you must keep your insurance and process agent filings current to maintain active authority.
- How long does it take to get an MC number?
- After submitting your application through the FMCSA MOTUS portal, MC authority typically takes 4-6 weeks to become active. There is a mandatory 10-day protest period after the application is published in the FMCSA register. During the waiting period you should arrange insurance, file your BOC-3, and complete UCR registration so everything is ready when your authority goes active.
- Can I transfer or sell my MC number?
- No. MC numbers are not transferable between entities. If you sell your trucking business, the buyer must apply for their own MC authority. If you change your business structure, such as going from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, you may need to apply for a new MC number depending on how the FMCSA classifies the change. Reactivating a previously revoked MC number is sometimes possible but requires a new application.
- What is the difference between an MC number and a USDOT number?
- A USDOT number is a registration identifier required for all commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce. It tracks safety information and inspection history. An MC number specifically grants operating authority to transport regulated freight for hire across state lines. Most for-hire carriers need both. Private carriers that only haul their own goods typically need a USDOT number but not MC authority.
- Do I need an MC number for intrastate trucking?
- Not at the federal level. MC authority from the FMCSA is required for interstate operations, meaning freight that crosses state lines. However, many states have their own intrastate authority requirements with separate application processes and fees. Check with your home state's department of transportation to determine what intrastate permits or authority you need.