Voluntary Revocation of Operating Authority Registration
Questions and Answers

May 5, 2020

Note:  This guidance document does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way.  This guidance is intended only to provide clarity regarding existing requirements under the law.

1. My company is a for-hire operation, but I have temporarily suspended operations. Am I still required to file proof of financial responsibility or insurance?

Answer:  Yes, unless the company requests a voluntary revocation of operating authority registration.  Insurance filings are only required to maintain active operating authority.  

2. How do I voluntarily revoke an operating authority registration?

Answer: To revoke an operating authority registration:

1. 1. Complete Form OCE-46, Request for Revocation of Registration,
   2. Sign the completed OCE-46.  During the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, FMCSA is not requiring that the signature be witnessed by an FMCSA employee or notarized but the form must be signed by a person authorized to sign on behalf of the requestor, and
   3. Upload the signed and completed form via our web form at https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ask or submit via fax at 202-366-3477.  You may also send your form via mail to:  FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, MC-RS, Room 65-206, Washington, D.C. 20590.  Note that during the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, mail delivery and processing may be delayed.

3. Can a for-hire company still operate in interstate commerce without operating authority registration?

Answer:  No, without operating authority registration, a motor carrier is limited to intrastate operations, operations within a commercial zone, or other operations specifically exempted under 49 U.S.C. § 13506.

4. How do I restore my company’s operating authority registration if I voluntarily revoke it?

Answer:  Follow the following steps:

1. 1. Online: If you have a USDOT PIN you can request reinstatement online.
   2. Using the MCSA-5889 Motor Carrier Records Change Form, which you can submit:
      1. Via our web form (upload the signed and completed form)
      2. By Fax: 202-366-3477
      3. By Mail: You may submit the form in print (this may take an additional 6-8 weeks to be processed.
         1. Use the MCSA-5889 form to submit your request if you are not submitting online. All reinstatement requests must include:
            1. MC number,
            2. Legal name of the carrier,
            3. Person's name or company name on credit card or check/money order,
            4. Billing address of the credit card (if paying by credit card),
            5. A phone number where you can be reached,
            6. Signature and date, and
            7. E-mail address, if available.
            8. Send your form to:  FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE,

MC-RS, Room 65-206, Washington, D.C. 20590.  Note that during the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, mail delivery and processing may be delayed.

1. 3. Please note that before you request reinstatement, you must have your BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agent) form and financial responsibility/insurance filing in place. If they are not in place, your reinstatement request will be placed on hold until the BOC-3 and insurance requirements are met.  Please see our Insurance Requirements website for more information.
   4. In addition, you MUST have an active, up-to-date USDOT# record, or include an updated MCS-150 form with your reinstatement request. If your USDOT Number is active, you may update your registration online. Click here for the MCS-150 form.
   5. Please note that the authority will usually become active no later than the 4th business day after the payment is processed (for credit card payments).

5. How much does it cost to reinstate operating authority registration? 

Answer:  The cost is $80; however, FMCSA may waive the reinstatement fee in cases where a passenger carrier had previously voluntarily revoked its passenger carrier operating authority during the COVID-19 public health emergency. To be considered for a fee waiver, send your MCSA-5889 Motor Carrier Records Change Form with only Sections A and D completed directly to mc-ecc.comments@dot.gov.  Requests for fee waivers cannot be processed if you request reinstatement online with your USDOT PIN.  FMCSA will review your request and contact you if there are any questions prior to processing your request.

6. Does voluntary revocation of my company’s operating authority registration put my company on any special oversight list?

Answer:  No, taking this action does not place your company on a “special compliance monitoring list.”  Voluntary revocations are common, especially for seasonal operators.

7. If I have more than one type of operating authority registration, am I required to voluntarily revoke all types if I want to revoke one?

Answer:  No, a motor carrier can voluntarily revoke an individual operating authority registration and maintain other operating authority registrations as ACTIVE. To revoke a specific type of operating authority registration:

1. 1. Complete Form OCE-46, Request for Revocation of Registration,
   2. Designate the specific type of operating authority registration to be revoked on the “Reason for request of revocation” line,
   3. Sign the form.  During the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, FMCSA is not requiring that the signature be witnessed by an FMCSA employee or notarized but must be signed by a person authorized to sign on behalf of the requestor, and
   4. Upload the signed and completed form via our web form at https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ask or submit via fax at 202-366-3477.  You may also send your form via mail to:  FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, MC-RS, Room 65-206, Washington, D.C. 20590.  Note that during the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, mail delivery and processing may be delayed.