Who is eligible to obtain temporary authority?

A motor or passenger carrier wishing to apply for temporary operating authority registration authorizing for-hire commercial motor and passenger vehicle operations, while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, equipment and persons into or from the zone where the emergency is taking place.

When is temporary authority available?

Applications for temporary authority require a determination that there is, or soon will be, an immediate transportation need that cannot be met by existing motor carrier service.  49 CFR 365.107T(f). Such applications are only entertained in exceptional circumstances, during natural disasters or national emergencies.  49 CFR 365.107T(g).  In most circumstances, the Agency will only entertain applications for temporary authority when an emergency declaration has been issued, consistent with 49 CFR 390.23.

Where can I find information on current emergency declarations?

Go to https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency for links to current FMCSA emergency declarations. The temporary authority is only active as long as the emergency declaration is in effect. All temporary authorities will be revoked once the emergency declaration expires.

How can a carrier apply for this temporary authority?

• If a carrier does not have a USDOT number, they must apply for one by submitting a signed MCS-150 form (write “Emergency Temporary Authority” at the top) with their OP-1, rather than filing via URS. To access the MCS-150 form, click here. Carriers that are subject to an FMCSA Out of Service Order are not eligible for temporary authority.
• A carrier must file a signed form OP-1 with “Emergency Temporary Authority” written at the top along with the specific Emergency Declaration found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations by fax/web form rather than online. To access form OP-1, click here. You can submit it by:
  • Submitting a ticket through our website at: ask.fmcsa.dot.gov. Select Inquiry Type: Operating Authority (Docket Number) > Request temporary operating authority due to an emergency declaration – This is the fastest option; or
  • Fax: 202-366-3477 (Put “Emergency Temporary Authority” on the fax cover sheet)
• The application fee has been waived.  
• The carrier must also file proof of insurance and have form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agent) on file with FMCSA. For more information on insurance requirements click here, and for and BOC-3 requirements, click here.
• Pursuant to 49 CFR 365.107T(g), the carrier is also required to provide a statement on why they need temporary operating authority, appended to Form OP-1 for property carriers, Form OP-1(MX) for Mexican property carriers and, Form OP-1(P) for motor passenger carriers.

How long does it take for temporary authority to be granted?

OP-1 applications for temporary authority should be processed within 48 business hours of receipt. However, the authority will not be granted until the carrier’s evidence of financial responsibility (insurance) and BOC-3 form are on file with FMCSA.

The authority is valid for 120 days or until the emergency declaration expires, whichever comes first.

If a carrier wishes to apply for permanent authority, they need to apply using the same MC/USDOT number granted for the temporary authority. The applicant would be required to pay the $300 fee for permanent operating authority registration, as well. For more information, click here.

Yes if you are operating interstate commerce and one of the following apply to you:

• Your vehicle is designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers (including the driver) and is operated for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• Your vehicle is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
• Your passenger-carrying vehicle has an actual weight or gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or more

For information on how to apply for a US DOT number, click here.

Yes - if you are for-hire and engaging in interstate commerce (crossing state lines, going to the airport or port of entry).

A for-hire passenger carrier is a company that provides transportation of passengers for compensation.

You can be a for-hire passenger carrier regardless of whether:

• You are compensated directly or indirectly for the transportation service provided, or
• The compensation is paid or not paid by the passengers

To apply for passenger carrier authority, first-time applicants must begin the online registration process via our Unified Registration System. This process requires a credit card.

If you already have a US DOT number and/or an additional operating authority, you must apply via our existing application procedures.

You are subject to FMCSA regulations if you operate any of the following types of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce:

• A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating (whichever is greater) of 4,537 kg (10,001 lbs.) or more (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
• A vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• A vehicle designed or used to transport 15 or more passengers including the driver and not used for compensation
• Any size vehicle used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-177). This includes INTRASTATE Hazardous Materials carriers

If you meet the above criteria, you must comply with the applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations concerning:

• Controlled substances and alcohol testing for all persons required to possess a CDL
• Driver qualifications (including medical exams)
• Driving of commercial motor vehicles; parts and accessories necessary for safe operations
• Hours of service
• Inspection, repair and maintenance

You can find FMCSA regulations in the US GPO’s Code of Federal Regulations website. Select the most recent year, then go to Title 49, then parts 300-399.

For some definitions of FMCSA terms, click here.

Primarily, the URS will unify registration data housed in multiple FMCSA systems into one authoritative database, thus reducing the possibility for conflicting registration data between FMCSA systems. The URS will streamline manual processes and combine several forms into one unified online registration form. This will save time and administrative costs for the industry and FMCSA.  This rule will also improve FMCSA's ability to locate small and medium-sized private and exempt for-hire motor carriers when enforcement action is necessary.  Working with designated process agents will help FMCSA investigators locate and/or serve documents on hard-to-find motor carriers. New carriers will not be granted safety registration and an active USDOT number until process agent filings (Form BOC-3) are complete.

For more information, please see the October 21, 2015 Federal Register notice.

On January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice suspending the January 14 and April 14, 2017 URS effectiveness dates.

Depending on the state you are operating in, you may be required to obtain a USDOT number even if you only operate intrastate and your cargo or vehicle never crosses state lines. Some states have their own intrastate regulations that require carriers to obtain a USDOT number, while others may not. It is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Transportation or responsible state agency to determine if you need a USDOT number. Additionally, even if you are not required to obtain a USDOT number, you may still need to comply with other state and federal regulations, such as safety and insurance requirements. 

You may also refer to the FMCSA Registration Page. 

An agent should enter the physical address where the motor carrier maintains their safety records. FMCSA will use this address for on-site visits to motor carrier for the purpose of conducting safety audits, compliance reviews, and other activities. For this reason, do not enter a P.O. Box as the principal (physical) address, or processing of the company’s application will be delayed.

A motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) to transport property, passengers, or hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and is involved in commerce (transportation related to a business). It could be a company with several power units, or it could be an owner-operator.

Note: CMVs include vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, which is the prescribed weight limit from the vehicle manufacturer, indicating the total amount the vehicle can weigh to operate safely) or Gross combination weight (GVW, which is the total weight of the truck, any trailers and cargo), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.

A broker is the “middle person” between a shipper and a motor carrier. Brokers arrange for the transportation of property or household goods. They don’t transport the property, don’t operate motor vehicles or have drivers, and don’t assume responsibility for the cargo being transported. Hence, they don’t directly engage with it.

A freight forwarder organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. Freight forwarders assemble and consolidate shipments and provide for break-bulk and distribution of shipments. Unlike Brokers, Freight Forwarders assume responsibility for the transportation and may transport the freight itself. Therefore, they are involved directly or indirectly with the cargo.

Note: If you only transport Freight, you are not a Freight Forwarder.

To learn more about entity types, see our video ”How To Identify Entity Types”. Also located on the FMCSA Registration Home Page.

French

Question :

Quelles sont les définitions de « transporteur routier, « courtier » et « transitaire » ? 

Réponse :

Un transporteur routier exploite des véhicules commerciaux pour transporter des biens, des passagers ou des matières dangereuses (HAZMAT) et est impliqué dans le commerce (transport lié à des activités commerciales). Il peut s'agir d'une entreprise disposant de plusieurs unités de production ou d'un propriétaire-exploitant. 

Remarque : Les véhicules commerciaux comprennent les véhicules dont le poids nominal brut (le PNBV – c’est-à-dire le poids maximal prescrit par le constructeur du véhicule que le véhicule peut peser pour fonctionner en toute sécurité) ou le poids brut combiné (c’est à dire le poids total du camion, de sa remorque et de sa cargaison) est égal ou supérieur à 10 001 livres (4 536 kg), selon le plus élevé des deux. 

Un courtier est un « intermédiaire » entre un expéditeur et un transporteur routier. Les courtiers organisent le transport de biens ou d'articles ménagers. Ils ne transportent pas les biens, n'exploitent pas de véhicules automobiles, n'ont pas de chauffeur et n'endossent pas la responsabilité de la cargaison transportée. Ils ne sont donc pas directement impliqués avec celle-ci. 

Un transitaire organise des expéditions pour des particuliers ou des entreprises. Les transitaires ramassent et regroupent les expéditions et se chargent de la rupture de charge et de la distribution des expéditions. Contrairement aux courtiers, les transitaires assument la responsabilité du transport et peuvent transporter eux-mêmes le fret. Ils sont donc directement ou indirectement impliqués avec celui-ci. 

Remarque : Si vous ne faites que transporter du fret, vous n'êtes pas un transitaire. 

Pour en savoir plus sur les types d'entité, consultez la vidéo : « Savoir identifier les différents types d'entité ». Vous la trouverez également sur la page d'accueil de l'enregistrement FMCSA. 

Russian

Вопрос: 

Определения разрешений на осуществление перевозок, брокерской деятельности и экспедиторской деятельности?

Ответ: 

Автоперевозчик осуществляет эксплуатацию коммерческих автотранспортных средств (CMV) для перевозки грузов, пассажиров или опасных материалов (HAZMAT) в рамках коммерческой деятельности (перевозки, связанные с предпринимательской деятельностью). Это может быть как компания с несколькими тяговыми единицами, так и независимый оператор-собственник. 

Примечание: К коммерческому автотранспорту (CMV) относятся транспортные средства с разрешенной максимальной массой (GVWR, установленный производителем предельный вес, то есть общий максимально допустимый вес транспортного средства для безопасной эксплуатации) или полной комбинированной массой (GVW, общий вес грузовика, прицепов и груза) 10 001 фунт или более, в зависимости от того, какое значение больше. 

Брокер выступает «посредником» между грузоотправителем и автоперевозчиком. Брокеры организуют перевозку грузов или предметов домашнего обихода. Они не осуществляют транспортировку грузов или эксплуатацию транспортных средств, не имеют водителей и не несут ответственность за перевозимый груз. Следовательно, они не работают с грузом непосредственно. 

Экспедитор организует перевозки для физических или юридических лиц. Экспедиторы формируют и консолидируют грузы, обеспечивают разукрупнение и распределение грузовых отправлений. В отличие от брокеров экспедиторы несут ответственность за перевозку и могут сами осуществлять перевозку груза. Таким образом, они прямо или косвенно работают с грузом. 

Примечание: Осуществление исключительно грузовых перевозок не является основанием для признания субъекта экспедитором грузов. 

Дополнительная информация о типах организаций представлена в видеоматериале ”How To Identify Entity Types” (как определить типы организаций). Она также доступна на главной странице странице регистрации FMCSA. 

While an application for FMCSA operating authority is typically granted within 25 business days, the process may be extended if the application requires additional review. This review, referred to as "Vetting", ensures that operating authority applicants demonstrate a willingness and ability to comply with applicable statutes and regulations to obtain and maintain operating authority registration. During the Vetting process, your application will be listed as "Suspended" in FMCSA systems.

FMCSA evaluates, among other things, the following factors to determine whether an operating authority applicant is willing and able to comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements:

• The nature and extent of existing or past violations;
• the degree to which existing or past violations will affect, or have affected, the safety of operations, taking into account any crashes, deaths, or injuries associated with the violations;
• whether existing or past regulatory or statutory violations are the result of a willful failure to comply with applicable requirements;
• the existence and nature of pending and closed enforcement actions;
• whether adequate safety management controls exist to ensure acceptable compliance with applicable requirements; and
• the existence of corrective action, if any.

FMCSA does take into account attempts to correct past violations, corrective action and other similar corrective action plans. FMCSA also considers the existence of any mitigating circumstances surrounding the regulated entity's conduct. Additional information about Vetting can be found here.

FMCSA will notify you by e-mail if your application is subject to vetting and by e-mail and/or mail if additional information is needed for the review.  If you don’t hear from FMCSA within 2 weeks from the day you applied for operating authority – and – your application status is Suspended in FMCSA systems, please contact us by webform, phone or chat. 

Once the Vetting process is complete and the application status is changed from Suspended to Accepted in FMCSA systems, you must comply with additional requirements, including your Process Agent Designation (BOC-3 form), proof of insurance and/or surety bond or trust fund agreement. Only then, FMCSA will grant you operating authority. 

Tips to help your application be processed as efficiently as possible:

1. Motor Carriers: Ensure your USDOT Number is in an Active status.
2. Motor Carriers: Provide a valid Principal Place of Business as your physical address. Do not use a P.O. Box, UPS Store, etc.
3. Contact information (phone, e-mail) in FMCSA systems must be valid and up-to-date.
4. Corporations (LLC, Inc., etc.): Make sure your company name on the application matches what you filed with the Secretary of State.
5. Sole Proprietors: Make sure your legal name is your personal name. Trade name/DBA will be your company name.
6. When filing the application for operating authority, remember to answer whether you currently have, or had within the last 3 years of the date of filing the application, any relationships involving common stock, common ownership, common management, common control or familial relationships with any FMCSA-regulated entities.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued guidance to organizations and businesses that transport passengers in interstate commerce, clarifying existing FMCSA regulations and requirements. FMCSA constructed an online resource page to help advise organizations and businesses that may provide interstate passenger transportation services.

To find fact sheets and other information to help you interpret this guidance, click here.

To read the Federal Register Notice on this topic, click here.

No. If the business is headquartered in the United States, but is owned or controlled (greater than 55%) by a Mexican citizen or resident alien, you may not apply for Motor Common Carrier of Property Authority to engage in point-to-point transportation within the U.S. However, you may apply for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority and/or for United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo Authority. 

Background:

The Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982, and its Section 6 allows for a Presidential executive order prohibiting the issuance of certificates or permits to motor carriers domiciled in or owned by citizens of a contiguous foreign country (a moratorium}. The change from the moratorium and allowance of Mexican investment in U.S. trucking companies came about first by NAFTA but wasn’t officially allowed until a Presidential Executive Order in June of 2001. A July 27, 2004 internal memo from attorney Suzanne E. Newhouse explains “The Basics of Enterprise Authority:”

Present State of Enterprise Authority

As of January 1, 2004, the NAFTA obligated its participant countries to allow for Enterprise Authority. Enterprise Authority is the ability of investors in one NAFTA country to purchase up to 100% interest in a transportation company domiciled in another NAFTA country. The transportation company may provide passenger carrier services, such as inter-city bus services or tourist transportation services, or property carrier services, such as the transportation of international cargo between points in the domiciled NAFTA country.

Presently, the U.S. complies with this NAFTA obligation. Investment restrictions were lifted in June 2001, thus encouraging Mexican investors to purchase U.S. based carriers and provide transportation of international cargo between points within the U.S. Despite U.S. adherence to the NAFTA mandate for enterprise authority, Mexico has not taken the necessary actions to comply with this NAFTA requirement and U.S. investors cannot enjoy the same benefits Mexican investors have with U.S. companies.

The NAFTA treaty in 1994 allows for Mexican investors and for the transportation of international freight in the US.  In 2001, the Presidential moratorium was lifted to specifically meet the provisions in the NAFTA treaty, but does not expand limits on international cargo only for Mexican investors in US companies.

No. URS stands for "Unified Registration System," a new electronic on-line registration system that will streamline and simplify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) registration process and serve as a clearinghouse and depository of information on all entities regulated by the Agency. You can learn more about URS at this page.

UCR stands for "Unified Carrier Registration," which is not an FMCSA program. It refers to an agreement among the states set up by Congress governing the collection and distribution of registration information and UCR fees paid to states by motor carriers, private motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Section 14504a.  The fees collected support state motor carrier safety activities. For more information, click here.

To register for a USDOT number, you can apply online through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS). The URS system will guide you through the registration process and help you determine what other registrations, permits, or authorities you may need. Before you register for a USDOT number, it is recommended that you review the FMCSA's guidance on registration requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary information and documentation. Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive a USDOT number that must be displayed on your vehicles and used in all your company's transportation-related activities.

For more information about registering with the FMCSA, go to the FMCSA Registration page. 

To find the status of an existing company/USDOT#, click here for the SAFER Company Snapshot page.

In general, a USDOT Number is required if you are operating in interstate commerce and meet the following criteria:

• You have vehicles that are over 10,000 lbs. (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
• You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• You transport 16 or more passengers
• You haul hazardous materials

Click here for a step-by-step tool that helps you determine whether you need a USDOT or MC number. There is no charge to get a USDOT number. For more information on how to get a USDOT number, please see the FAQ "How do I get a US DOT number?" For some definitions of FMCSA terms, click here.

If you would like information on getting operating authority as a for-hire carrier (MC/MX/FF numbers), click here.

If you are an existing company changing your form of business, click here. 

If you perform trade, traffic, or transportation exclusively in your business’s domicile state, this is considered intrastate commerce.

If your trade, traffic, or transportation is one of the following, this is considered interstate commerce. Source: 49 CFR 390.5.:

• Between a place in a state and a place outside of such state (including a place outside of the United States)
• Between two places in a state through another state or a place outside of the United States
• Between two places in a state as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the state or the United States

• First-time applicants registering via the Unified Registration System or existing carriers applying for property carrier applications using the OP-1 form may take 20-25 business days
• Email or Fax: OP-1 Property carrier applications (existing carriers only) may take 3-7 business days
• Mail: OP-1 Property carrier applications (existing carriers only) may take 45-60 business days
• Authority applications that are identified for vetting may take an additional 2-8 weeks. For more information on the vetting process, click here. 

USDOT number:

• Online via the Unified Registration System: USDOT numbers are given instantly; a carrier notification letter will follow in the mail

French

Question :

Quel est le délai de traitement d’une demande d'autorisation d'exploitation ou de numéro d’enregistrement USDOT déposée via internet ou par courrier ?

Réponse :

• Les demandes des nouveaux demandeurs qui s'inscrivent via le système d'enregistrement unifié ou celles des transporteurs existants qui demandent une autorisation de transport de biens via le formulaire OP-1 peuvent prendre entre 20 et 25 jours ouvrables. 

• Par courrier électronique ou fax : Les demandes d’autorisation de transport de biens OP-1 (transporteurs existants uniquement) peuvent prendre entre 3 et 7 jours ouvrables. 

• Par courrier : Les demandes d’autorisation de transport de biens OP-1 (transporteurs existants uniquement) peuvent prendre entre 45 et 60 jours ouvrables. 

• Les demandes d'autorisation sélectionnées pour vérification peuvent prendre 2 à 8 semaines de plus. Pour plus d’informations sur la procédure de vérification, cliquez ici. 

Demande de numéro d’enregistrement USDOT : 

• En ligne, via le système d'enregistrement unifié : Les numéros d’enregistrement USDOT sont attribués instantanément ; le transporteur reçoit ensuite une notification par courrier. 

Russian

Вопрос: 

Сколько времени занимает рассмотрение заявления на получение разрешения на осуществление перевозок или номера USDOT при подаче через интернет или по почте? 

Ответ: 

• Для заявителей, подающих документы впервые через Единую систему регистрации, или зарегистрированных перевозчиков, подающих заявления на осуществление перевозки грузов по форме OP-1, срок рассмотрения составляет 20-25 рабочих дней 

• По электронной почте или факсу: Рассмотрение заявлений на перевозку грузов по форме OP-1 (только для зарегистрированных перевозчиков) осуществляется в течение 3-7 рабочих дней 

• По почте: Рассмотрение заявлений на перевозку грузов по форме OP-1 (только для зарегистрированных перевозчиков) осуществляется в течение 45-60 рабочих дней 

• Для заявлений на получение разрешения на осуществление перевозок, подлежащих дополнительной проверке, срок рассмотрения может быть увеличен на 2-8 недель. Для получения дополнительной информации о процедуре проверки перейдите по этой ссылке. 

Номер USDOT: 

• При подаче онлайн через Единую систему регистрации: Номера USDOT присваиваются незамедлительно; уведомление перевозчику направляется дополнительно почтовым отправлением 

In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate operating authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

• Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)
• Transporting passengers, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce
• Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

As of December 12, 2015, all entities applying through the Unified Registration System will obtain a USDOT number.

Operating Authority means the registration required by 49 U.S.C. 13902, 49 CFR part 365, 49 CFR part 368, and 49 CFR 392.9a.

FMCSA operating authority is also referred to as an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry. Mexico-domiciled carriers may click here for information on registering with FMCSA.

New Applicants must register online via the Unified Registration System. They will be issued a USDOT number and an MC/MX/FF number. Existing entities that already have a USDOT number and/or MC/MX/FF number must apply via the OP-1 series forms, or online (click here), providing their existing USDOT number (and MC/MX/FF numbers, if they are applying for an additional authority.)

All of this also dictates the level of insurance/financial responsibilities a company must maintain. Carriers not required to have operating authority include:

• Private carriers (carriers that transport their own cargo)
• "For-hire" carriers that exclusively haul exempt commodities (cargo that is not federally regulated
• Carriers that operate exclusively within a federally designated "commercial zone" that is exempt from interstate authority rules. A commercial zone is, for example, a geographic territory that includes multiple states bordering on a major metropolitan city, such as Virginia/Maryland/Washington, DC

More information on motor carrier insurance requirements can be found on our web site.

If you already have a USDOT number, you must complete the appropriate motor carrier operating authority forms (OP-1 series) and submit them to FMCSA for processing. Please read the instructions for the appropriate OP-series form carefully to avoid errors.

If you do not already have a US DOT number or other authority, you must begin the online registration process via our Unified Registration System. This process requires a credit card.

There is a $300 fee for each operating authority requested.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND APPLY FOR THE CORRECT TYPE OF MOTOR CARRIER OPERATING AUTHORITY. THE $300 FILING FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

To reinstate or reactivate your operating authority (MC, FF, or MX Docket Number), you must first:

• File your Proof of Insurance and Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agent) with FMCSA. Please see our Insurance Requirements website for more information; and
• Motor Carriers Only: Have an active USDOT Number with up-to-date contact information on file. Our systems will not allow users to request reinstatement if the USDOT Number is Inactive or Out of Service. You may submit a MCS-150 Form along with your reinstatement request to update your information.

The cost to request a reinstatement is $80.00. Authority is typically active within a week of application receipt and valid payment. FMCSA will notify you if your application is on hold, pending additional information or in vetting under review.

Passenger Carriers Only: You cannot request reinstatement if you have been placed Out of Service for being an "imminent hazard" or due to a final unsatisfactory safety rating ("UNSAT/UNFIT). Instead, re-apply for operating authority by using a paper OP-1(P) application form and paying the $300 application fee.

We are continuing to experience mailing delays due to COVID-19 and recommend that you request reinstatement using the below options. If you do choose to mail in your application and payment, please note that the processing time may take up to 8 weeks.

• Option 1: Request reinstatement online with your USDOT PIN here
• Option 2: Send a completed and signed MCSA-5889 Form to us by submitting a ticket via our ASK website (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your document). This is the fastest option and you will receive a confirmation number by email.
  
  Note: You may also use this same form to request name and address changes at the same time.
• Option 3: Fax the MCSA-5889 Form to 202-366-3477

To check whether your operating authority has been issued (granted), go to the Licensing and Insurance website. If you have received a certificate of authority and/or your authority is listed as transed in L&I, you are approved to operate.

Click "Continue," then open the pull-down menu in the upper right

• Select "Carrier Search” and click "Go" 
• Enter MC Number or USDOT Number in the appropriate box 
• Click the box next to "I'm not a robot" and perform the verification task
• Click "Search"
• When the Carrier Search result comes up, click “HTML”
• Scroll to bottom and click on “Authority History.” This page will display the granted date of the operating authority

Normally, operating authority documents are sent out within 3-4 business days. If 10 or more business days have passed since the grant date and you have not yet received the operating authority document, call 800-832-5660 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time for assistance. You can submit a ticket through at Ask FMCSA using Submit Us a Ticket.

If you need to request a copy of your certificate of operating authority issued in the past, contact FMCSA at the above phone number, or submit a ticket through our site at Ask FMCSA using Submit Us a Ticket.

To find the status of a USDOT number, click here.