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The rule is, if the underlying transportation is exempt from commercial jurisdiction and you would not need motor carrier operating authority (MC number) to transport the commodity, you don't need broker authority to broker it.
For a list of exempt commodities, please click here to access Administrative Ruling 119.
To broker non-exempt commodities, you must obtain operating authority. For information on obtaining broker authority, click here.
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Yes, leasing motor carrier services is permissible if you comply with the requirements under FMCSR Section 376.11.
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No, USDOT Numbers are not transferable. For more information about USDOT numbers and changing ownership, legal name or form of business, click here.
Operating authorities (MC numbers) are transferable. For more information, please see our Operating Authority Transfer FAQs.
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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.
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A new entrant whose USDOT new entrant registration has been revoked, and whose operations have been placed out of service by FMCSA, may reapply for new entrant registration no sooner than 30 days after the date of revocation. If the USDOT new entrant registration was revoked because of a failed safety audit, the new entrant must do all of the following:
- Submit an updated MCS-150 and check the box “Reapplication (after revocation of new entrant)”
- Submit evidence that it has corrected the deficiencies that resulted in revocation of its registration and will otherwise ensure that it will have basic safety management controls in effect
- Begin the 18-month new entrant monitoring cycle again as of the date the re-filed application is approved
If the USDOT new entrant registration was revoked because FMCSA found that the new entrant had failed to submit to a safety audit, it must do all of the following:
- Submit an updated MCS-150 and check the box “Reapplication (after revocation of new entrant)”
- Begin the 18-month new entrant monitoring cycle again as of the date the re-filed application is approved
- Submit to a safety audit
If the new entrant is a for-hire carrier subject to the registration provisions under 49 U.S.C. 13901 and has also had its operating authority revoked, it must apply for new operating authority.
For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.
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New entities must apply for their own operating authority. In corporate purchase transactions involving an entire operation, however, a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder may instead choose to transfer its existing operating authority to the new entity as a part of the transaction. Transfers most often occur during a corporate merger or acquisition, or during a corporate restructuring. Because FMCSA discontinued the operating authority transfer review and approval process described in 49 CFR Part 365, Subpart D, in 2013, these transactions no longer require FMCSA approval prior to completion. To ensure accurate registration information, FMCSA will record and track an Operating Authority Transfer when the “transfer” is part of a purchase transaction involving an entire operation and the Agency receives adequate notification from both the transferor and transferee documenting the transaction.
For example, if XYZ Trucking (XYZ) and ABC Transportation (ABC) decide to merge and form a new company, FTA Trucking, the new company would have to apply for a new USDOT number but may request a transfer of Operating Authority from either XYZ or ABC. Similarly, if XYZ is acquired by ABC and ABC does not already have operating authority, but does have a USDOT number, XYZ may transfer its operating authority to ABC as a part of the corporate transaction.
To effectively record the “transfer,” and track registration, both transferors and transferees will be asked to provide basic identifying information about their business operations. In addition, FMCSA may request evidence of the requisite merger or acquisition (e.g., articles or agreement showing merger, transfer of assets, transfer of ownership, etc.). If the merger or acquisition results in the transferor terminating all of its transportation operations, the transferor should also submit an MCS-150 out of business notification.
To properly record a transfer, FMCSA will need the following:
Transferor (Seller) |
Transferee (Buyer) |
Company Name |
Company Name |
Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name |
Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name |
Form of Business (Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship) |
Form of Business (Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship) |
USDOT # (except brokers) |
USDOT # (if any) |
Docket # (MC/FF/MX) |
Docket # (MC/FF/MX) |
Business Address |
Business Address |
Business Phone Number |
Business Phone Number |
Name of Business Owner(s) |
Name of Business Owner(s) |
Transferor Signature |
Transferee Signature |
Date Transfer took place |
Date Transfer took place |
Once the transfer recording request is received, FMCSA will review and contact the requestor for any additional information, if needed. If FMCSA determines that the submission is not actually a request to record a transfer, the Agency may direct the parties to complete the appropriate registration applications or forms to complete their desired transaction. After the request is recorded in FMCSA Systems:
- Transferees will receive a letter in the mail instructing the recipient company to submit:
- Proof of financial responsibility (Insurance)
- Designation of a process agent (BOC-3 form)
- The updated OA information will appear in the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance page and the OA status will be displayed as “Inactive” until the above requirements are met.
- Once the OA is Active, the transferee can download a copy of order recording the transfer. A hard copy will also be mailed.
Submit a request to record a transfer using one of the options below:
Option 1: Submit a ticket through our website at Ask FMCSA using the Submit Us a Ticket icon at the top of the page, completing the required fields, and uploading documents. This is the fastest option. FMCSA sends confirmation emails for Ask FMCSA requests.
Option 2: Fax all required information with an explicit request to record an Operating Authority Transfer to 202-366-3477.
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-832-5660 or via our Ask FMCSA page.
For more information, FMCSA provided notice in 2013 on the process to record transfers of operating authority registration by non-exempt for-hire motor carriers, property brokers and freight forwarders. Visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/08/23/2013-20443/transfers-of-operating-authority-registration.
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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:
- Motor Carriers: Ensure your USDOT Number is in an Active status.
- Motor Carriers: Provide a valid Principal Place of Business as your physical address. Do not use a P.O. Box, UPS Store, etc.
- Contact information (phone, e-mail) in FMCSA systems must be valid and up-to-date.
- Corporations (LLC, Inc., etc.): Make sure your company name on the application matches what you filed with the Secretary of State.
- Sole Proprietors: Make sure your legal name is your personal name. Trade name/DBA will be your company name.
- 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.
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- 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
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To reactivate your USDOT number, you must submit complete and submit the appropriate MCS-150 series form, as applicable to your company. Please note that FMCSA strongly recommends using forms directly from our website as other online places may include expired forms by mistake. FMCSA does not accept expired versions of the MCS-150, MCS-150B and MCS-150C forms.
If you are reactivating your USDOT Number after a New Entrant revocation, click here as there are separate instructions to follow.
If you also need to reinstate your operating authority, click here for separate instructions.
To verify your current USDOT number status, visit our SAFER Company Snapshot web page.
If you have questions about your USDOT status, please contact us by phone, email or chat. We can also walk you through the process on your computer using our co-browse functionality.
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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.
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If you would like to suspend operations, you can request voluntary revocation of operating authority (OA) registration by following the steps below:
Step 1: Verify your current Operating Authority registration status.
Step 2: Fill out Form OCE-46
Complete Form OCE-46 to request Voluntary Revocation of your authority (MC/MX/FF).
The form must be notarized or signed in the presence of a FMCSA staff member.
Step 3: Fill out Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B to: (A) Inactivate or (B) Update USDOT registration
A) To inactivate your USDOT number, follow these steps:
- Complete either an updated MCS-150 or MCS-150B form (for Hazmat Carriers).
- In the "reason for filing" section of the form, check the box labeled "Out of Business Notification." This applies even if your company remains in operation for other purposes.
- Ensure that you complete items 1-16 and 30-31 on the form.
- Include a copy of a Driver's License from the individual who signed either #31 on the MCS-150 or #37 on the MCS-150B certification statement (as an attachment).
B) To update your USDOT (to continue operations that do not require Operating Authority):
- Update ONLINE via your FMCSA Portal account. Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes? ; or
- Complete and submit either an updated MCS-150 or MCS-150B form (for Hazmat Carriers).
- In the "reason for filing" section of the form, check the box labeled "Biennial Update or Changes."
- Ensure that you complete all applicable items 1-16, 21, 30-31 and any others where information has changed since the last update.
- Include a copy of a Driver's License from the individual who signed either #31 on the MCS-150 or #37 on the MCS-150B certification statement (as an attachment).
Step 4: Submit Your Form(s)
You can submit the completed and signed forms using one of the following options (expect up to 8 days for review and processing):
- Submit a ticket. This is the quickest option, and you will receive a confirmation number via email.
- Fax the completed forms to 202-366-3477.
- Mail to:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Office of Registration (MC-RS)
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Room W65-206
Washington, D.C. 20590
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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.
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You can now update the following USDOT company information online via FMCSA Portal:
• Applying for additional operating authority
• File a biennial update (MCS-150)
• Change of address
• Reinstate Operating Authority
• Reapplication for USDOT Number after revocation
• Update cargo tank
• Update HM Safety Permit (MCS-150B)
Other transactions, like legal name change requests, that required paper forms before the transition of the Registration options (L&I page) to the FMCSA Portal will continue to be submitted on paper. See the FMCSA Registration Forms page for details.
To proceed with updating your company information, check current status online in SAFER Company Snapshot. Then, proceed to request updates online via FMCSA Portal or on paper via the FMCSA Registration Forms. If the latter, please expect a minimum timeframe of 8 business days for review and processing.
If you don't have an FMCSA Portal, follow the steps below:
Step 1 -- Obtain Your USDOT PIN: Make sure you have your company info handy (i.e., EIN, USDOT) and go to SAFER and select the option to request a PIN and follow the prompts. The PIN will be sent to the e-mail or cell phone currently on file.
Step 2 -- Obtain Your Login.gov E-mail: Login.gov is the official, single sign-on service for US Government services online. If you don't already have a Login.gov e-mail, sign-up for free at https://login.gov/create-an-account/
Step 3 -- Create the FMCSA Portal Account: Visit the FMCSA Portal website at FMCSA Portal and walkthrough the account instructions. You'll only need to go through the steps and use your FMCSA PIN once during account set-up; after that, the Login.gov e-mail address is all you'll need to access your company record.
If you need extra assistance, we've created step-by-step instructions with screenshots for your reference at FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates. These instructions also show you how to add, change, or remove company employees or other users who are authorized to make changes on your behalf, like a service provider.
If you're still running into trouble, please call us at 1-800-832-5660 or chat with an agent at https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/chat/chat_launch.
We'll continue to accept e-mailed forms, along with a copy of Government-issued identification and any applicable supporting documentation at: https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ticket.
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To reinstate your operating authority (MC, FF, or MX Docket Number), you will be required to:
- Comply to with the minimum financial responsibility requirements and Designation of Process Agent (BOC-3 Form) on file 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 an 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.
Please note: 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).
You may submit your operating authority reinstatement request following any of the options below:
- Online: Request reinstatement online via your FMCSA Portal account (Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes?)
- Paper: Send your 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). You will receive a confirmation number by email. Alternatively, you may fax a completed and signed MCSA-5889 Form to 202-366-3477. Paper submissions may take up 8 days for review and processing.
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To change your company’s Legal Business and/or “doing business as” (DBA) name(s) associated with your Operating Authority registration, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain the necessary form: To complete a name change request, you will need to submit the MCSA-5889 - Motor Carrier Records Change Form.
- Fill out the form: Fill out the MCSA-5889 form with accurate and up-to-date information. To complete the MCSA-5589 form for a name change request, complete the following sections:
- Section A – Complete Section A with the current Legal Business and/or DBA name on file with FMCSA.
- Section C – Complete Section C with the updated Legal Business and/or DBA name.
- Section E – Provide your payment information so FMCSA may process the $14 fee associated with a name change request. Please note, if your operating authority application is “Pending,” there is no fee required and Section E can be left blank.
- Gather supporting documents: Along with the MCSA-5889 form, you will need to provide supporting documents that verify the name change.
- Sole Proprietors/Partnerships: Documents may include a marriage/death certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal documentation.
- Corporations: Documents may include Certificates of Amendment (typically includes the old and new company names); Amended Articles of Incorporation; Articles of Incorporation in cases where the Secretary of State does not provide Articles of Amendment.
- All Requestors: The Company Officer signing the Applicant’s Oath in Section A of Form MCSA-5889 must also submit a copy of his/her current Driver’s License.
- Submit the request: Once you have completed the MCSA-5889 form and gathered all the required supporting documents, submit the request and documentation to FMCSA. You may submit your documents by either:
- Submitting a Ticket to the FMCSA Contact Center (complete the required fields and upload your documents).
- Faxing the form and supporting documents to 202-366-3477.
- After the documents are submitted: Once you have submitted the name change request along with all the required documentation, the form will be reviewed for processing.
- Requests are processed in the order that they are received. For additional information about processing times for registration forms, please see our FMCSA Registration Forms page.
- Once FMCSA notifies you that your request has been processed, please allow 24-48 hours for the new name to be visible on the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Public website. You can verify the updated information there.
- Additionally, a hard copy of the Re-entitlement letter will be mailed to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can also print the letter via the Daily FMCSA Registration Decisions.
FMCSA may contact you for additional information regarding your name change request.
After FMCSA issues your Re-entitlement letter, the amended BOC-3 form and proof of insurance filings need to be filed with FMCSA within thirty (30) days of the name change. Your operating authority registration will be at risk of being revoked if the amended BOC-3 form and insurance requirement are not updated in a timely manner. For more information on insurance requirements, visit our Insurance Requirements webpage.
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The cost for each individual Operating Authority is a one-time fee of $300. Separate filing fees must be submitted with the application at the time of processing for each Authority sought. For instance, requests for Passenger Authority and Household Goods Authority will require two $300 fees ($600). Payments can be combined. If both authorities are the same type (like common and contract carrier authorities for property), there is only one fee. FILING FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
There is a $14 charge for processing of a name change and an $80 fee for requesting reinstatement of an authority if it is revoked. For more information on operating authority fees, click here.
You can file for the following operating authorities with the OP-1 Application For Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority (definitions can be found in 49 CFR 390.5):
- Motor Common Carrier of Property except Household Goods
- Motor Contract Carrier of Property except Household Goods
- Motor Common Carrier of Household Goods
- Motor Contract Carrier of Household Goods
- Broker of Property except Household Goods
- United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods)
- United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods
- United States-based Enterprise Owned or Controlled by Persons of Mexico Providing Truck Services for the Transportation of International Household Goods
- OP-1(FF) — Application for Freight Forwarder Authority
- OP-1(P) — Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
- OP-1(MX) — Application to Register Mexico-based Carriers for Motor Authority to Operate Beyond U.S. Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the U.S.-Mexico Border
- OP-2 — Application for Mexican Certificate of Registration for Foreign Motor Carriers and Foreign Motor Private Carriers under 49 U.S.C. 1302
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You must submit the Form MCS-150 and select the reason for filing as “Out of Business.” Please provide a copy (as an attachment) of the Driver’s License from the individual who signed the certification statement either #31 on the Form MCS-150, #37 on the Form MCS-150B, or #22 on the Form MCS-150 C.
If you have an active operating authority linked to your USDOT Number, you must submit the Form OCE-46 along with the Form MCS-150. The Form OCE-46 must be notarized or signed in the presence of an FMCSA staff member.
You can submit the completed and signed forms using the following options:
- Submit a ticket via the FMCSA Registration Contact webpage.
- Fax: You can fax the completed and signed form and letter to 202-366-3477.
Please note FMCSA strongly encourages users to submit a ticket via the FMCSA Registration Contact webpage for a faster processing time.
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You may change the company address or phone number of your operating authority (MC number) record, by submitting your request following any of the options below:
- Online: Request reinstatement online via your FMCSA Portal account (Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes?)
- Paper: Send your 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). You will receive a confirmation number by email. Alternatively, you may fax a completed and signed MCSA-5889 Form to 202-366-3477. Paper submissions may take up 8 days for review and processing.
Your completed form must contain:
- The MC number
- The name of the company
- The former and current addresses and telephone numbers
- Signature of the applicant or applicant's representative
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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.
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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.
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