View FAQ's by Topic
Effective April 27, 2020, the MC and MX PINs have been eliminated. FMCSA has consolidated its PIN functions into one USDOT PIN. This PIN is received at registration and may be requested from FMCSA if it is lost or forgotten.
A PIN can now be requested online and delivered in one of two ways:
- Receive USDOT PIN by email immediately
- Receive USDOT PIN via hard-copy letter through the US Post Office
You can request the PIN by going to www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and then clicking on the "Click here to request a USDOT Number PIN be emailed" prompt or "Click here to request a USDOT Number PIN be mailed to the address on file." Detailed instructions for this process are attached to this FAQ.
PLEASE NOTE: requirements for receiving the PIN have changed as of November 13, 2017.
How Long Will It Take by Mail?
Please allow 7-10 business days to receive it by mail. It will be mailed to the mailing address on file with the FMCSA.
What is the format of the USDOT Number PIN ?
Number PIN is NLNNLLNL
Where:
N= a number
L= a letter
Example PIN: 1A23BC4D
Last Updated:
Please open a ticket requesting that your password be reset. Include your name, the company name, the account filer name, and phone number.
Last Updated:
If a for-hire carrier, broker, freight forwarder or other regulated entity applies for the wrong type of operating authority, or changes the type of business they do, they may need to request a change of operating authority type.
If the original application is still pending, the entity can request the change with no additional fee. If the application has already been granted, the entity would need to pay an additional $300 fee to apply for a new authority.
Please submit your request containing the following information by uploading the documents via the ASK website (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents), you will receive a confirmation number by email; or via fax to 202-366-3477
- The OP-series form appropriate to the new authority you are requesting:
- OP-1 forms if requesting change to carrier, broker or household goods carrier authority
- OP-1(FF) form if requesting change to freight forwarder authority
- OP-1(P) form if requesting change to passenger authority
- A letter or email with a statement describing the change you are requesting (from household goods carrier to motor carrier, or freight forwarder to motor carrier, for example)
- The signature of the person requesting the change (must be from the applicant who signed the original application or the authorized representative listed on the application. If the person requesting the change is the authorized representative listed in MCMIS but is not listed on the application, then a written statement from owner/applicant will be needed confirming that person's authorization to request the change on behalf of the carrier before the change can be made and the representative section is updated in L&I)
- Current MC/DOT/FF numbers if available
- Updated MCS-150 form
Your form will be reviewed and processed by FMCSA. More information on applying for operating authority can be found on our "Get Authority to Operate" web page.
Last Updated:
Your SDLA will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in non-excepted interstate commerce. The SDLA will then downgrade all your CDL privileges. Click here for more information.
Last Updated:
You can check to see if a name change or address change has been completed at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Once in the Safer website, go to “FMCSA Searches”
- Click “Licensing & Insurance”
- Enter MC Number or USDOT Number in the appropriate box and click “search”
It may take approximately 14 days to process the request.
Last Updated:
To interline a shipment is to transfer the shipment between two or more carriers for movement to final destination. For example, where the point of origin is Washington, DC and the final destination is Los Angeles, CA, Motor Carrier “A” may transport a shipment from Washington, DC and then interline with Motor Carrier “B” in San Antonio, TX. Motor Carrier “B” will then complete the transportation of the shipment to Los Angeles, CA.
Last Updated:
The most efficient way to request and track a review of Federal and State crash or inspection data is using the DataQs system, which automatically forwards your Request for Data Review (RDR) to the appropriate office for resolution and collects updates and responses for current requests.
Please note: Entities that are registered in MCMIS (for examples, interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, IEPs, etc.) must log in to the FMCSA Portal to request access to DataQs. If you don't already have a Portal account, you can learn how to set one up by clicking here. Once you have a Portal account, then you can request DataQs access.
If you aren't a registered entity in MCMIS, click here.
Last Updated:
A new entrant that operates a CMV in violation of an out-of-service order is subject to the penalty provisions in U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A) for each offense as adjusted for inflation by 49 CFR 386, Appendix B.
Depending on State laws, your company may also be subject to suspension and/or revocation of state vehicle registration privileges.
For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.
Last Updated:
Yes. You can dissolve a partnership with an existing MC number by submitting a notarized letter signed by both partners requesting that the partner be removed from the existing authority.
If the partners cannot agree who should keep the existing MC number:
- They should both file a new application with the required fees and get new MC numbers
- They should request that the existing MC number be voluntarily revoked. See the FAQ “How can I suspend or put my operating authority (MC number) on hold?”
Last Updated:
Please go to FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance system and select “Carrier search” from the pull-down menu. If you do not have access to the internet, please call our toll free number: 1-800-832-5660.
Last Updated:
If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). If you require a variance and it has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA. Your State may require retesting and additional fees to get back your CDL privileges. If allowed by your SDLA, you may also change your self-certification to an operating category that does not require a medical certificate.
More information can be found on the FMCSA medical program web site.
Last Updated:
Once you have your USDOT number, you will be able to operate as a private motor carrier. You will not be able to operate as a for-hire motor carrier until you have operating authority (an active MC number). For more information on operating authority, click here.
There is a $300 fee for each operating authority requested.
Last Updated:
Yes, you will keep the same MC number if you change your name. However, you will not receive a new certificate or permit, but you will receive a re-entitlement decision which should be attached to your original operating authority.
For information on how to change the name on your operating authority, click here.
There are situations where a legal name change, ownership change or form of business change may require a new USDOT number. For more information, click here.
Last Updated:
First-time broker applicants who don't already have a US DOT number or other operating authority must register online with the FMCSA via the Unified Registration System (URS).
If you already have a US DOT number and/or other operating authority, you must apply by submitting the OP-1 form to FMCSA until URS is fully implemented. Please note: on January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice suspending the January 14 and April 14, 2017 URS effectiveness dates.
For more information on registering as a broker, click here.
After the MC Number has been assigned, to complete the application process, brokers must also take the following steps:
- For brokers of property: Proof of Insurance Coverage: a Surety Bond or Trust Fund Agreement (Form BMC-85) in the amount of $75,000
- For brokers of household goods: Proof of Insurance Coverage: a Surety Bond or Trust Fund Agreement (Form BMC-84) in the amount of $75,000
- Form BOC-3, Designation of Process Agent Form (brokers may designate themselves as their own process agents in the State in which they are writing contracts)
- Application processing fee: $300 (non-refundable)
- Application processing time: Approximately 4-6 weeks
Note: Effective October 2013 all bonds for brokers increased to $75,000.00.
Last Updated:
Your best option is to renew them prior to the expiration date. If your certificate does expire, you must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You must then provide the State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) the new medical examiner’s certificate. You are also responsible for applying to FMCSA for a renewal of your variance per CFR§391.51(b)(8)
For a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate, see Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875 located in CFR§391.43(f)
You can find contact information for your state’s driver licensing agency on the USA.gov website.
To search for a medical examiner, click here.
Last Updated:
Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.
Last Updated:
The Unified Registration System (URS) is 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, including motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), hazardous materials safety permit (HMSP) applicants/holders, and cargo tank manufacturing and repair facilities. The URS will combine multiple registration processes, information technology systems and forms into a single, electronic online registration process.
Note: The initial phase of URS affected only new registrants (Dec. 12, 2015). Later phases will affect all regulated entities.
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.
Last Updated:
Either the applicant or process agent, on behalf of the applicant, can file Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) with the FMCSA. Only one completed form may be on file. It must include all states for which agency designations are required. One copy must be retained by the carrier or broker at its principal place of business.
For more information on filing form BOC-3 with the FMCSA, click here.
Last Updated:
To update the company’s Legal/DBA name or phone number associated with your USDOT Number record, you can use one of the following options. Updating your USDOT Number record is free of charge.
Option 1: Online Update
Complete the process online using your USDOT PIN. You can find detailed instructions for the online process attached to this FAQ.
Option 2: Submit a Form
Download the appropriate MCS-150 form: MCS-150 (Motor Carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carriers with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers). Once completed and signed, submit the form using one of the options below:
- Submit a ticket through our website at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents). This is the fastest option, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.
- Fax the form to 202-366-3477 or 606-330-3802.
- Mail the form using the instructions provided on the form. Please note that this option may result in a delay in processing, and we recommend using one of the first two options.
In some cases, a legal name change, ownership change, or change in form of business may require a new USDOT number. For more information on this, click here.
Please note that if you change the name associated with your USDOT number, it will not automatically update your MC number. You will need to go through the MC number name change procedure separately. However, if you change the name associated with your MC number, it will also be updated for your USDOT number. There is a $14 fee for an MC number name change.
Last Updated:
Starting on January 30, 2012, when you:
- Apply for a CDL
- Renew a CDL
- Apply for a higher class of CDL
- Apply for a new endorsement on a CDL
- Transfer a CDL from another State
You will be required to self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on your driver license application form. Based on that self-certification, you may need to provide your SDLA with a current medical examiner’s certificate and show any variance you may have to obtain or keep your CDL. Source: 76 FR 70661
Last Updated: