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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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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.
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If a new entrant receives a notice under § 385.319(c) that its new entrant registration will be revoked, it may request FMCSA to conduct an administrative review if it believes FMCSA has committed an error in determining that its basic safety management controls are inadequate. The request must:
- Be made to the Field Administrator of the appropriate FMCSA Service Center
- Explain the error the new entrant believes FMCSA committed in its determination
- Include a list of all factual and procedural issues in dispute and any information or documents that support the new entrant’s argument
FMCSA may request that the new entrant submit additional data and attend a conference to discuss the issues(s) in dispute. If the new entrant does not attend the conference or does not submit the requested data, FMCSA may dismiss the new entrant’s request for review.
A new entrant must submit a request for an administrative review within one of the following time periods:
- If it does not submit evidence of corrective action under § 385.319(c), within 90 days after the date it is notified that its basic safety management controls are inadequate
- If it submits evidence of corrective action under § 385.319(c), within 90 days after the date it is notified that its corrective action is insufficient and its basic safety management controls remain inadequate
If a new entrant wants to ensure that FMCSA will be able to issue a final written decision before the prohibitions outlined in § 385.325(c) take effect, the new entrant must submit its request no later than 15 days from the date of the notice that its basic safety management controls are inadequate. Failure to submit the request within this 15-day period may result in revocation of new entrant registration and issuance of an out-of-service order before completion of administrative review.
FMCSA will complete its review and notify the new entrant in writing of its decision within:
- 45 days after receiving a request for review from a new entrant that is subject to § 385.319(c)(1)
- 30 days after receiving a request for review from a new entrant that is subject to § 385.319(c)(2)
The Field Administrator’s decision constitutes the final Agency action.
For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.
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If FMCSA determines the safety audit discloses the new entrant’s basic safety management controls are inadequate, the Agency will provide the new entrant written notice, as soon as practicable, but not later than 45 days after the completion of the safety audit, that its USDOT new entrant registration will be revoked, and its operations placed out-of-service unless it takes the actions to remedy its safety management practices.
If a new entrant fails to submit a written response demonstrating corrective action acceptable to FMCSA within the time specified in § 385.319, FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue an out-of-service order:
- 45-day corrective action requirement: Each new entrant listed below must take the specified actions to remedy inadequate safety management practices within 45 days of the date of the notice. FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue and out-of-service order on the 46th day if the written response is not acceptable:
- A new entrant that transports passengers in a CMV designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for direct compensation
- A new entrant that transports passengers in a CMV designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver)
- A new entrant that transports hazardous materials requiring placards in a CMV as defined in the definition of a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” in § 390.5
- 60-day corrective action requirement: All other new entrants must take the specified actions to remedy inadequate safety management practices within 60 days of the date of the notice. FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue and out-of-service order on the 61st day if the written response is not acceptable.
For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.
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If a new entrant refuses to permit a safety audit to be performed on its operations, FMCSA will provide the carrier with written notice that its new entrant registration will be revoked and its operations placed out of service unless the new entrant agrees in writing, within 10 days from the service date of the notice, to permit the safety audit to be performed. The refusal to permit a safety audit to be performed may result in the new entrant being placed out of service and subjected to the penalty provisions of 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A), as adjusted for inflation by 49 CFR part 386, Appendix B.
For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.
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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.
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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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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.
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The New Entrant Program introduces new interstate motor carriers to federal safety standards and regulations. When a carrier registers and receives a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number, they are considered a New Entrant for 18 months. A Safety Audit will be conducted within 12 months after the New Entrant begins operations.
New Entrants will receive a letter from FMCSA explaining what they need to do next.
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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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For the purpose of complying with the new requirements for medical certification, it is important to know how you are using the CMV. To help you decide, follow these steps:
Step 1: Do you, or will you, use a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce?
- Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV:
- From one State to another State or a foreign country
- Between two places within a State, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another State or foreign country
- Between two places within a State, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another State or foreign country
- Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a State and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce
- If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce
Step 2: Once you decide whether you operate (or will operate) in interstate commerce or intrastate commerce, you then must decide whether you operate (or expect to operate) in a non-excepted or excepted status.
Interstate Commerce:
- You operate in excepted interstate commerce when you drive a CMV in interstate commerce only for the following excepted activities:
- To transport school children and/or school staff between home and school
- As Federal, State or local government employees
- To transport human corpses or sick or injured persons
- Fire truck or rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies and other related activities
- Primarily in the transportation of propane winter heating fuel when responding to an emergency condition requiring immediate response such as damage to a propane gas system after a storm or flooding
- In response to a pipeline emergency condition requiring immediate response such as a pipeline leak or rupture
- In custom harvesting on a farm or to transport farm machinery and supplies used in the custom harvesting operation to and from a farm or to transport custom harvested crops to storage or market
- Beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees
- Controlled and operated by a farmer, but is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies (no placard-able hazardous materials) to and from a farm and within 150 air-miles of the farm
- As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business purposes
- To transport migrant workers
- If you answered yes to one or more of the above activities as the only operation in which you drive, you operate in excepted interstate commerce and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate
- If you drive for more than just the above activities, you operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and are required to provide a current medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR 391.45), commonly referred to as a medical certificate or DOT card, to your SDLA. Most CDL holders who drive CMVs in interstate commerce are non-excepted interstate commerce drivers
- If you operate in both excepted interstate commerce and non-excepted interstate commerce, you must choose non-excepted interstate commerce to be qualified to operate in both types of interstate commerce
Intrastate Commerce:
- You operate in excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce activities which your State of licensure has determined do not require you to meet the State’s medical certification requirements
- You operate in non-excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are required to meet your State of licensure’s medical certification requirements
- If you operate in both excepted intrastate commerce and non-excepted intrastate commerce, you must choose non-excepted intrastate commerce
Step 3: Provide your State Driver Licensing Agency with your self-certification of your operating status. If you self-certify to non-excepted interstate, you must provide your SDLA with either the original or copy of your current medical examiner’s certificate as required by your SDLA.
If your medical examiner’s certificate is only valid with a variance granted by FMCSA, you may also be asked by your SDLA to provide a copy of that variance document.
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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.
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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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If your USDOT Number is active, online updates can be made via your FMCSA Portal account. Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes?
If your number is inactive, you will need to submit a paper form. See our Registration Forms page for more information.
Check SAFER to verify your current USDOT Number status.
Biennial Update
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information, has ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA.
Failure to complete a Biennial Update will result in deactivation of your USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.
Updating your information is free. We have included instructions below to help you complete your biennial update.
- Deadlines for Filing an Update
- Update via the FMCSA Ask Website
- Update via US Mail (may delay the process)
What is the Deadline to Update?
Filing schedule: Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:
- Before it begins operations; and
- Every 24 months according to the following schedule:
USDOT number ending in: | Must file by last day of: |
1 | January |
2 | February |
3 | March |
4 | April |
5 | May |
6 | June |
7 | July |
8 | August |
9 | September |
0 | October |
If the next-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every even-numbered calendar year.
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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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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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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.
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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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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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