Operating Authority / MC Number Assistance
Operating authority (often called an MC number) is FMCSA's permission to operate as a for-hire carrier or broker. It's separate from your USDOT number and generally required before you can legally haul freight for payment.
Start with your USDOT number
We'll confirm where you stand before anything else happens.
- We pull up your carrier record
- We show you what needs attention, in plain English
- Nothing gets filed or charged until you approve it
Don't have it handy? Talk to a specialist instead →
You don't have to use us. You can complete this yourself directly with FMCSA. Our fee is for preparing and filing it on your behalf.
Who typically needs this
- For-hire carriers that transport goods or passengers belonging to others
- Freight brokers arranging transportation for compensation
- Carriers expanding from private to for-hire operations
What DOT Compliance Partner handles
- Determining which type of authority fits your operation
- Preparing and filing the application
- Coordinating the BOC-3 process agent filing that's required alongside it
- Tracking the application through to approval
What we'll need from you
- USDOT number
- Type of authority needed (common, contract, broker)
- Insurance provider contact information
- Business structure documents
How it works
- 01
Confirm the right authority type
We review your operation and identify what you need to apply for.
- 02
We file the application
Your application and required filings are submitted together.
- 03
We track it to approval
We monitor the process and let you know what's outstanding, if anything.
Deadlines & renewal
This is a one-time application before you begin for-hire operations. Authority can be revoked for gaps in required insurance filings or inactivity, so staying current matters after approval too.
Common mistakes
- Applying for the wrong authority type for the actual operation
- Insurance filings not being coordinated with the application, which delays approval
- Letting a BOC-3 filing lapse after authority is granted
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a USDOT number and an MC number?+
A USDOT number identifies your company with FMCSA. An MC number (operating authority) is separate permission to operate for-hire. Many carriers need both.
Related services
Ready to get started?
Enter your USDOT number or talk to our compliance team.
DOT Compliance Partner is a private third-party service provider and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA, the UCR Plan, or any other government agency.