Get Your DOT &
MC Number
Before you can haul federal government freight you need a USDOT number and MC authority from the FMCSA. Here's exactly how to get both.
Have these ready before starting:
- Business name — exactly as registered with your state
- EIN — get free at IRS.gov
- Business address — physical, no P.O. boxes
- Credit or debit card — for the $300 MC fee
- Go to portal.fmcsa.dot.gov/URS/
- Click Register and create an account
- Select Carrier as your entity type
- Complete the form — takes 20-30 minutes
- Submit — your USDOT number is issued immediately
- Log into portal.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Select Operating Authority
- Choose Property (non-household goods)
- Pay the $300 fee
- Wait for the 10-day protest period to pass
- Your MC number is issued after the protest period
You cannot activate MC authority without filing proof of insurance. Federal contracts require $1,000,000 or more in coverage — higher than standard commercial freight.
Your insurance company files the MCS-90 and BMC-91 directly with FMCSA. Make sure your agent knows how.
A BOC-3 designates a process agent in every state. BOC-3 filing companies handle this for $20-40 total and file directly with FMCSA. Search "BOC-3 filing service" to find one.
Once your insurance and BOC-3 are filed, FMCSA activates your MC authority.
Once your MC authority is Active, get your UEI number and register on SAM.gov to start bidding on federal contracts.