How to get a DOT number and MC number?

Delta Force Transport News
2 days ago
2 min read

A U.S. DOT Number is a unique identifier issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is used to track and monitor a company’s safety records, compliance, and operational information in the transportation industry.

Step 1: Determine Your Business Type

Before applying, decide what type of trucking business you will run:

For-hire carrier (hauling goods for payment).

Private carrier (hauling your own goods).

Exempt carrier (transporting exempt goods like certain agricultural products).

This helps determine your regulatory requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Before you start your application, have the following ready:

✔ Business Name & Address (must match your official business registration).

✔ Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).

✔ Type of Operation (Interstate/Intrastate, Private/For-Hire).

✔ Cargo Classification (what you plan to transport).

✔ Number & Types of Vehicles you will operate.

✔ Driver Information (Number of CDL drivers, ownership details).

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration

Step 3: Apply for Your U.S. DOT Number Online

You can apply for a DOT Number online via the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS):

🔗 Go to: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration "New Applicant" and follow the instructions The system will guide you through the registration process.

💡 Important: There is no fee to obtain a DOT Number, but additional costs may apply if you need an MC Number for interstate operations.

Understand the Difference

	Purpose	Required For
DOT Number	Identifies your company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for safety compliance.	Any commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs, carrying hazardous materials, or transporting passengers.
MC Number	Motor Carrier Number, authorizes you to operate interstate (across state lines) as a for-hire carrier.	Required for transporting regulated freight across state lines for hire.

Step 4: Check If You Need an MC Number

A Motor Carrier (MC) Number is required for:

For-hire carriers (hauling goods for payment).
Transporting passengers for compensation.
Transporting hazardous materials.

If you need an MC Number, there is a $300 fee per authority type.

🔗 Apply through the FMCSA here.

Step 5: Complete Additional Requirements

After obtaining your DOT Number, you may need to:

File a BOC-3 Form (Designation of Process Agent) – Required for carriers operating interstate Get Insurance – Required before FMCSA activates your authority (minimum $750,000 for liability, depending on cargo type). Enroll in a Drug & Alcohol Testing Program – Mandatory for CDL drivers in certain operations. Check Your State Requirements – Some states require intrastate DOT Numbers.

Step 6: Stay Compliant with FMCSA Regulations

Once you receive your DOT Number, keep your trucking business compliant by:✔ Updating your registration every two years (Biennial Update – MCS-150 Form).✔ Keeping proper records of driver logs, maintenance, and inspections.✔ Maintaining active insurance.✔ Following Hours of Service (HOS) rules and using an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) if required.