How do I create a Login.gov account?
Please follow the step-by-step directions, which can be found on the FMCSA website, to establish your account.
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How do I login to my FMCSA Portal account?
As of January 1, 2024, users will be required to use Login.gov to access their FMCSA Portal account. Username and Password will no longer be available.If you don't have a Login.gov account yet, you must set up an account using your FMCSA Portal account email address in order to link the accounts.
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Why is FMCSA implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
The Federal Cybersecurity plan under White House Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy) requires all Federal agencies to adopt secure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance information security by Dec. 31, 2023.
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Who is required to have a Login.gov account for access to FMCSA systems?
As FMCSA introduces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to its systems, all users with credentials for any FMCSA system will be required to transition to a Login.gov account in lieu of their current credentials to access FMCSA systems.
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What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method to verify your identity requiring two or more pieces of evidence (factors). These factors can be something you know (like a password), something you have (like an access card) or something you are (like facial recognition or fingerprint).
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Which Principal Place of Business (PPOB) address types are considered invalid or not acceptable?
You cannot designate as your PPOB any location where your entity is not actively engaged in business operations. FMCSA will not accept a P.O. Box, a private mailbox, post office box centers that hold mail or packages for pickup, or other location with no legal or functional relationship to the applicant’s business including process agents.
If using a virtual office location, the entity must make safety records available for inspection at this location within 48 hours upon FMCSA’s request.
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What is a Principal Place of Business (PPOB)?
The entity’s physical address or PPOB is the designated central location where the company is engaged in business operations. Normally, this is where officials routinely report to work, and where safety records and/or business records are regularly maintained.
The entity must make safety records available for inspection at this location within 48 hours upon FMCSA’s request.
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How to Prevent My MCS-150 Form from Being Returned as Incomplete?
When submitting FMCSA Registration forms, all required fields must be complete and required supporting documentation must be attached. Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant and must be resubmitted, which delays the process.
Note: Each form is prefaced with detailed instructions to assist filling out the form.
7 reasons your MCS-150 may be incomplete and not processed:
Sending expired forms
Ensure you have the latest version. The expiration date is located at the top right of each page of the form. The current FMCSA Registration forms are here.Acceptable form of ID not submitted
With exception of New Applications, a Driver’s License of the individual signing the form must be submitted (and must match a company officer listed on Line 30). An MCS-150 form to request updates cannot be processed until the proper Driver’s License is submitted and verified.Section 1 – Legal Business Name
The name must match the company name on record unless you are requesting a Name Change. In that case, Articles of Incorporation or Amendment are required. If your company has Operating Authority, an Operating Authority Name Change request is required.
Section 22 and 23 must correspond (Interstate + Authorized For-Hire)
If Interstate and Authorized For-Hire are selected but the company does not currently have an Operating Authority, the form cannot be accepted. You must either apply for Operating Authority or make the appropriate selection on the MCS-150 and resubmit the form.Section 24 and 25 must correspond (Motor Vehicles, Driveaway/Towaway and Class 9/Carried/Non-Bulk)
If Motor Vehicles or Driveaway/Towaway is selected on line 24, Class 9, Carried, and Non-bulk must be checked on line 25 (for miscellaneous hazardous material like flammable liquids).
Section 31 - Company Officer Signature (i.e., owner, president, partner)
A signature is required and must match a company officer listed on line 30Section 31 - Filing Date
If you update your MCS-150 online, the system will be updated as of that date. If you send a paper MCS-150 on the same date or earlier, it cannot be processed. Ensure the date on your MCS-150 is greater than the last online update
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My operating authority application was dismissed, what can I do to obtain Operating Authority?
An application for operating authority is Dismissed if the applicant fails to provide evidence of financial responsibility (proof of insurance) and a designation of process agent Form BOC-3 approximately 90 days from the date of filing of the application.
A dismissal is the equivalent of a rejection, and you have two options to proceed:
Submit an Appeal: If you have evidence that insurance was filed on time and the dismissal was made in error, you can choose to submit an appeal. Make sure to provide the necessary documentation to support your appeal.
File a New Application: You can file a new application for operating authority. You have the option to apply online or by sending the corresponding OP series form as applicable. Additionally, you will need to pay the appropriate fee of $300 per type of operating authority requested. Applications following a rejection/dismissal must be filed under the same USDOT and MC/FF numbers.
Important Note: Any subsequent applications following a rejection or dismissal cannot be filed via the Unified Registration System.
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Who do I contact regarding regulations and questions about transporting Hazardous Materials?
For questions regarding transportation of hazardous materials, cylinders, scuba tanks, etc., please contact the The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
- Website:Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- Toll-free Number:1-800-HMR-4922 (1-800-467-4922)
- Alternative Phone Number:202-366-4488.
For the PHMSA regional offices, the site is:Offices | PHMSA (dot.gov)
For Hazmat Regulations and Interpretations, the site is:Regulations and Compliance | PHMSA (dot.gov)
To access HAZMAT regulations and interpretations, please see49 CFR 171-185. (Note: This link is to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-cfr).
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How do I find a BOC-3 Process Agent and what do they do?
A process agent is a legal representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. Every motor carrier (of property or passengers) shall make a designation for each state in which it is authorized to operate and for each state traversed during such operations (usingFormBOC-3).Brokers are required to list process agents in each state in which they have an office and in which they write contracts. Many commercial firms will arrange process agents in any state for a fee.
Carriers who operate exclusively in either Alaska or Hawaii need only designate a process agent in that state.
Mexican carriers operating in the Commercial Zone need only designate a process agent in the states they will be operating in.
Alist of process agentscan be found in the instruction packet accompanying an application or on our website.
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How Do I Change My Company’s Entity Type?
To change theEntitytypeon your registration:
- Complete anMCS-150 formensuring that all applicable items are filled out. To avoid delays:
- Section 24: If you select Motor Vehicles and/or Drive Away/Towaway, you must select “Class 9” in section 25. Also, in section 25, C (Carried) and N (Non-bulk) must be checked.
- Section 30 and 31 must be filled out
- Select "Biennial Update or Changes" as the "Reason for Filing" on the top of the form.
- In the blank space at the top of the form, indicate theEntitytypeyou need (i.e., ChangeEntitytypeto Motor Carrier)
- Upload the form through our website at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/ (scroll to the bottom of hte page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents), you wil receive a confirmation number by email; or via fax to 202-366-3477.
A company’sEntitytypeis the term used to describe the company’s operations. When filling out your application for a USDOT Number (and Operating Authority-OA), you will be answering questions that directly impact yourEntitytype: Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, Cargo Tank,Intermodal Equipment Provider(IEP). For additional information on this topic, check ourHow To IdentifyEntityTypesvideo.
Note:Entitytypeisnotthe same asOperating Authority(OA)type; however, theentitytypewill have to correspond to your OAtype. To change yourtypeof OA, please review the information onthis page.
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Why is my operating authority status shown as “NOT AUTHORIZED” on Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER)?
We updated SAFER to clarify how information is displayed on the website. These updates include how the Company Snapshot defines the operating authority statuses in SAFER. The “NOT AUTHORIZED” message linked to the USDOT Number status resulted in misunderstandings about the statuses of entities.
The current operating authority statuses will now be correctly displayed in the Company Snapshot. Operating authority statuses are defined as the following:
Operating Authority Status
AUTHORIZED FOR (Passenger, Property, Household Goods [HHG]): This will list the specific operating authorities the carrier (or broker) is allowed to operate.
NOT AUTHORIZED: The entity does not have any operating authority and/or is not authorized to engage in interstate, for-hire operations.
OUT-OF-SERVICE: Carrier is under any type of out-of-service order and is not authorized to operate.
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How can insurance companies e-mail the FMCSA insurance division?
All insurance companies can contacte-mailthe FMCSA Insurance Division atmc-ecc.comments@dot.gov.
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Where do I send my New Entrant Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?
Please send your CAP to the appropriate FMCSA Office:
Western: AK, American Samoa, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, , MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, Northern Mariana Is.
E-mail: WSCCAP@dot.gov
Phone: 303-407-2347
Fax: 877-547-0383
Midwestern: IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, WI
E-mail: MSCCAP@dot.gov
Phone: 708-283-3564
Fax: 877-547-0381
Southern: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN
E-mail: SSCCAP@dot.gov
Phone: 404-327-7351
Fax: 877-547-0380
Eastern: CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, VA, VI, VT, WV
E-mail:ESCCAP@dot.gov
Phone: 443-703-2269
Fax:877-547-0379
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What are the penalties for failure to submit my biennial update?
Failureto complete biennial updates to FMCSA will subject the entities to civilpenaltiesof up to $1,000 per day with a maximumpenaltyof $10,000. Certain for-hire carriers of passengers and freight, freight forwarders, and brokers may be subject to additional civilpenaltiesas authorized by 49 U.S.C. 14901(a). FMCSA may also deactivate the USDOT Number for any entity that fails to comply with the updating requirements.
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What is the definition of an authorized for-hire carrier?
An authorizedfor-hiremotor carrier transports passengers, regulated property or household goods owned by others for compensation. If you are afor-hirecarrier, in addition to the USDOT number you will also need to obtain operating authority (MC number).
You can review the different types of authorityby clicking here.
For information on how to apply forfor-hireauthority,click here.
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Who is required to carry cargo insurance?
Household goods carriers and freight forwarders of household goods are required to havecargoinsurance. For theminimum levels of financial responsibility required for each type of motor carrier,please see 49 CFR 387.9.
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What happens if my medical examiner’s certificate or variance expires before I provide my State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) with a new one?
You are no longer licensed to drive a commercial motor vehicle. YourSDLAwill notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV in non-excepted interstate commerce.
You can find contact information for your state’s driver licensing agencyon the USA.gov website.
For more information,click here.
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Should each terminal operation or branch of a corporation register for a USDOT number?
A USDOT number usually applies to the company, not a particular branch office or vehicle. Generally thecorporateoffice or headquarters should register the company, and should inform its branches of the USDOT number. For companies with multiple branches, maintaining proper registration with the FMCSA requires good communication between thecorporateheadquarters and the terminal offices. The company's headquarters then can then interact with the FMCSA to ensure that all of its branches are properly accounted for.
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