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Non-RegistrationWhat is the difference between a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and a Non-CMV?
A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as any motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is single or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or more than 15 passengers if not receiving compensation for the transportation.
- Any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials that require federal placarding
On the other hand, a non-Commercial Motor Vehicle would not meet the above criteria. For example, consider a vehicle where either the power unit alone or when combined with a trailer does not meet the minimum weight threshold of 10,001 pounds. For instance, a pickup truck with a GVWR of 7,000 pounds and a trailer with a GVWR of 2,000 pounds would not qualify as a CMV.
Visit the vehicle configuration page to learn more about the different types of CMVs
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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What is an Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP)?
AnIntermodal Equipment Provider (IEP)is a person or entity thatmakes intermodal equipment availableto motor carriers for interchange. Additional information and responsibilities are identified in49 CFR section 390.40 of Subpart C.
The term “intermodal equipment” refers to trailing equipment (mainly Intermodal containers, chassis but can also include trailers) used in the transportation of cargo byhighwayin interstate commerce.
An example of anIEPis someone who provides a container chassis to move containers when they come off either a ship or rail. AnIEPmay provide a chassis which will move the container to a motor carrier or provide the chassis for the intermodal movement.
To register with FMCSA as anIEP, go to theUnified Registration System (URS).
Note: If you aretransporting intermodal equipment, it does not mean you would register as anIEP. In this case your entity type would bemotor carrier.
To learn about other entity types, check out ourHow To Identify Entity Typesvideo.
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When is it appropriate to report a name change for my Operating Authority (OA) rather than a Transfer?
An entity may report a Transfer of its Operating Authority when there has been achangein ownership, management, or control of the company and the new owner intends to keep the existing Docket (MC/FF/MX) number. However, there are some instances where an entity may be able to report aNameChangefor its OA instead of a Transfer.
If one of the below applies to you, you would need toreport anamechangeto FMCSA:
- Adding, removing, orchangingownership between immediate family members. Thischangemay be due to death, divorce, marriage, etc.
Note:Immediate family members include husband/wife, son/daughter, and brother/sister. - Removing existing partner’snamefrom the legal businessnamelisted on the authority. For example,changingfrom John Smith and Jane Smith to John Smith.
- Adding/removing company officer’s information (i.e., due to new management).
- For any of the above, you may be required to submit additional documents such as copy of death certificate, divorce certificate, marriage license, or notarized letter.
An FMCSA customer service representative will contact you if this is the case.
However, if you are Transferring (selling) your operating authority to a non-immediate family member/non-related person (i.e., cousin, aunt/uncle, grandparent, distant relatives, or friend), then you would generallyreport a transfer of operating authority.
Note:There are situations where a legalnamechange, ownershipchange, and/or form of businesschangemay require a new USDOT number. For more information,click here.
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-832-5660 or via our Ask FMCSA page.
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How can I change the required level of insurance my company has on file with the FMCSA?
If the amount of insurance on file with FMCSA needs to be raised or lowered, please create a ticket. Include the following information (preferably on company letterhead):
USDOT#
MC#
Name of company
Request to raise or lower the insurance, and the desired amount
Signature of the requestor
Once that change has been requested, FMCSA insurance specialists will process it in our systems, provided that it reflects the amount of insurance you are required to have on file based on your type of operation.
For more information about FMCSA insurance requirements, click here.
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I share interstate operating authority (MC Number) with a business partner and would like to discontinue my partnership with this person. Is that possible?
Yes. You can dissolve a partnership with an existing MC number by submitting a notarized letter signed by bothpartnersrequesting that thepartnerbe removed from the existing authority.
If thepartnerscannot agree who should keep the existing MC number:
- They should bothfile a new applicationwith the required fees and get new MC numbers
- They should request that the existing MC number be voluntarily revoked. See the FAQ “How can I suspend or put my operating authority (MC number) on hold?”
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What is the civil penalty for a broker or freight forwarder who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority (registration)?
A broker or freight forwarder who knowingly engages in interstate brokerage or freight forwarding operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for acivilpenaltynot to exceed $10,000 and can be liable to any injured third party for all valid claims regardless of the amount (49 U.S.C. 14916(c)). Thepenaltiesand liability to injured parties apply jointly and severally to all corporations or partnerships involved in the transportation and individually to all officers, directors, and principals of these business forms (49 U.S.C. 14916(d)).Under49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(3),a broker of household goods (HHG) who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for acivilpenaltyof not less than $25,000 for each violation.Source:78 FR54720.
To report such a violation,click hereto contact the National Consumer Complaint Database.
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What is an exempt for-hire (exempt commodities) motor carrier?
An exempt for-hire motor carrier transports exempt (unregulated) property owned by others for compensation. The exemptcommoditiesusually include unprocessed or unmanufactured goods, fruits and vegetables, and other items of little or no value.
For a partial listing of exempt and non-exemptcommodities, please refer toAdministrative Ruling 119.
For information about who needs an MC number,click here.
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How do I register as if I am a motor carrier based in Mexico, and plan to transport cargo in the US beyond the commercial zone?
If you are a motor carrier based inMexicoand plan to operate beyond the commercial zone in the United States, you must register with FMCSA by completing the appropriate forms: MCS-150, OP-1MX and BOC-3 Forms.
To download the forms, clickhere.
Please note the online FMCSA registration process is not available for these type of operations at this time.
More guidance for Mexican carriers ishere.
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If I have a company that doesn’t have authority and is transporting exempt commodities (like wheat), am I required to have insurance on file with FMCSA?
Carriers who transportexempt commoditiesunderpart 387, subpart Aare stillrequired to maintain proof of financial responsibility on a designated form, theMCS-90, under387.7(d), but the form is not required to be filed with FMCSA.Pursuant to387.9, a for-hire property carrier is required to maintain a minimum level of $750,000. The only other reason you could be exempt from the minimum financial responsibility requirement is if you are not operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (i.e., your vehicles are less than 10,001 lbs.). Otherwise, you should have the appropriate documentation of financial responsibility.
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