Compliance FAQ
How long does an MC application take?
FMCSA controls the timing. Authority is granted once the BOC-3 and insurance are on file and the 10-day protest period after the application's FMCSA Register notice has passed (49 CFR 365.203T). The accepted application publishes in the FMCSA Register as a preliminary grant of authority; protests are due within 10 days of that notice and the BOC-3 + insurance within 20 days (49 CFR §365.109T).
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Why does it matter?
The application is reviewed by the FMCSA and, once accepted, publishes in the FMCSA Register as a preliminary grant of authority. The notice opens a 10-day window during which any party with standing can object (49 CFR §365.203T).
The same notice starts a 20-day clock for the supporting paperwork: BOC-3 process-agent designation and the BMC-91 (carriers) or BMC-84/85 (brokers) financial-responsibility filing (49 CFR §365.109T). UCR registration and any state-level filings run in parallel.
Once FMCSA completes its review and the supporting filings are on record, FMCSA grants the authority. FMCSA controls the timing.
Common hold-ups: a missing BOC-3 is the most common cause of authority not activating. Insurance filings that don't get linked to the MC by the agent's NAIC code is the second. Both are fixable, but only if someone is checking FMCSA's records (Motus public search).
Start your USDOT and MC authority application
We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA charges a $300 application fee for each operating authority type (49 CFR 360.3T); a USDOT number is free. Our $199 service fee and the $300 FMCSA fee are itemized as two separate amounts before you pay ($499 total).
Submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
Independent filing service operated by Fast Filing Group LLC. Not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT or any government agency.