Compliance FAQ
When does my MC number activate?
Your MC number becomes active once FMCSA grants the authority. 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). Under 49 CFR §365.109T the BOC-3 and insurance are due within 20 days of the FMCSA Register notice. If supporting filings are missing, the MC stays pending until they land.
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Why does it matter?
Applications that have cleared FMCSA review and have all three supporting filings on record (the application, BOC-3, BMC-91 or equivalent) are granted once the 10-day protest period after the FMCSA Register notice has passed (49 CFR 365.203T).
Once granted, the authority shows as active in FMCSA's records (Motus public search), which you can search by USDOT number or company name.
Later grants typically mean the BOC-3 was filed late, the insurer took longer than expected to file BMC-91, or FMCSA pulled the application for further review.
After activation, the carrier can legally accept interstate freight under their own banner. New carriers are monitored as new entrants for 18 months (§385.307); the safety audit usually comes within the first 12 months, and the registration becomes permanent at the end of the 18 months if the carrier passed and has no open corrective notice (§385.333(a)).
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.