For motor carriers, brokers and freight forwarders
Apply for your USDOT number and MC operating authoritySubmitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
How much does an MC number cost? FMCSA charges $300 per authority type, and the USDOT number is free. Our service fee is $199, shown separately from the FMCSA fee ($499 total), itemized in the price table.
How long does it take? FMCSA controls the timing: it grants the authority after the 10-day protest period, once your BOC-3 and insurance are on file.
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 fee itemized
- All 50 states + D.C.
- Secure checkout by Stripe
Independent filing service operated by Fast Filing Group LLC. Not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT or any government agency.
No operating authority means no for-hire interstate freight
Under 49 USC 13902, a for-hire motor carrier, freight broker or freight forwarder must hold active FMCSA operating authority, commonly called an MC number, before hauling or arranging freight across state lines. Until FMCSA grants the authority, the USDOT record shows the company as not authorized for for-hire interstate work.
FMCSA controls the timing. FMCSA grants operating authority only after it reviews the application, a 10-day protest period runs, and your BOC-3 process agent filing and your insurer's proof of insurance are on file. FMCSA controls that timing; no filing service can promise it. Under 49 CFR 365.109T the BOC-3 and insurance filings are due within 20 days of the FMCSA Register notice, so they are lined up alongside the application. Already applied? Check the record with the MC number lookup.
What USDOT and MC authority are
- A USDOT number identifies your company to FMCSA for safety tracking and is free. Operating authority (an MC, MX or FF docket number) is the separate FMCSA registration a for-hire interstate carrier, broker or freight forwarder needs, with a $300 FMCSA fee per authority type.
- Private carriers hauling only their own goods need a USDOT number but no MC number. Brokers also need a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or BMC-85 trust fund on file.
- New USDOT numbers and operating authority are requested in FMCSA's Motus registration system, which replaced FMCSA's legacy registration systems (including the URS) in May 2026; you sign in with Login.gov. FMCSA controls processing in Motus, and timing can vary while the transition continues.
Ordered through Fast Trucking Compliance
- We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
- $199 service fee and the $300 FMCSA fee, shown as two separate amounts ($499 total), plus $150 Motus account setup help, only if you choose it.
- You can apply yourself in FMCSA's Motus system at motus.dot.gov, signing in with Login.gov, and pay only the $300 FMCSA fee.
How getting your MC number works.
- 01
You tell us about your business
Online formBusiness name, EIN, address and operation type (motor carrier, broker or freight forwarder). The application is checked for common problems before it goes in: a name that does not match the insurance filing or a late BOC-3 are frequent causes of activation delays.
- 02
Prepared, then submitted in Motus
$199 + $300We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. $199 service fee + $300 FMCSA fee = $499 total, each amount itemized at checkout. See the price table.
- 03
FMCSA reviews and grants the authority
FMCSAFMCSA grants operating authority only after it reviews the application, a 10-day protest period runs, and your BOC-3 process agent filing and your insurer's proof of insurance are on file. FMCSA controls that timing; no filing service can promise it. When FMCSA issues the authority, the certificate is saved to your Compliance Vault with your other filings.
New authority price, itemized
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).
| Item | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Service feePreparing your USDOT and MC operating-authority application. | Fast Filing Group LLC | $199 |
| FMCSA application feeSet by FMCSA (49 CFR 360.3T), per authority type. Charged as its own line and paid to FMCSA with the application. | FMCSA | $300 |
| Total (service fee + FMCSA fee) | $499 | |
| Motus account setup help (optional)Added only if you choose it in the order form. | Fast Filing Group LLC | +$150 |
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).
Operating authority, answered.
What is operating authority (an MC number)?
A USDOT number identifies your company to FMCSA for safety tracking and is free. Operating authority (an MC, MX or FF docket number) is the separate FMCSA registration a for-hire interstate carrier, broker or freight forwarder needs, with a $300 FMCSA fee per authority type. It is issued under 49 USC 13902 and shows in FMCSA's records once it is active.
How much does an MC number cost?
FMCSA charges $300 per authority type (49 CFR 360.3T); the USDOT number is free. Through Fast Trucking Compliance it is $199 service fee + $300 FMCSA fee = $499 total, plus $150 Motus account setup help, only if you choose it. Each amount is itemized before you pay.
How long does it take to get an MC number?
FMCSA grants operating authority only after it reviews the application, a 10-day protest period runs, and your BOC-3 process agent filing and your insurer's proof of insurance are on file. FMCSA controls that timing; no filing service can promise it. The BOC-3 and insurance filings are due within 20 days of the FMCSA Register notice (49 CFR 365.109T).
I do not have a USDOT number yet. Is that a problem?
No. Most new carriers do not have one yet. The USDOT number and the operating authority are requested together in Motus, and you receive both by email once FMCSA issues them.
Do I need a BOC-3 and insurance before the authority is active?
Yes. FMCSA will not grant the authority until a BOC-3 process agent designation (49 CFR 366) and your insurer's proof of insurance are on file: at least $750,000 of public liability for most for-hire freight carriers (BMC-91 or BMC-91X), or a $75,000 BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund for brokers. We do not sell insurance.
Can I apply for operating authority myself?
Yes. You can apply yourself in FMCSA's Motus system at motus.dot.gov, signing in with Login.gov, and pay only the $300 FMCSA fee. A service is for applicants who want the application prepared and checked for them.
Can freight brokers and freight forwarders use this service?
Yes. Broker and freight forwarder authority use the same application and the same $300 FMCSA fee per authority type, with the same $199 service fee.
Can I get a refund?
Our service fee follows the Fast Trucking Compliance Refund Policy. The $300 FMCSA fee is FMCSA's and is not refundable once the application is submitted.
More answers: the full FAQ.
Who you are paying
Independent filing service operated by Fast Filing Group LLC. Not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT or any government agency. We prepare your USDOT number and MC operating-authority application; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. You can apply yourself in FMCSA's Motus system at motus.dot.gov, signing in with Login.gov, and pay only the $300 FMCSA fee.
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). See the itemized price table.
Questions before you order? Use the contact form.
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated