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FMCSA USDOT Registration Process
If you already have a USDOT number, Do NOT apply for another one!
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The FMCSA announced that as of January 1, 2003 new motor carriers domiciled in the U.S. or Canada must complete the following new entrant registration process. All new entrant motor carriers must complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) and Safety Certification Application for USDOT Number (MCS-150A). In addition, for-hire motor carriers must complete an OP-1 or OP-1(P) form, the BOC-3 form, and pay a $300.00 filing fee. Private motor carriers are not required to file an OP-1 or BOC-3 form, or pay any fee.

Once the proper application forms have been completed the motor carrier will be granted new entrant registration (USDOT number). After being issued a new entrant registration, the motor carrier will be subject to an 18-month safety-monitoring period. During this safety-monitoring period, the motor carrier will receive a safety audit and have their roadside crash and inspection information closely evaluated. The motor carrier will be required to demonstrate it has the necessary systems in place to ensure basic safety management controls. Failure to demonstrate basic safety management controls may result in the motor carrier having their new entrant registration revoked.

  • One USDOT number is good for all of a company’s vehicles. Do NOT reapply for each vehicle.
  • This service is not available to motor carriers domiciled in Mexico. Mexican motor carriers, please call 1-800-832-5660 (001-800-832-5660 from Mexico) for more information on the application process.
  • Motor carriers interested in using this feature must have a valid credit card to serve as their digital signature.
  • Any technical questions can be addressed to mcs150@cots.com.
Below you will find links to all the steps you need to successfully pass through in order to complete the new entrant registration process. spacer

All Applicants need to submit the MCS-150 form (application for USDOT #) as well as the MCS-150A (Safety Certification for Application). You will need a valid credit card to serve as your digital signature when you electronically file, however there will be NO CHARGE assessed to your card. If you do not wish to file the MCS-150 and MCS-150A online, we have included methods below that allow you to fill out the forms through your Internet browser, and then print the final copy of the forms to submit via fax or regular mail.

Applicants who are Authorized For-Hire must also submit an OP-1 or OP-1(P) form (the application for a MC # and Operating Authority). There is a non-refundable $300 filing fee for the OP-1 or OP-1(P) form.
spacer To Access Education and Technical Assistance Package

  • Go to A Motor Carrier's Guide to Improving Highway Safety web site.

    Educational and technical assistance material regarding the requirements of the FMCSRs and HMRs is available to all applicants. This material can help the new entrant motor carrier operate safely by understanding Federal regulations and establishing systems to ensure compliance with the FMCSRs.

spacer To obtain a MC number (Operating Authority)

  • OP-1 Application filed electronically for Motor Property Carrier/Broker Authority/Passenger Applications/Freight Forwarder.
    $300 non-refundable filing fee, requires credit card.

    Please go to https://diy.dot.gov

    By clicking here, you will be taken to the "Do It Yourself" web site. To submit your request, click on the "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration." Then click on "FMCSA Registration Applications." Then click on "Motor Property Carrier/Broker Authority" or "Motor Passenger Carrier Authority." Fill in the required information and click on submit. You will be given an "OMC" number for tracking purposes. The speed by which your application is processed is increased when applying over the Internet. You can also call our toll free number at 1-800-832-5660 and request an application be mailed or faxed to you.
To obtain a USDOT number

  • spacer MCS-150 and MCS-150A Applications filed electronically.
    Requires a credit card, no charge. We accept VISA or MasterCard.


    By clicking here you will be taken to a secured site where you will enter information about your credit card. Upon approval of your card you will then be taken to the electronic MCS-150 and MCS-150A. The name on the card must be the name of your organization's authorized official. The verification of the card will then place the cardholder's name on the MCS-150 and MCS-150A forms as the signature. Please note that your digital signature is just as legally binding as your signature would be on any other document. Providing false information on the MCS-150 and MCS-150A may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For more information about this new process, look at Public Access to MCMIS.
  • MCS-150 and MCS-150A in HTML format to be mailed or faxed
    Due to the high volume of motor carriers filing paper copies, we strongly encourage you to file on-line.
    Click here to download the MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report and fill it out according to the instructions.
    Click here to download the MCS-150A Safety Certification for Application and fill it out according to the instructions. Complete the forms by typing in the appropriate information online and then print each completed form with your local printer. When completed, mail to: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Information System Management, MC-RIS, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. 20590, or you may FAX to 703-280-4003. Please note-Mailing or Faxing the MCS-150 and MCS-150A to any other address may delay the processing of the forms.


  • MCS-150 and MCS-150A in PDF format to be mailed or faxed
    Due to the high volume of motor carriers filing paper copies, we strongly encourage you to file on-line.
    Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat logoMCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report (196K) and fill it out according to the instructions.
    Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat logoMCS-150A Safety Certification for Application (154K) and fill it out according to the Adobe Acrobat logoinstructions(167K). Print the forms with your local printer and fill them out with the appropriate information. When completed, mail to: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Information System Management, MC-RIS, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. 20590, or you may FAX to 703-280-4003. Please note-Mailing or Faxing the MCS-150 and MCS-150A to any other address may delay the processing of the forms. Having trouble with the PDF? Look at the FAQ for help.


  • MCS-150 and MCS150A – Alternative Availability
    Users who do not want, or are unable to use any of the methods above can call the FMCSA Support Services line at 1-800-832-5660 during regular business hours (EST). You will encounter an automated directory—choose option 1, then option 2. One of our helpful clerks will explore the best way to get the necessary forms to you.


  • Section 390.21 Marking of Commercial Motor Vehicles
    This section of the Code of Federal Regulations outlines the marking requirements regarding the display of USDOT numbers on commercial motor vehicles.

    (a) General. Every self-propelled commercial motor vehicle, as defined in § 390.5, subject to subchapter B of this chapter must be marked as specified in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

    (b) Nature of Marking. The marking must display the following information:

      (1) The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled motor vehicle, as listed on the Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with § 390.19.

      (2) The motor carrier identification number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, preceded by the letters "USDOT".

      (3) If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the commercial motor vehicle, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the information required by paragraphs (b)(1), and (2) of this section, and be preceded by the words “operated by.”

      (4) Other identifying information may be displayed on the vehicle if it is not inconsistent with the information required by this paragraph.

      (5) Each motor carrier shall meet the following requirements pertaining to its operation:

        (i) All commercial motor vehicles that are part of a motor carrier’s existing fleet on July 3, 2000, and which are marked with an ICC-MC number must come into compliance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section by July 3, 2002.

        (ii) All commercial motor vehicles that are part of a motor carrier’s existing fleet on July 3, 2000, and which are not marked with the legal name or a single trade name on both sides of their commercial motor vehicles, as shown on the Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150, must come into compliance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section by July 5, 2005.

        (iii) All commercial motor vehicles added to a motor carrier’s fleet on or after July 3, 2000, must meet the requirements of this section before being put in service and operating on public ways.
    (c) Size, shape, location, and color of marking. The marking must -
      (1) Appear on both sides of the self-propelled vehicle;

      (2) Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed;

      (3) Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the commercial vehicle is stationary; and

      (4) Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

    (d) Construction and durability. The marking may be painted on the motor vehicle or may consist of a removable device, if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, and such marking must be maintained as required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
Get Adobe AcrobatThe documents above (marked with a Adobe Acrobat logo ) are in Portable Document Format (PDF). To read PDF documents you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can download it by clicking on the graphic above or going to http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html.
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February 16, 2009