Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your DOT & MC Number

Starting your trucking company in 2025 requires more than buying a truck and finding loads. Before you haul a single mile, the FMCSA requires you to obtain a USDOT Number, MC Number, and complete several compliance steps that must be submitted accurately and in the correct order.

This guide will help you understand what you need to do — without overwhelming you with technical instructions — and explain why thousands of new carriers choose a professional service instead of risking delays, rejections, or costly mistakes.

What Are DOT and MC Numbers?

USDOT Number

A unique identifier used by the FMCSA to track your safety performance, inspections, audits, and compliance history.

MC Number (Operating Authority)

Your legal authorization to operate as a motor carrier for-hire in interstate commerce.

Both numbers are required for:

• New trucking companies

• Owner-operators with their own authority

• Long-haul/interstate carriers

• Cross-border operations (MX–US)

The High-Level Steps (2025)

Here are the general steps involved in getting your DOT and MC number.Notice: These are not detailed instructions — because each business has different requirements and risks, and completing them wrong can cause automatic rejection.

1. Determine Your Business Structure

LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship.Your structure affects your taxes, liability, EIN, and FMCSA filings.

2. Apply for Your DOT Number

You must provide:

• Business information

• Safety certifications

• Operational details

• Cargo categories

• Vehicle classifications

One incorrect answer can trigger an audit or a delayed approval.

3. Apply for Your MC Number (Operating Authority)

Your MC Number activates after:

• Filing the application

• Paying FMCSA fees

• Completing BOC-3

• Providing insurance filings

Missing any step = authority not granted.

4. File Your BOC-3

BOC-3 designates your process agents nationwide.An incorrect BOC-3 submission leads to immediate “Not Authorized” status.

5. Submit Insurance Filings

Your insurance company must file specific forms (Form BMC-91X, BMC-34, etc.).Insurance must match your authority type.If done wrong → automatic suspension.

6. Complete UCR Registration

Must be done annually.If not filed properly → penalties or roadside violations.

7. Prepare for the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit

Every new authority gets audited.Failing the audit = revoked authority.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejections

This is where most new trucking companies run into trouble:

✔ Incorrect business entity setup

Wrong EIN or mismatched names block DOT/MC activation.

✔ Filling the MCS-150 incorrectly

One wrong cargo category can trigger unnecessary inspections.

✔ Mistakes on the MC application

Misspelled names, wrong operating authority, wrong commodities — easy to do, but expensive to fix.

✔ Not filing BOC-3 on time

Authority is automatically delayed or suspended.

✔ Insurance filed too late or with wrong limits

FMCSA rejects it and the authority stays “Not Authorized”.

✔ Not understanding cross-border requirements

Especially in California–Baja corridor traffic.

A single delay can cost you weeks, lose contracts, and push back your start date.

Why Most Carriers Prefer a Professional Service

Setting up an authority is not “complicated,” but it is incredibly easy to mess up.

A professional trucking compliance service (like RoadKing) handles:

• DOT filing

• MC filing

• BOC-3

• UCR

• MCS-150

• Clearinghouse

• Biennial updates

• Safety audits

• Insurance filings

• Compliance setup

• Business formation

• And all the steps in between

Instead of guessing, you get a smooth, error-free setup from Day 1. What RoadKing Does for You (Full Authority Setup)

This section is where conversion happens.

We handle everything so you don’t make mistakes, lose money, or delay your start date.'

✔ Business Setup

LLC, Corporation, EIN, and state registrations.

✔ DOT & MC Number Filings

Filed accurately the first time, avoiding delays.

✔ BOC-3 Filing

Processed immediately with proper process agents.

✔ UCR Registration

Done and verified for the current year.

✔ MCS-150 + Biennial Updates

We ensure everything matches FMCSA requirements.

✔ Clearinghouse Registration

Setup for both employers and drivers.

✔ New Entrant Audit Preparation

We prepare your documents and teach you what to expect.

✔ Compliance Consulting

Driver qualification files, safety programs, and recordkeeping.

✔ And finally… Insurance Placement

We quote multiple trucking carriers for:

• Auto Liability

• Cargo

• Physical Damage

• Bobtail/NTL

• General Liability

• Workers’ Comp

• Trailer Interchange

• Cross-border coverage

You get your authority + compliance + insurance all in one place.

Starting your trucking company shouldn’t be stressful, confusing, or risky.At RoadKing Insurance Agency, we handle every step of your startup:

Business formation → DOT → MC → BOC-3 → Permits → Compliance → Insurance.

You focus on driving.We handle everything else.

📞 Call: 619-866-3876 🌐 www.roadkingins.com