MC Authority Requirements 2026: Everything FMCSA Wants
The Short Answer
MC authority requires: OP-1 application ($300), BOC-3 process agent ($20–$40), insurance filed via BMC-91 ($750,000+ liability), UCR ($46/yr), and USDOT number (free). FMCSA vets 21 days. Miss any requirement and the application is dismissed.
The FMCSA vetting window is 21 days. Every requirement below must be completed inside it or you start over. Here is the exact checklist.
OP-1 application filed with $300 fee, USDOT number (free), BOC-3 process agent designated ($20–$40), insurance on file via BMC-91 form ($750,000 minimum liability), and UCR fee paid ($46/yr/year for 0-2 trucks). All within 21-day FMCSA vetting window.
The Full Requirement Checklist
- Legal business entity (LLC recommended)
- USDOT number registered
- OP-1 application submitted with $300 fee
- BOC-3 process agent designated in all 48 states
- Insurance bound and BMC-91 filed by insurer
- UCR fee paid for calendar year
- Company name and address on file matches insurance
- MCS-150 completed with truck count and mileage
The 21-Day Vetting Window
After OP-1 submission, FMCSA publishes your application in the Federal Register for 10 days (protest period). Then 11 more days for internal review. If insurance and BOC-3 aren't filed by day 21, the application is dismissed and you re-file from scratch.
The insurance filing chicken-and-egg
You can't bind insurance without an MC number. But your MC number issues before insurance is required. Solution: shop quotes and get bindable quote before OP-1 submission, then bind day 1 of your MC and have your insurer file BMC-91 same-day.
Insurance Requirements
| Coverage | Minimum FMCSA |
|---|---|
| Auto liability (general freight) | $750,000 |
| Auto liability (hazmat) | $1,000,000–$5,000,000 |
| Auto liability (passenger 16+) | $5,000,000 |
| Auto liability (household goods) | $1,000,000 |
| Cargo (household goods only) | $5,000 per vehicle |
What FMCSA Actually Checks
- Legal business name matches state records
- Owner's history (no revoked MCs, no unpaid civil penalties)
- Physical address (must be operational, not a mailbox)
- Insurance form (BMC-91) received by insurance carrier
- BOC-3 designation on file (all 48 states)
- USDOT number and MCS-150 filing current
Common Reasons Applications Get Dismissed
- Insurance not filed by day 21
- BOC-3 not designated for all states
- Owner has unpaid civil penalties on prior MC
- Business address is a UPS box (not allowed)
- MCS-150 miles/trucks fields left blank
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does MC authority take?+
21 days from OP-1 submission to active MC number, assuming insurance and BOC-3 filed within the window.
Can I operate without MC authority?+
Only intrastate (within one state) or leased on to another carrier under their authority. Interstate for-hire requires your own MC.
How much does MC authority cost total?+
Filings alone: $300 FMCSA + $20–$40 BOC-3 + $46/yr UCR = under $400. Add insurance down payment ($2,500+) to be operational.