[ Trucking authority ]
How to get a USDOT and MC number in Florida
By REM Strategic Services · Updated
[ Quick answer ]
You apply with FMCSA for a USDOT number, which is usually free, and for MC operating authority, which costs $300 per authority type. Your MC authority stays Pending until FMCSA has your BOC-3 process agent filing and your insurer's filing on record, and then FMCSA's waiting period runs. You can haul for hire once your authority shows Active, not when you file. Our package is $599 with FMCSA's $300 included.
USDOT number vs MC number
The USDOT number identifies your company with FMCSA. It's how safety records, inspections, and audits are tracked. The number itself is usually free.
The MC number is your operating authority. It's what lets you haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. FMCSA charges $300 for each authority type.
| USDOT number | MC authority | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | FMCSA | FMCSA |
| What it does | Identifies your company for safety tracking | Lets you operate for hire |
| FMCSA fee | Usually free | $300 per authority type |
| Ready to haul when issued? | No, not for hire on its own | Only once it shows Active |
Before you apply
Most carriers form a business first, often an LLC, and get an EIN. FMCSA records list your legal business name, so settle it before you file.
Know which authority type you need. Applying for the wrong one costs you: FMCSA's $300 doesn't come back if the application is wrong.
If you're forming a Florida LLC first, the state fee is $125. The EIN is free from the IRS.
The steps, in order
Filing is the first step, not the last. Here's the order things usually happen.
- Apply with FMCSA for your USDOT number and MC authority.
- Pay FMCSA's $300 for each authority type.
- File a BOC-3, which names process agents for your company.
- Have your insurer file proof of coverage with FMCSA.
- Wait for FMCSA's waiting period to run once both filings are on record.
- Check that your authority shows Active before hauling for hire.
Why authority stays Pending
After you apply, your MC authority shows Pending. It stays that way until FMCSA has your BOC-3 and your insurer's filing on record. Then FMCSA's waiting period runs.
This is where most new carriers get stuck. Filing alone does not mean you can haul yet. Line up your process agent and insurance early.
You can haul for hire once your authority shows Active. Don't book loads before then.
Costs outside the filing
These come from other parties, and they're not in our price. Plan for them before you count on a start date.
- BOC-3 process agent.
- Insurance, and your insurer's filings with FMCSA.
- UCR registration. About $55 a year for 0 to 2 trucks in 2027.
- A second authority type. $300 each to FMCSA.
- A drug-and-alcohol testing program, if you have CDL drivers.
We're not a law firm. If you have questions about which rules apply to your operation, check with FMCSA or a transportation attorney.
[ Prices ]
REM DOT and MC prices
- USDOT + one MC authority (FMCSA's $300 included)$599
- USDOT only$199Our work. The USDOT number itself is usually free from FMCSA.
- Second authority type (paid to FMCSA)$300 each
[ Common questions ]
Questions owners ask
- How much does an MC number cost?
- FMCSA charges $300 for each authority type. Our DOT / MC package is $599 with FMCSA's $300 included.
- Is a USDOT number free?
- The USDOT number itself is usually free from FMCSA. If you want us to handle it, USDOT only is $199 for our work.
- Can I haul as soon as I get my MC number?
- No. Your authority stays Pending until FMCSA has your BOC-3 and your insurer's filing on record, and then FMCSA's waiting period runs. You can haul for hire once it shows Active.
- Does the $599 include insurance or the BOC-3?
- No. The BOC-3 process agent, insurance and insurer filings, UCR, extra authority types, and drug-and-alcohol testing for CDL drivers are separate.
- What if the application is wrong?
- FMCSA's $300 doesn't come back if the application is wrong. Know your authority type before you file. DOT filings are final once paid.
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