Get Your Authority

One‑page startup checklist, timelines & live links (updated Aug 28, 2025)

Disclaimer

This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Trucking Comply is not the FMCSA and does not speak for any government agency. Regulations and policies change; always verify current requirements on official FMCSA and state websites and follow your company’s safety/compliance policies. You are responsible for your own compliance.

Get Your Authority

🗺️ Timeline at a glance

Day 0–1 — Set up the business
Form LLC/Corp, get EIN, and open a business bank account.
Day 1 — Apply for USDOT/MC
Use URS if new; apply for MC if you already have a USDOT number.
Days 1–10 — File BOC‑3 & shop insurance
Have a process agent file BOC‑3 and ask your insurer to e‑file liability.
≈ 10 business days+ — FMCSA posts & protest window
Application gets posted; a 10‑business‑day protest period typically starts.
≈ up to ~25 business days — Authority granted (longer if vetted)
Grant occurs once BOC‑3 and insurance are on file; vetting can add 2–8 weeks.
Activation Day — UCR, plates, IFTA, 2290, Clearinghouse, ELD
Complete these same‑week tasks before operating.

FMCSA timelines vary. Applications identified for “vetting” can add 2–8 weeks. Insurance & BOC‑3 must be on file for your authority to go active.

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✅ Step‑by‑step checklist (with when & where)

1) Form the company (Day 0)

Choose entity & form LLC/Corp in your home state (Secretary of State).
Get your EIN (free) → IRS: EIN application
Open a business bank account (you’ll need EIN & formation docs).
BOI reporting: As of Mar 26, 2025, most domestic companies are exempt from federal BOI reporting. Foreign companies registering to do business in the U.S. must file within 30 days (see FinCEN site for details).

2) Apply for your USDOT & MC (Day 1)

New applicant? Use URS (USDOT + Operating Authority in one flow): URS Wizard
Already have USDOT? Apply for MC here: Get MC Number
Fee: $300 per operating authority type (non‑refundable).
Create/confirm your FMCSA Portal + Login.gov access for future updates: FMCSA Portal

3) Immediately after you submit (Days 1–10)

Designate Process Agents (BOC‑3). Motor carriers must have a process agent file it on your behalf. Start here: BOC‑3 info. Keep a copy of the filed BOC‑3 at your principal place of business.
Bind insurance & ask your insurer to e‑file FMCSA forms (BMC‑91/91X; cargo filings only for household‑goods carriers & freight forwarders). Minimum liability depends on weight/commodities. Overview: Insurance requirements
Track your status: SAFER Company Snapshot: SAFER; Licensing & Insurance (L&I): L&I

4) FMCSA posting & decision window (≈ 10 business days+)

FMCSA posts your application; there’s a Federal Register protest period (typically 10 business days from posting).
You must have both BOC‑3 & insurance on file for grant. Typical grants in ~25 business days; allow longer if selected for vetting.
If insurance/BOC‑3 isn’t on file in time, FMCSA can dismiss the application—reapply & repay the fee.

5) Activation Day — before you roll

Same week your authority shows “Active” in L&I

UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) — annual. Register/pay for the current year: plan.ucr.gov
IRP apportioned plates if your power unit is >26,000 lbs or has 3+ axles and you’ll cross state lines. Start at your state DMV; IRP info: IRP
IFTA fuel tax account (same weight/axle thresholds as IRP). Apply with your base state’s tax/DMV. IFTA overview: IFTA
IRS Form 2290 (HVUT) for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs GVW — due by the last day of the month after first use. Start here: IRS 2290 (Providers: list)
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (employers/owner‑operators) — register, buy query plan, run pre‑employment full query and place drivers in a compliant testing program: Query Plans; Consent FAQ
ELD/HOS — choose an ELD unless you qualify for an exemption (short‑haul, drive‑away/tow‑away, pre‑2000 engine, etc.). Keep user manuals & malfunction instructions in cab.

6) First‑year survival (New Entrant)

New Entrant Safety Audit — expect it within 12 months. Prep: Help Center
Mind your basics: roadside inspections, correct HOS/ELD use, drug/alcohol compliance, maintenance, and recordkeeping.

7) Recurring to‑dos (put on your calendar)

MCS‑150 Biennial Update — due every 24 months by the schedule tied to your USDOT number. File/update: MCS‑150
UCR — annually (by Dec 31 for next year’s credentials).
IFTA — quarterly fuel tax returns.
2290 HVUT — each year July 1–June 30 cycle; new trucks due the month after first use.
Maintain insurance & BOC‑3 — keep current; update if you change agents/blanket company.

🧠 Pro tips (save headaches)

Shop insurance early. Ask your agent to e‑file BMC‑91/91X ASAP; your authority cannot go active without it.
BOC‑3 once, not yearly (but refile if you change agents or company details). Keep a copy at HQ.
Watch “Application Pending” in L&I. When “Authority Granted” appears, print your Certificate/Permit for your records.
IRP/IFTA vs. trip permits. If you only leave your base state occasionally, compare permit costs vs. full IRP/IFTA.
Owner‑operators: You’re both employer & driver for Clearinghouse purposes — you must enroll with a C/TPA and purchase your own query plan.
Scam filter: FMCSA and IRS services are public — beware mailers that look “official” but charge huge fees.

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Want us to do it for you?

We can complete URS (USDOT/MC), BOC‑3, insurance coordination, UCR, IRP/IFTA setup, Clearinghouse enrollment, and provide audit‑ready policy templates & DQF packets. Ask for our Startup Bundle.

Learn more Order now