Side by side
| USDOT number | MC number | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Safety identifier for a company | Docket number for operating authority |
| Who needs it | Interstate CMV operators and many intrastate carriers | For-hire carriers of regulated commodities across state lines, plus brokers and forwarders |
| Cost | Free | FMCSA fee per authority type |
| Ongoing | MCS-150 update every 24 months | Insurance and BOC-3 must stay on file |
Which do you need?
- Private carrier hauling your own goods across state lines: USDOT number
- For-hire carrier hauling customer freight across state lines: USDOT number and MC authority
- Freight broker: MC (broker) authority plus a surety bond or trust
- Intrastate only: check your state's rules, many states require a USDOT number
MyDotCheck is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA. Data comes from public FMCSA datasets and may lag official records by a day or more. Government filings can be made directly with FMCSA at no charge.