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**What happens if a new entrant operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) after its interstate operations have been placed out of service? (§ 385.331)**

        A new entrant that operates a *CMV* in violation of an out-of-service order is subject to the penalty provisions in U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A) for each offense as adjusted for inflation by 49 CFR 386, Appendix B.

Depending on State laws, your company may also be subject to suspension and/or revocation of state vehicle registration privileges.

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **Where can I find FMCSA regulations for motor carriers and other regulated entities?**

        Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration *regulations* can be found in the Code of Federal *Regulations*, part 49, sections 300-399.

You can access the official version of current *FMCSA* *regulations* on our *regulations* web page. Look under "Related Links" for other *regulations* that may affect motor carrier operations, such as drug and alcohol *regulations* (section 40) and hazardous materials program procedures (section 107).

An up-to-date, unofficial version of the *regulations* can be found on the eCFR site.

To access previous versions of the Code of Federal *Regulations* (including 49 CFR 300-399) by year, back to 1996, go to the US Government Printing Office (GPO) FDsys site and select the year, then the part/section you want. If you need older versions, please contact your local library, which may have access to earlier versions of the CFR in print or online.

Proposed and final rules amending *regulations* (and other regulatory documents) are published daily in the Federal Register, also on the GPO website.

Recent regulatory documents published by *FMCSA* can be found on our "Rulemaking Documents" page.

Regulatory documents (including proposed and final rules and notices) for the *FMCSA* and other government agencies can be found on the Regulations.gov website. You can submit comments on proposed and final rules at this site.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **Where do I go to look up a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder's interstate operating authority (active MC Number), insurance or process agent?**

        Please go to FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance system and select “Carrier search” from the pull-down menu. If you do not have access to the internet, please call our toll free number: 1-800-832-5660.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What is a private motor carrier?**

        A *private* *motor* *carrier* transports its own cargo, usually as a part of a business that produces, uses, sells and/or buys the cargo that is being hauled. A *private* *motor* *carrier* transports its own goods and is required to have a USDOT number but does not need operating authority (MC number).Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **How can I get back my commercial driver’s license (CDL) privileges?**

        If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA). If you require a variance and it has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA. Your State may require retesting and additional fees to get back your *CDL privileges*. If allowed by your SDLA, you may also change your self-certification to an operating category that does not require a medical certificate.

More information can be found on the FMCSA medical program web site.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **I perform both for-hire and private motor carrier operations. Will I be able to operate once I get my USDOT number?**

        Once you have your USDOT number, you will be able to operate as a private motor carrier. You will not be able to operate as a *for-hire* motor carrier until you have operating authority (an active MC number).  For more information on operating authority, click here.

There is a $300 fee for each operating authority requested.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **If I change the name of my company, will my Docket (MC, FF, MX) number remain the same and will I be issued a new certificate or permit?**

        Yes, you will keep the same MC number if you *change* your *name*. However, you will not receive a new certificate or permit, but you will receive a re-entitlement decision which should be attached to your original operating authority.

For information on how to *change* the *name* on your operating authority, click here.

There are situations where a legal *name* *change*, ownership *change* or form of business *change* may require a new USDOT number. For more information, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What forms do I complete to become a broker?**

        First-time *broker* applicants who don't already have a US DOT number or other operating authority must register online with the FMCSA via the Unified Registration System (URS).

If you already have a US DOT number and/or other operating authority, you must apply by submitting the OP-1 *form* to FMCSA until URS is fully implemented. Please note: on January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice suspending the January 14 and April 14, 2017 URS effectiveness dates.

For more information on registering as a *broker*, click here.

After the MC Number has been assigned, to complete the application process, *brokers* must also take the following steps:

For *brokers* of property: Proof of Insurance Coverage: a Surety Bond or Trust Fund Agreement (*Form* BMC-85) in the amount of $75,000
	For *brokers* of household goods: Proof of Insurance Coverage: a Surety Bond or Trust Fund Agreement (*Form* BMC-84) in the amount of $75,000
	*Form* BOC-3, Designation of Process Agent *Form* (*brokers* may designate themselves as their own process agents in the State in which they are writing contracts)
	Application processing fee: $300 (non-refundable)
	Application processing time: Approximately 4-6 weeksNote: Effective October 2013 all bonds for *brokers* increased to $75,000.00.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What should I do when my medical certificate and/or variance is about to expire or has expired?**

        Your best option is to renew them prior to the expiration date. If your certificate does expire, you must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You must then provide the State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) the new medical examiner’s certificate. You are also responsible for applying to FMCSA for a renewal of your variance per CFR§391.51(b)(8)

For a copy of the *medical* examiner’s *certificate*, see Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875 located in CFR§391.43(f)

You can find contact information for your state’s driver licensing agency on the USA.gov website.

To search for a medical examiner, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **Will entities be notified before a biennial update is due?**

        Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What is the Unified Registration System?**

        The Unified Registration System (*URS*) is a new electronic on-line registration system that will streamline and simplify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) registration process and serve as a clearinghouse and depository of information on all entities regulated by the Agency, including motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers (IEPs), hazardous materials safety permit (HMSP) applicants/holders, and cargo tank manufacturing and repair facilities. The *URS* will combine multiple registration processes, information technology systems and forms into a single, electronic online registration process.

Note: The initial phase of *URS* affected only new registrants (Dec. 12, 2015). Later phases  will affect all regulated entities.

For more information, please see the October 21, 2015 Federal Register Notice.

On January 17, 2017, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice suspending the January 14 and April 14, 2017 *URS* effectiveness dates.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **Who files the Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agent)?**

        Either the applicant or process agent, on behalf of the applicant, can file Form *BOC*-*3* (Designation of Process Agents) with the FMCSA. Only one completed form may be on file. It must include all states for which agency designations are required. One copy must be retained by the carrier or broker at its principal place of business.
For more information on filing form *BOC*-*3* with the FMCSA, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **How do I change the company name on my USDOT registration?**

        To update the company’s Legal/DBA *name* or phone number associated with your USDOT Number record, you can use one of the following options. Updating your USDOT Number record is free of charge.

Option 1: Online Update

Complete the process online using your USDOT PIN. You can find detailed instructions for the online process attached to this FAQ.

Option 2:Submit a Form

Download the appropriate MCS-150 form: MCS-150 (Motor Carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carriers with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers). Once completed and signed, submit the form using one of the options below:

Submit a ticket through our website at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents). This is the fastest option, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.
	Fax the form to 202-366-3477 or 606-330-3802.
	Mail the form using the instructions provided on the form. Please note that this option may result in a delay in processing, and we recommend using one of the first two options.In some cases, a legal *name* *change*, ownership *change*, or *change* in form of business may require a new USDOT number. For more information on this, click here.

Please note that if you *change* the *name* associated with your USDOT number, it will not automatically update your MC number. You will need to go through the MC number *name* *change* procedure separately. However, if you *change* the *name* associated with your MC number, it will also be updated for your USDOT number. There is a $14 fee for an MC number *name* *change*.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What must I do to comply with the new requirements (76 FR 70661) for making my medical certification part of my CDL driving record?**

        Starting on January 30, 2012, when you:

Apply for a CDL
	Renew a CDL
	Apply for a higher class of CDL
	Apply for a new endorsement on a CDL
	Transfer a CDL from another StateYou will be required to self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on your driver license application form. Based on that self-certification, you may need to provide your SDLA with a current medical examiner’s certificate and show any variance you may have to obtain or keep your CDL. Source: 76 FR *70661*Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What forms are required for insurance and where can I find them?**

        *Insurance* *forms* must be filed by the *insurance* company, not the carrier or broker. For information on how *insurance* companies can make these filings online, click here.

*Form* MCS-82, Motor Carrier Public Liability Surety Bond under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980
	*Form* MCS-82B, Motor Carrier Public Liability Surety Bond under Section 18 of the Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982
	*Form* MCS-90, Endorsement for Motor Carrier Policies of *Insurance* for Public Liability under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980
	*Form* MCS-90B,Endorsement for Motor Carrier Policies of *Insurance* for Public Liability under Section 18 of the Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982
	*Form* BMC-34 for proof of cargo liability *insurance* is used to make cargo *insurance* filings for household goods carriers with FMCSA. FMCSA do not provide these *forms*. The *insurance* company making the filing maintains their own supply of *forms*. Many *insurance* carriers are set up to make the *required* *insurance* filings with FMCSA electronically
	*Form* BMC-84 for broker surety bonds is used to make the bond *insurance* filing for the broker authority with the FMCSA. FMCSA does not provide these *forms*. The *insurance* company making the filing maintains their own supply of *forms*. Many *insurance* carriers are set up to make the *required* *insurance* filings with FMCSA electronically
	*Form* BMC-85 for broker trust fund agreements is used to make the trust agreement for the broker authority with the FMCSA. This *form* can only be completed by a financial institution (*insured* bank, commercial bank or trust company, agency or branch of a foreign bank in the U.S., *insured* institution of the National Housing Act, a thrift institution, a loan or finance company).
	*Form* BMC-91 or BMC-91X for proof of bodily injury and property damage (BI & PD) *insurance* are both used to make liability filings with the FMCSA. FMCSA does not provide these *forms*. The *insurance* company making the filing maintains their own supply of *forms*. Many *insurance* carriers are set up to make the *required* *insurance* filings with FMCSA electronicallyFor more information about *insurance* *requirements* and filings, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What is an Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP)?**

        An Intermodal Equipment Provider (*IEP*) is a person or entity that makes intermodal equipment available to motor carriers for interchange.  Additional information and responsibilities are identified in 49 CFR section 390.40 of Subpart C.  
The term “intermodal equipment” refers to trailing equipment (mainly Intermodal containers, chassis but can also include trailers) used in the transportation of cargo by highway in interstate commerce.

An example of an *IEP* is someone who provides a container chassis to move containers when they come off either a ship or rail. An *IEP* may provide a chassis which will move the container to a motor carrier or provide the chassis for the intermodal movement.

To register with FMCSA as an *IEP*, go to the Unified Registration System (URS).
Note: If you are transporting intermodal equipment, it does not mean you would register as an *IEP*. In this case your entity type would be motor carrier.

To learn about other entity types, check out our How To Identify Entity Types video.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **When is it appropriate to report a name change for my Operating Authority (OA) rather than a Transfer?**

        An entity may report a Transfer of its Operating Authority when there has been a *change* in ownership, management, or control of the company and the new owner intends to keep the existing Docket (MC/FF/MX) number. However, there are some instances where an entity may be able to report a *Name* *Change* for its OA instead of a Transfer.

If one of the below applies to you, you would need to report a *name* *change* to FMCSA:

Adding, removing, or *changing* ownership between immediate family members. This *change* may be due to death, divorce, marriage, etc.
	Note: Immediate family members include husband/wife, son/daughter, and brother/sister.
	Removing existing partner’s *name* from the legal business *name* listed on the authority. For example, *changing* from John Smith and Jane Smith to John Smith.
	Adding/removing company officer’s information (i.e., due to new management).
	For any of the above, you may be required to submit additional documents such as copy of death certificate, divorce certificate, marriage license, or notarized letter.
	An FMCSA customer service representative will contact you if this is the case.However, if you are Transferring (selling) your operating authority to a non-immediate family member/non-related person (i.e., cousin, aunt/uncle, grandparent, distant relatives, or friend), then you would generally report a transfer of operating authority.

Note: There are situations where a legal *name* *change*, ownership *change*, and/or form of business *change* may require a new USDOT number. For more information, click here.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-832-5660 or via our Ask FMCSA page.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **How can I change the required level of insurance my company has on file with the FMCSA?**

        If the amount of insurance on file with FMCSA needs to be raised or lowered, please create a ticket. Include the following information (preferably on company letterhead):

USDOT#
    MC#
    Name of company
    Request to raise or lower the insurance, and the desired amount
    Signature of the requestor

Once that change has been requested, FMCSA insurance specialists will process it in our systems, provided that it reflects the amount of insurance you are required to have on file based on your type of operation.

For more information about FMCSA insurance requirements, click here.Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **I share interstate operating authority (MC Number) with a business partner and would like to discontinue my partnership with this person. Is that possible?**

        Yes. You can dissolve a partnership with an existing MC number by submitting a notarized letter signed by both *partners* requesting that the *partner* be removed from the existing authority. 
If the *partners* cannot agree who should keep the existing MC number:

They should both file a new application with the required fees and get new MC numbers
	They should request that the existing MC number be voluntarily revoked. See the FAQ “How can I suspend or put my operating authority (MC number) on hold?”Last Updated: May 26, 2023        
      **What is the civil penalty for a broker or freight forwarder who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority (registration)?**

        A broker or freight forwarder who knowingly engages in interstate brokerage or freight forwarding operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a *civil* *penalty* not to exceed $10,000 and can be liable to any injured third party for all valid claims regardless of the amount (49 U.S.C. 14916(c)). The *penalties* and liability to injured parties apply jointly and severally to all corporations or partnerships involved in the transportation and individually to all officers, directors, and principals of these business forms (49 U.S.C. 14916(d)). Under 49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(3), a broker of household goods (HHG) who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a *civil* *penalty* of not less than $25,000 for each violation. Source: 78 FR 54720.

To report such a violation, click here to contact the National Consumer Complaint Database.Last Updated: May 26, 2023
  
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