What Is an MC Number? Operating Authority for Interstate Movers
An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is an operating authority number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that authorizes a moving company to transport household goods for compensation across state lines. While a USDOT number identifies your company, the MC number specifically grants permission to operate as a for-hire carrier.
Also called Motor Carrier authority or operating authority, the MC number appears on your FMCSA profile, your bills of lading, and any moving contracts. Without active MC authority, a for-hire interstate mover is operating illegally.
What an MC Number Authorizes
MC authority is not one-size-fits-all. FMCSA issues different types of operating authority depending on what your company transports and how. Moving companies typically need one or more of these:
Household Goods Carrier (HHG Carrier)
The most common authority for moving companies. Authorizes transport of personal property between private residences for compensation. Required for any residential interstate move.
Household Goods Broker (HHG Broker)
Authorizes a company to arrange transportation of household goods without actually performing the move. Required for moving broker companies that match customers with carriers. Brokers cannot haul freight themselves.
Property (Non-HHG) Carrier
Covers commercial goods, office moves, and other property not classified as household goods. Companies that move both residential and commercial customers often hold multiple authority types.
For moving companies: If you do both residential and commercial interstate moves, confirm whether your HHG Carrier authority covers commercial jobs. Many carriers hold both HHG Carrier and Property Carrier authority to cover all scenarios.
MC Number vs. USDOT Number: Side-by-Side
Both numbers come from FMCSA and are often confused. Here's how they differ in practice.
| Feature | MC Number | USDOT Number |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Grants permission to operate | Tracks safety records |
| Required for | For-hire interstate carriers | All interstate carriers |
| Cost | ~$300 per authority type | Free |
| Processing | 4–6 weeks | Immediate |
| Format | MC-XXXXXXX | USDOT XXXXXXX |
| Public lookup | FMCSA URS Portal | FMCSA SAFER system |
How to Apply for MC Authority
Applications are filed through the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). You'll need your USDOT number first — if you don't have one, register for it at the same time.
Register for a USDOT number (if you don't have one)
Your USDOT number must exist before you can apply for MC authority. Registration is free and immediate at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov.
File the OP-1 Application
The OP-1 is the FMCSA operating authority application form. Select the authority type(s) you need (HHG Carrier, HHG Broker, Property Carrier). Pay the $300 filing fee per authority type.
Wait through the 10-day protest period
After filing, FMCSA publishes your application in the FMCSA Register for 10 days. Existing carriers can file protests during this window. Most applications receive no protests.
File insurance with FMCSA
Your insurance company must file a Form MCS-90 (for liability) and a BMC-34 or BMC-84 (for cargo) directly with FMCSA. Authority is not granted until minimum insurance is on file.
Receive active authority
Once the protest period passes and insurance is filed, FMCSA activates your MC authority. You'll receive a confirmation and can begin operating as a for-hire interstate carrier.
Timeline reality check: Budget 6 full weeks from application to active authority — more if your insurance company is slow to file with FMCSA. Plan around this before committing to interstate jobs.
Maintaining Your MC Authority
MC authority doesn't expire on a fixed date, but it can be revoked automatically if required filings lapse. These are the main maintenance requirements:
Keep insurance active
If your insurance lapses, your carrier revokes the policy filing with FMCSA — and your MC authority is automatically revoked. This is the #1 cause of authority loss. Never let coverage lapse, even for a single day.
Biennial MCS-150 update
Even after obtaining MC authority, you must update your MCS-150 (USDOT registration form) every two years. The MC authority itself has no separate renewal, but the underlying USDOT record must stay current.
BOC-3 process agent on file
You must designate process agents in every state you operate using Form BOC-3. This is typically handled through a blanket agent service (~$20–$50/year) and must be filed before authority is granted.
Respond to safety audits
New carriers receive a New Entrant Safety Audit within 12 months of receiving authority. Failure to participate or pass can result in revocation. Established carriers may receive compliance reviews at any time.
Managing Carrier Credentials With DriveSales
Growing moving companies often work with subcontracted carriers — each with their own MC numbers, USDOT registrations, and insurance certificates. DriveSales centralizes all of this so you're never caught dispatching a job to a carrier with lapsed authority.
Related Glossary Terms
MC Number: Frequently Asked Questions
Manage carrier credentials without the paperwork headaches
DriveSales centralizes MC numbers, USDOT records, and insurance certificates for your entire operation.