MC Number vs. DOT Number: What’s the Difference?

Opening a trucking business requires more than industry expertise, capital, and a truck—it also requires a long list of regulatory to-dos.

Both MC (Motor Carrier) numbers and DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers are required for commercial truckers. While these numbers are both issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), they serve different purposes and determine how your business can operate.

Understanding the difference between an MC and a DOT number is essential to ensuring your company remains legally compliant, an essential aspect of starting a trucking company.

In this guide, we’ll break down what MC and DOT numbers are, who needs them, how to apply, and MC and DOT number costs so you can determine which one—or both—meets your business needs.

What Are MC and DOT Numbers?

The FMCSA assigns Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers to track your company’s safety records, operations, and compliance. You likely need a DOT number if your trucking business plan involves commercial transport. The FMCSA requires you to have one if you operate a commercial vehicle that transports passengers or hauls cargo across state lines.

A motor carrier number is an additional identifier for companies that work in interstate commerce, ship federally regulated products, or transport passengers in exchange for money.

MC and DOT numbers are not the same. The main difference is that a DOT number helps you meet federal safety standards, while an MC number determines the type of trucking authority you need to operate.

While some businesses may need only a DOT number, others need both. Ultimately, it comes down to your business plan and operations. Whether you’re a new carrier or looking to reactivate your MC and DOT numbers, it’s important to know which one applies to your business.

Differences Between an MC Number and a DOT Number

The main difference between an MC number versus a DOT number is that DOT is a unique identifier for tracking safety, while MC gives you trucking authority. All interstate carriers need a DOT number, but not all require an MC number.

For example, if you only ship goods in one state, you probably don’t need an MC number, which applies only when you ship across state lines. You also might not need an MC number if you ship interstate goods that aren’t federally regulated.

MC numbers take longer to obtain and cost more than DOT numbers, which are generally free and generated almost immediately by the system. MC numbers also require more proof of insurance.

Who Needs a DOT Number?

Many truckers must apply for both MC and DOT numbers, but it comes down to your business operations.

You need a DOT number if you:

• Transport passengers or haul cargo in interstate commerce
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
• Transport hazardous materials that require placarding
• Operate in intrastate regions that require DOT registration

Who Needs an MC Number?

All trucking businesses must have a DOT number to be on the road. However, you might also need an MC number if your company:

• Transports federally regulated commodities across state lines. These include products such as flammable liquids, medical waste, live animals, pesticides, alcohol, and medications.
• Offers for-hire trucking services
• Operates as a broker or freight forwarder

If you’re unsure whether you need an MC or DOT number, consider the type of business you operate.

A DOT number may be enough if you only drive a commercial vehicle within a single state and haul fruits or vegetables. You also only need a DOT number if you’re a private carrier transporting your own cargo, hauling exempt products, or working in a federally designated commercial zone.

However, if you cross state lines and transport regulated goods, you must apply for an MC and DOT number. Ask yourself these questions to decide which numbers you need:

1. Do I cross state lines? If yes, you likely need both an MC and DOT number.
2. Am I transporting passengers or hazardous materials? If yes, you must get an MC and DOT number.
3. Do I operate solely within my state? You may only need a DOT number, depending on local laws.
4. Am I a for-hire carrier? If yes, you need to apply for an MC and DOT number.

When in doubt, use the FMCSA’s USDOT Wizard tool to clarify whether you need an MC number versus a DOT number.

What Is the Purpose of an MC Number vs. a DOT Number?

While the FMCSA issues both numbers, they serve different purposes.

A DOT number acts as a unique identifier for commercial motor carriers. A DOT number:

• Tracks safety records and ensures compliance with FMCSA regulations
• Monitors vehicle inspections and accident reports
• Identifies companies that operate in interstate commerce
• Ensures your company meets safety standards when transporting goods

An MC number determines whether you have the proper trucking authority for your business. The purpose of an MC number is to:

• Grant interstate operating authority for for-hire carriers
• Regulate companies that transport federally regulated commodities
• Differentiate between private carriers and for-hire motor carriers
• Determine insurance and financial responsibility requirements

What Are the Requirements for an MC Number vs. a DOT Number?

Generally speaking, getting a DOT number is easier than obtaining an MC number, which has more requirements. In fact, you can apply for a DOT number without yet owning a truck. Still, you need to make sure you meet certain requirements before applying; otherwise, you risk having your application rejected.

Requirements for a DOT Number

Your truck must weigh 10,001 pounds or more to get a DOT number, as well as meet one of these criteria:

• You transport across state lines
• You transport hazardous materials
• You transport 9+ passengers (driver included) for compensation
• You transport 16+ passengers (driver included) for free

However, check with your state trucking authority. Thirty-seven states require you to have a DOT number for intrastate commerce.

Requirements for an MC Number

An MC number, on the other hand, requires:

• Transporting passengers across state lines for compensation
• Shipping federally regulated commodities owned by others, not by your trucking company
• A DOT number, OP-1 series form, and $300 filing fee

After receiving your MC or DOT number, you must also keep it in good standing. That requires passing a Level 1 DOT inspection and maintaining thorough records on your trucks and employees, including driver qualification files.

Where to Get an MC Number and a DOT Number

You can get an MC or DOT number through the FMCSA website. The application process is handled online via the Unified Registration System (URS), although you must complete separate forms for an MC number and a DOT number.

How to Get a DOT Number

To obtain a DOT number, you need to:

1. Make Sure You’re Eligible

To qualify for a DOT number, you need a truck that weighs 10,001 pounds or more, transports hazardous goods, or transports 9+ paying or 16+ non-paying customers.

2. Gather All of Your Required Information

The FMCSA will ask for a lot of information during registration. Gather it first to speed up the application process. Find your business name, address, employer identification number (EIN), vehicle information, cargo type, insurance, and driver information.

3. Apply

Go to the FMCSA website and apply through the Unified Registration System, which will lead you through the online application.

4. Wait for Approval

The FMCSA will confirm it received your application. Some companies say they receive the DOT number immediately, while others receive it via email within a few hours or business days. You should expect to receive your DOT number within two to seven business days.

How to Get an MC Number

An MC number, on the other hand, can be more complicated. To obtain an MC number, you need to:

1. Register Your Trucking Business

To apply for an MC number, you need a business entity, EIN, and DOT number.

2. Get Insurance

MC numbers require you to have liability and cargo insurance. Find an insurer to get pre-approval. $750,000 is standard for liability insurance, although this varies depending on the value of your truck, cargo, and other considerations. Your insurer can provide guidance on the best coverage for your business.

3. Apply on the FMCSA Website

Visit the FMCSA website and access their Unified Registration System. Complete the OP-1 series form for motor carrier operating authority. Be prepared to submit your business details, personal contact information, the type of materials you plan to transport, and your truck’s VIN, make, and model.

4. Pay the Filing Fee

You’ll need to pay a $300 fee for each type of operating authority you request. This fee is non-refundable, so make sure your application is correct and you apply for the correct type of authority.

5. Wait for 10-25 Days

Finally, you’ll need to complete a waiting period of ten to 25 days to receive your MC number. During that time, the FMCSA will ask you to activate your insurance. The faster you complete that requirement, the more quickly you’ll receive your MC number.

How Long Does it Take to Get an MC Number vs. a DOT Number?

It depends on the FMCSA’s current processing times and the complexity of your application. Generally, you can expect to receive your DOT number within a few hours, although it can take as long as 25 business days to get an MC number.

The FMCSA usually issues DOT numbers immediately, if not within a few hours. The process is instant unless additional verifications are needed. Even though you get your DOT number right away, you must comply with FMCSA safety requirements before driving your truck on the road.

It takes much longer to get an MC number. After submitting your MC and DOT number application, the FMCSA requires a vetting period before granting operating authority. During that time, you must file proof of insurance, pay the filing fees, and submit a BOC-3 form.

What Is the Cost of an MC Number vs. a DOT Number?

Requesting a DOT number is free. However, you must pay other costs, including preparing for DOT audits and vehicle inspections, which can add up over time. Some states require intrastate carriers to pay a state-specific fee for a DOT number, so it’s best to check local regulations.

For MC numbers, you pay $300 per authority type you apply for. If you need multiple authorities, you must pay $300 each. You should also budget for a BOC-3 filing fee ($30+), insurance, and the cost of placing MC number decals on your trucks.

In-Summary: Differences Between an MC and DOT Number

MC and DOT numbers are both important for operating a compliant trucking business. While the FMCSA issues both numbers, they serve different functions. Check out this quick comparison chart to understand the differences a bit further.