DOT Authority Services Minnesota
Consultran provides complete DOT authority services for new and existing motor carriers. Whether you're starting a trucking company or need to maintain your operating authority, we guide you through every step.
Getting your authority is the first hurdle of starting a trucking company — and the paperwork trips up more new carriers than the trucks do. Here’s what’s involved, what it costs, and how we walk you through it.
What is DOT Authority?
DOT authority refers to the registration and operating authority required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. This includes obtaining a USDOT number and, if applicable, MC (Motor Carrier) authority.
USDOT Number vs. MC Number
USDOT Number: A unique identifier assigned by FMCSA to companies operating commercial motor vehicles. Required if you transport passengers or haul cargo in interstate commerce and meet size/weight thresholds.
MC Number: Motor Carrier operating authority that authorizes for-hire carriers to transport regulated commodities. If you haul freight for others (for compensation), you need an MC number in addition to your DOT number.
Private carriers (hauling their own goods) only need a DOT number. For-hire carriers need both DOT and MC numbers.
Who Needs DOT Authority?
You need FMCSA registration if you operate vehicles in interstate commerce that:
- Have a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001+ pounds
- Transport hazardous materials requiring placarding
- Transport 9-15 passengers (including driver) for compensation
- Transport 16+ passengers (including driver)
DOT Authority Application Process
Give us your details and we handle the filings — from your first FMCSA form to the day your authority goes active.
Set up your business
Establish your legal entity (LLC, corporation, etc.) and obtain an EIN from the IRS.
File FMCSA forms
Form MCS-150 for your DOT number and OP-1 for MC authority.
BOC-3 filing
Designate process agents in all states.
Insurance
Obtain required liability coverage (minimum $750,000 for general freight).
UCR registration
Register your fleet with UCR before your authority goes active.
Wait period
An 18-20 day protest period before your authority becomes active.
DOT Authority Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| FMCSA filing fee | $300 |
| BOC-3 process agent | $50-150 |
| UCR registration | $46-44,836 (based on fleet size) |
| Insurance | Varies by coverage and operation |
How Long Does It Take?
The FMCSA typically processes applications in 10-15 business days. After approval, there’s an 18-20 day protest period before your authority becomes active. Total timeline: 4-6 weeks from application to active authority.
BOC-3 Process Agent Filing
All carriers with operating authority must file a BOC-3 designating process agents in every state. These agents accept legal documents on your behalf. Consultran coordinates BOC-3 filing with reputable process agent services.
Insurance Requirements
FMCSA requires specific minimum insurance coverage:
| Operation | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| General freight | $750,000 |
| Household goods | $300,000 per vehicle |
| Passengers (16+ people) | $5 million |
| Hazardous materials | Up to $5 million depending on quantity |
Insurance companies must file Form BMC-91 with FMCSA. Consultran works with insurance providers to ensure proper filing.
Biennial Update (MCS-150)
All motor carriers must update their MCS-150 information every two years.
Skip the biennial update and your DOT number gets deactivated. Consultran tracks your update deadlines and handles biennial filings so it never comes to that.
MOTUS: FMCSA’s New Registration System
In May 2026, FMCSA launched MOTUS to replace its legacy Portal and URS — one system for USDOT registration, operating authority, and company updates. MOTUS is now the primary way carriers manage registration, through an account tied to Login.gov. Paper forms are still accepted, but expect much slower processing.
Three changes matter most:
- Existing carriers must claim their USDOT number in MOTUS. Whoever claims it first controls the account. Our step-by-step claim guide walks through the process and the common snags.
- New USDOT numbers are assigned randomly, not sequentially.
- Account access is self-serve. After claiming, you add users — staff or a compliance service — from inside MOTUS.
We were early MOTUS test users and work in the system daily. If your claim fails, your Company Official is stale, or your records didn’t migrate cleanly, we can tell you whether it can move today or has to wait — see our MOTUS coverage for the current state of the system.
State-Specific Authority
Some states require additional intrastate operating authority:
- Wisconsin LC Number
- Texas Motor Carrier Number
- California MC Number
Consultran can obtain state-specific authority for your operations.