New Authority Checklist
13 steps from "I want to start a trucking company" to legally hauling freight. Check off each step as you go. Your progress is saved in your browser.
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your business needs a federal tax ID number. Apply online at IRS.gov — it's free and instant. You'll need this for almost everything else on this list.
Details & tips
- Apply at irs.gov/ein — takes 10 minutes
- You'll get your EIN immediately upon completion
- Needed for: bank account, USDOT, insurance, fuel taxes
- Don't pay a third party to do this — it's genuinely free and simple
Form Your Business Entity (LLC)
Form an LLC (or other entity) with your state's Secretary of State. This separates your personal assets from your business. Critical for liability protection.
Details & tips
- LLC is the most common choice for owner-operators
- File with your state's Secretary of State office
- Cost varies: Idaho is ~$100, Texas is ~$300, California is $70 + $800 annual
- Get a registered agent (can be yourself at your address)
- Your LLC name will be on your insurance policy and DOT filings
Open a Business Bank Account
Separate your business and personal finances. You'll need this for insurance payments, fuel taxes, and load payments. Most banks can open it same day with your EIN and LLC docs.
Details & tips
- Bring your EIN letter and LLC formation documents
- Most banks offer free business checking
- Needed for: insurance premium payments, fuel card, load payments
- Keep business and personal finances separate — always
Apply for USDOT Number
Register with the FMCSA through their online portal. Your USDOT number identifies your company in the federal system. Required for any commercial vehicle operating interstate.
Details & tips
- Apply at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov (FMCSA Portal)
- You'll need: EIN, business address, vehicle info, driver count
- DOT number is usually issued within 1 business day
- This does NOT give you operating authority — that's the next step
- Your DOT number must be displayed on both sides of your truck
Apply for MC Number (Operating Authority)
Your MC number authorizes you to haul freight for pay. Apply through the same FMCSA portal. After approval, there's a mandatory 21-day waiting period before it becomes active.
Details & tips
- Applied for through the FMCSA Portal (same as DOT)
- $300 filing fee (non-refundable)
- 21-day protest period before authority becomes active
- During the 21 days: get insurance, BOC-3, and UCR lined up
- DO NOT haul loads until your authority is officially ACTIVE
- Check status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
File BOC-3 (Process Agent Designation)
Designates a process agent in every state where you operate. Required before your authority can become active. Basically names someone who can accept legal papers on your behalf.
Details & tips
- Multiple companies offer this online (search 'BOC-3 filing')
- One-time filing, typically $30-50
- Must be filed before your authority activates
- Process agents are in every state — they accept legal documents on your behalf
- This is a simple paperwork requirement, not something to stress about
Get Trucking Insurance
This is the big one. You need auto liability ($750K minimum), cargo insurance ($100K), and physical damage if your truck is financed. Your insurer files the BMC-91 (Form E) with FMCSA to prove you're covered.
Details & tips
- Minimum required: $750,000 auto liability (FMCSA)
- Practically required: $100,000 cargo insurance (brokers require it)
- Required if financed: Physical damage coverage
- Your insurer files the BMC-91 with FMCSA — you can't do this yourself
- BMC-91 must be on file before your authority activates
- The price is the same whether you go direct or through an agent
- Use an agent who specializes in trucking — they know which carriers write new authorities
Register for UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
Annual registration required for all interstate motor carriers. Fee is based on fleet size. Must be renewed every year.
Details & tips
- Register at ucr.gov
- Fee for 0-2 power units: $92/year (2026)
- Must be renewed annually
- Some states handle UCR registration; others direct you to ucr.gov
- Keep your receipt — you may need to show proof at weigh stations
Get IFTA License and Decals
The International Fuel Tax Agreement requires you to track fuel purchases and miles driven in each state, then file quarterly returns. Apply through your base state's DOT or DMV.
Details & tips
- Apply through your home state's DOT or DMV
- You'll receive IFTA decals for each truck (display on both sides)
- File quarterly fuel tax returns (even if you owe nothing)
- Track ALL fuel purchases and miles by state — use a fuel card or app
- Not needed if you only operate within your home state
Get IRP Registration (Cab Card)
The International Registration Plan apportions your vehicle registration fees across all states where you operate. You get a 'cab card' that replaces individual state registrations.
Details & tips
- Apply through your home state's DMV/DOT
- Fees are based on miles traveled in each state
- Your cab card must be in the truck at all times
- Renews annually — report actual miles driven
- Not needed if you only operate within your home state
Enroll in Drug & Alcohol Testing Program
FMCSA requires all CDL drivers to be part of a drug and alcohol testing program. As an owner-operator, you need to enroll in a consortium. They handle random testing selection and record-keeping.
Details & tips
- Join a drug & alcohol testing consortium
- Pre-employment test required before driving
- Random testing pool — you can be selected at any time
- Post-accident testing required after certain accidents
- Keep all records for minimum 5 years
- Many consortiums offer online enrollment and local testing labs
Letter Your Truck (DOT Markings)
Federal law requires specific markings on both sides of your truck: legal business name, USDOT number, and (if for-hire) MC number. Letters must be at least 2 inches tall, contrasting color, readable from 50 feet.
Details & tips
- Required on BOTH sides of the power unit
- Must show: Legal business name or trade name
- Must show: USDOT number
- Must show: MC number (if for-hire)
- Letters must be at least 2 inches tall
- Must contrast with background color
- Magnetic signs are acceptable
- Can do vinyl lettering yourself or have a sign shop do it
Authority Active — Start Hauling!
Once your authority is ACTIVE (check at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov), your BMC-91 is on file, and you've completed everything above — you're legal to haul freight for pay. Set up on load boards and start building your business.
Details & tips
- Verify authority status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Confirm BMC-91 is on file (your insurer does this)
- Set up on load boards: DAT, Truckstop.com, etc.
- Get a factoring company if you need faster payment
- Start building relationships with brokers and shippers
- Keep a copy of your insurance COI, cab card, IFTA decals, and authority letter in the truck at all times
Need help with any of these steps?
We've helped over 1,000 truckers get their authority set up. Call us — we'll walk you through it.
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