MC Authority and DOT Number: What Every Trucker Needs to Know Before Hitting the Road

Do I Need a DOT Number and MC Authority… or Just One?

What is a DOT Number?

Your DOT Number is your trucking ID with the federal government. It tracks your company’s safety record, inspections, and compliance.

If your truck is over 10,000 lbs, you need it—period.

You need a DOT Number if:

– You’re hauling loads for pay

– Your truck weighs over 10,000 lbs

– You’re operating in Texas or out of state

What is MC Authority?

MC stands for Motor Carrier. Your MC Authority gives you permission to haul freight for others across state lines.

Without it, you can’t work with brokers or get paid as an independent carrier.

You need MC Authority if:

– You’re running your own show

– You want to cross state lines

– You’re not leased onto someone else

What’s the Difference?

– DOT = Your ID number

– MC = Your permission to get paid hauling freight for others

You usually apply for both at the same time if you’re starting your own business.

What If I’m Only Hauling in Texas?

If you’re doing in-state freight only, you may only need a DOT Number + Texas DMV registration.

But if you plan to cross into Louisiana, Oklahoma, or anywhere else—you need MC Authority too.

The Bottom Line

Leased onto a carrier? → They cover it.

Running your own authority? → You need both.

Crossing state lines for freight? → You need both.

We’ll Get You Set Up, Fast

We file DOT and MC numbers for truckers every day. We also take care of your BOC-3, Drug & Alcohol enrollment, UCR, and more—so you stay on the road, not buried in paperwork.

Ready to roll?

We’ll get your DOT and MC authority handled fast and done right.

Call us or message us now.