USDOT and MC number registration for Washington carriers

1. Overview: USDOT vs. MC Number

Both numbers are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but they serve different purposes:

2. Who Needs a USDOT Number in Washington

In Washington State, you need a USDOT number if your commercial vehicle or combination vehicle:

• Has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or GVW over 10,001 lbs, and

• Operates interstate (crosses state lines), or

• Transports hazardous materials requiring placards, or

• Operates intrastate (within Washington) but meets FMCSA requirements for safety monitoring

 Washington requires all commercial vehicles that meet federal safety thresholds — even intrastate carriers — to have a USDOT number.

Example:
A dump truck business operating only inside Washington but weighing 26,000 lbs still needs a USDOT number.

3. Who Needs an MC Number

You need an MC number (operating authority) if you operate “for-hire” in interstate commerce, meaning you:

• Transport regulated commodities or passengers for a fee across state lines.

You do not need an MC number if you:

• Operate only intrastate (within Washington), or

• Haul your own property (private carrier), or

• Only haul exempt commodities (like produce, livestock, etc.)

Example:

• A for-hire flatbed trucking company moving freight from Seattle (WA) to Portland (OR) needs both USDOT and MC numbers.

• A construction company hauling its own materials within Washington needs only a USDOT number.

4. How to Register for USDOT and MC Numbers

You register through the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS):
 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration

Steps:

1. Go to the FMCSA URS portal.

2. Create an account.

3. Fill out company details (name, address, EIN, business structure).

4. Choose your operation type:

   • Interstate / Intrastate

   • For-hire / Private / Exempt

5. System will assign:

   • USDOT number (always)

   • MC number (if you select “for-hire interstate”)

6. Pay $700 application fee (for MC authority).

7. Complete additional requirements (insurance, BOC-3 filing, process agent).

5. Additional Requirements After Registration

After obtaining your USDOT and/or MC numbers, you must:

• File BOC-3: Designate a process agent for legal documents.

• Provide proof of insurance: FMCSA must receive this before activating your MC authority.

• Pass the New Entrant Safety Audit: Required for new USDOT carriers within the first 12 months.

• Update MCS-150 form every 2 years: Even if your info hasn’t changed.

6. Washington State Compliance

• You’ll also need to register your vehicle(s) with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) for IRP apportioned plates if traveling interstate.

• Register for IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) with the Washington Department of Licensing for fuel tax reporting.

• Obtain a Washington Business License and possibly an EIN (IRS).

7. Summary Table