What’s the difference between a DOT and MC number?

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Two terms you’ll often hear as you start a trucking business are "DOT number" and "MC number." While they might sound similar, each one serves a unique purpose. Understanding the distinction is key to keeping your business compliant and avoiding potential headaches down the road.

Let’s break down the difference between a DOT and MC number to see which one your business might need to operate successfully. 

What is a DOT number?

A DOT number, also known as a USDOT number, acts as a trucking company’s unique ID. It’s issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is used to monitor a trucking company’s safety record acquired during:

• Audits.
• Inspections.
• Crash investigations.
• Compliance reviews.

What is an MC number?

An MC number, also known as motor carrier authority or operating authority, is also assigned by the FMCSA. It allows for-hire trucking businesses to legally transport goods or passengers across state lines.  

Do I need a DOT and MC number?

Whether your business needs a DOT and/or MC number depends on several factors, including where and how you run your business.

If you contract on with a motor carrier (as an owner-operator)

When you do business with a carrier, you run under its authority. That means you can operate under the carrier’s DOT and MC numbers.

If you operate under your own authority

DOT number

According to the FMCSA, owner-operators who run under their own authority need a DOT number if their business:

• Hauls hazardous materials or does at least one of the following:
  • Operates a commercial truck with a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) or gross combination weight (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
  • Transports more than eight passengers for compensation.
  • Transports more than 15 passengers with or without compensation.
• And provides services in interstate commerce.

Many states still require trucking companies that haul goods only within their base jurisdiction (intrastate motor carriers) to have a DOT number. Check the FMCSA’s website for the most up-to-date list of those states.

MC number

In general, most interstate carriers must have an MC number in addition to a DOT number, according to federal regulations. However, there are a few exceptions, including:

• Private carriers that transport their own cargo.
• For-hire carriers that haul only exempt commodities, such as unprocessed and unmanufactured goods.
• Carriers that operate exclusively within a federally designated "commercial zone" that is exempt from interstate authority rules, such as the Virginia/Maryland/Washington, D.C. geographic area.

Intrastate carriers typically do not need an MC number.  

How do I get my own DOT and MC number?

You can apply for a DOT and/or MC number through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System.

Applying for a DOT number is free. However, you can expect a $300 filing fee when applying for an MC number.