How much does it cost to get authority?

Total first year: $3,000-$5,000. Includes: MC fee ($300), insurance deposit ($2,000-$3,000), UCR, BOC-3, IFTA, IRP plates, and ELD. Annual recurring: $1,500-$3,000.

How long does it take to get authority?

FMCSA processing: 10-21 days. After approval, 72-hour protest period. Total: 3-4 weeks minimum. Don't haul freight until authority is fully active to avoid fines.

Can I expedite my authority application?

No official expedite, but proper paperwork speeds process. Ensure: correct insurance filings, complete application, no errors, and all fees paid. Use permit service ($200-$500) for help.

How much does it cost to get authority?

Total first year: $3,000-$5,000. Includes: MC fee ($300), insurance deposit ($2,000-$3,000), UCR, BOC-3, IFTA, IRP plates, and ELD. Annual recurring: $1,500-$3,000.

How long does it take to get authority?

FMCSA processing: 10-21 days. After approval, 72-hour protest period. Total: 3-4 weeks minimum. Don't haul freight until authority is fully active to avoid fines.

Can I expedite my authority application?

No official expedite, but proper paperwork speeds process. Ensure: correct insurance filings, complete application, no errors, and all fees paid. Use permit service ($200-$500) for help.

Back to Free Tools

New Authority Checklist

Step-by-step guide to getting your MC number and starting trucking operations.

Progress0%

0 of 15 items completed

Business Setup

1. Choose business structure (LLC/Corp/Sole Prop)IRS Business Structures Guide

2. Get EIN from IRSApply for EIN Online

FMCSA Registration

3. Register with FMCSA — get MC numberFMCSA Unified Registration System

4. Get USDOT numberFMCSA Portal

5. UCR Registration (Unified Carrier Registration)UCR Registration

9. BOC-3 filing (process agent)

Required by FMCSA — designates a process agent in each state

Taxes & Plates

6. Heavy Vehicle Use Tax — Form 2290IRS Trucking Tax Center

7. International Registration Plan (IRP) plates

Contact your state DMV for apportioned plates

8. IFTA license

Apply through your state revenue department

Insurance & Compliance

10. Purchase liability insurance (minimum $750,000)

11. Purchase cargo insurance (minimum $100,000)

12. Set up DOT-compliant drug & alcohol testing program

14. Set up ELD (required if >8 days/month driving)

Final Steps

13. Wait for operating authority activation (20–25 business days)

FMCSA must publish your authority — protest period applies

15. Set MCS-150 biennial update reminder

Required every 2 years — failure can result in deactivation

Startup Cost Estimate

FMCSA Filing Fee

$300$300

BOC-3 Filing

$25$25

UCR Registration (1 truck)

$69$69

IRP Plates

$500$500

2290 HVUT

$550$550

Insurance (annual)

$8,000$8,000

ELD Device

$100$100

Estimated Total$9,544

Key Timelines

• FMCSA authority: 20–25 business days

• EIN: Immediate (online)

• IRP plates: 1–2 weeks

• IFTA license: 2–4 weeks

• Insurance: 1–3 days

Related Trucking Calculators

Fuel Cost Calculator

Plan fuel stops, optimize fill strategy, and estimate DEF costs for your trip.

Cost Per Mile Calculator

Know your exact CPM — fixed, variable, and break-even rate.

IFTA Tax Calculator

Calculate quarterly IFTA fuel tax obligations across all US states and Canadian provinces.

Need Help?

Have questions about using our new authority checklist? All our tools are free to use with no registration required. Save your inputs locally and come back anytime.

Contact Support|View All Tools

Frequently Asked Questions - New Authority Checklist

Apply for MC number ($300), DOT number (free), UCR registration ($76-$2,209), BOC-3 filing ($30-$50), and obtain insurance (liability, cargo, bond). Allow 3-4 weeks for approval.

Related Trucking Tools

Startup Cost Calculator

Total startup costs, monthly burn rate, and months to break even.

CDL & Compliance Deadline Tracker

Track all compliance deadlines in one place with color-coded alerts.

DOT Audit Readiness Checklist

Interactive compliance checklist to prepare for a DOT compliance review.