Your MC number and DOT number are the two most important identification numbers in your trucking business. Here's where to find them and how to verify they're active.
What is an MC number vs a DOT number?
They serve different purposes:
- USDOT Number — issued by the FMCSA to identify your company for safety oversight, inspection, and crash data. All commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce need one.
- MC Number (Motor Carrier Number) — also called "operating authority." Required if you are a for-hire carrier transporting goods for compensation across state lines. This is what gives you the legal right to haul freight commercially.
How to find your MC and DOT numbers
If you already have your authority but can't remember your numbers:
Go to: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
On the SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) system, you can search by:
- Your company name
- Your DOT number (if you know it)
- Your MC number (if you know it)
The results will show your company record including both your USDOT number and your MC number, your authority status (active or not), your insurance filings, and your safety rating.
How to verify your authority is actually active
When you look up your company on SAFER, check:
- Operating Status: Should say "AUTHORIZED FOR PROPERTY"
- Insurance: Should show current insurance on file
- Common Authority Status: Should say "Active"
If your operating status says "Out of Service" or your insurance shows as "None on File," you cannot legally haul freight. Contact your insurance agent immediately and check with the FMCSA.
How to verify another carrier's MC number
Before you hire a driver, buy equipment from a carrier, or enter any business arrangement with another carrier, verify their MC number on SAFER. This protects you from double brokering fraud and working with unregistered carriers.
Bookmark SAFER
safer.fmcsa.dot.gov is a tool you'll use constantly in trucking — to check your own status, verify other carriers, and look up broker information. Bookmark it now.