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How to check if an MC number is active

An MC number is active when the FMCSA shows the operating authority as Authorized. Enter the MC number or company name below to check it instantly against the live FMCSA authority data, free.

The three states of an MC number

Authorized: the carrier or broker holds active common, contract, or broker authority and may operate for hire. Not Authorized: no active authority on record, either because the application is still pending, the authority was never granted, or it was revoked. Pending: the application has been filed but the FMCSA has not yet granted it; during this period the carrier may not haul regulated freight for hire.

Why a brand-new MC number shows Not Authorized

The FMCSA issues the USDOT number at registration, but operating authority is granted only after the application is processed, the BOC-3 process agent is filed, and proof of insurance is on file. That typically takes two to three weeks. A carrier that registered last week will show Not Authorized even though its MC number exists. The new trucking companies list tracks these carriers as their authority is granted.

How authority gets revoked

The most common cause is an insurance lapse: when an insurer files a cancellation, the FMCSA issues a notice and revokes the authority if replacement coverage is not filed, usually about 30 days later. Authority is also revoked for a failure to maintain a process agent, for unpaid fees, and following certain safety enforcement actions. A revoked authority can be reinstated, so always check the current status rather than relying on an old record.

Checking the status correctly

Search the MC number above and open the record. The operating authority status is derived from the live FMCSA authority registry and the SAFER snapshot, so it reflects grants and revocations as they happen. Check the insurance section on the same page: an active authority with a pending insurance cancellation is about to become Not Authorized. For a full pre-tender review, use the carrier vetting checklist.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if an MC number is active for free?

Search the MC number on dotsearch.us and open the record; the operating authority status (Authorized or Not Authorized) is shown at the top of the page, free and without an account.

Can a carrier have an active USDOT number but an inactive MC number?

Yes. The USDOT registration and the operating authority are independent. Many private and exempt carriers are Active with no MC authority, and a revoked carrier keeps its USDOT number.

How long does it take for a new MC number to become active?

Typically two to three weeks after the application, once the process agent and insurance filings are received and the FMCSA grants the authority.

What happens if a carrier hauls freight while Not Authorized?

It is operating illegally. Brokers who tender freight to an unauthorized carrier expose themselves to liability and penalties, which is why authority is the first item on every vetting checklist.

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