How much does MC authority cost? (2026)

By the Owner Op Stack editorial teamPrices checked Nov 4, 2026How we rank

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Quick answer

The FMCSA fee for operating authority (your MC number) is $300 per authority type, and it’s non-refundable. The other required fees for a one-truck owner-operator are UCR ($55 for 2027 at 0–2 trucks), a BOC-3 filing (blanket agents advertise roughly $19–$35), and Form 2290 heavy-vehicle tax (up to $550 a year for an 80,000-lb truck). That’s about $375–$940 in filings before insurance, which is usually the biggest cost.

Key takeaways

FMCSA charges $300 per authority type, no refunds. Online (URS) processing takes about 20–25 business days.
You need $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight over 10,001 lb ($1M–$5M for hazmat).
UCR for 2027: $55 for 0–2 trucks, $167 for 3–5. Pay before January 1.
Form 2290 applies at 55,000 lb taxable gross weight and above; the full-year tax for an 80,000-lb truck is $550.

New authority costs at a glance

From the company’s own pages, checked Nov 4, 2026. “Not published” means we couldn’t find it on their site.
Item	What they say	Source
MC authority (FMCSA)	$300 per authority type; non-refundable	source
Processing time	20–25 business days online; longer if reviewed	source
Liability insurance	$750,000 minimum, general freight >10,001 lb	source
UCR 2027	$55 (0–2 trucks), $167 (3–5), $333 (6–20)	source
BOC-3 process agents	Required for each state you operate in	source
Form 2290 (HVUT)	55,000 lb+; $550 full-year for 80,000 lb	source
IFTA	Quarterly returns if you run 2+ jurisdictions	source
Reinstatement / name change	$80 / $14	source

What stands out

The government fees are small next to insurance.
You can apply for authority online in one session through URS.
UCR for a small carrier is only $55 a year.

What to watch

The $300 FMCSA fee isn’t refunded if your application is dismissed.
Insurance must be on file before FMCSA grants authority.
Running without UCR can mean fines; Illinois lists $1,000 per violation.

The order to do it in

Get your USDOT number and apply for MC authority in FMCSA’s URS ($300).
Have your insurer file proof of $750,000 coverage, and file a BOC-3 through a process agent.
Wait out the processing time. FMCSA mails authority documents 3–4 business days after it’s granted.
Pay UCR, file Form 2290 if your truck is 55,000 lb or more, and set up IRP plates and an IFTA account in your base state.
Line up factoring and a fuel card before your first load.

You can check your application status in FMCSA’s Licensing and Insurance (L&I) system under Authority History, or call FMCSA at 800-832-5660.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an MC number cost?

FMCSA charges $300 for each type of operating authority. The fee is not refundable.

How long does it take to get MC authority?

FMCSA says online applications through the Unified Registration System take about 20–25 business days, and longer if the application gets extra review. Mailed applications take 45–60 business days.

What insurance do I need for a new authority?

For-hire carriers hauling general (non-hazardous) freight in vehicles over 10,001 lb need at least $750,000 in liability coverage under 49 CFR 387.9. Hazmat requires $1 million or $5 million.

How much is UCR for one truck?

For the 2027 registration year, UCR is $55 for carriers with 0–2 vehicles. It’s due before January 1.

Do I have to pay Form 2290?

If your truck’s taxable gross weight is 55,000 lb or more, yes. An 80,000-lb truck owes $550 for a full tax year. Trucks driven 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for agriculture) can claim a suspension.