FMCSA-regulated companies will soon be required to have a USDOT number to reduce fraudulent behaviors and streamline the safety and compliance tracking process.
Originally announced in an FMCSA final ruling in August 2013, the goal of establishing the Unified Registration System (URS) to improve the registration experience is coming into effect this year. Part of this process involves the elimination of MC numbers.
What is the URS?
According to the FMCSA, the Unified Registration System (URS) is an online registration system that will streamline and simplify the FMCSA’s registration process. It will replace all existing registration databases with one unified registration system that will be the authoritative source of registration data for FMCSA staff, state licensing and roadside safety enforcement personnel, and motor carrier industry partners.
The URS will be a requirement for all FMCSA-regulated entities, including freight and passenger motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers, hazardous materials safety permit applicants/holders, and cargo tank manufacturing and repair facilities.
Will the FMCSA Stop Issuing MC Numbers?
Yes, the FMCSA will stop assigning MC numbers with the release of its modernized registration system. Consistent with statutory requirements, the USDOT number will be the sole identifier for all FMCSA registrants. Individual registrations held by a distinct employer or person will be identified by unique suffixes within FMCSA systems.
Will USDOT Numbers Replace Existing MC Numbers?
No. MC numbers will not be replaced by USDOT numbers. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141) (MAP-21) requires all FMCSA-regulated entities to have a USDOT number. To comply with MAP-21, FMCSA will assign USDOT numbers to brokers, freight forwarders, and motor carriers who operate non-commercial motor vehicles and do not already hold a USDOT number.
Historically, MC numbers were used by the FMCSA to track proceedings related to a single operating authority registration and not to identify a specific person, employer, operator, motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. The need for separate tracking numbers for each type of registration became unnecessary when all operating authorities became nationwide, with the elimination of route-specific and common or contract authorities, and with the newer requirement for all regulated entities to hold a USDOT number.
Rather than being replaced by USDOT numbers, MC numbers will be phased out. Specific types of operating authority registration will instead be indicated by a suffix to the USDOT number for each type an entity may hold.
Can a Registrant Have Multiple Suffixes After Their USDOT Number?
An entity with multiple operating authorities will have more than one suffix reflected in the new URS system. Suffixes are not required for marking commercial motor vehicles but are required by statute for identification on documents for business transactions involving freight forwarders, brokers, or motor carriers (for-hire non-exempt carriers).
Will Existing Registrants Get New USDOT Numbers or Will They Keep Their Current USDOT Number?
Existing registrants will keep their current USDOT number. Previously registered brokers, freight forwarders, and motor carriers operating non-commercial vehicles who have never received a USDOT number in the past will receive a USDOT number, as required by statute.
Trust Foley for MC Number Updates in 2025
Foley will continue to report on FMCSA rulings relating to the URS and MC number changes that will take effect this year. Keep an eye out on the Foley blog for more information.
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