USDOT vs. MC Numbers: Buy, Sell, or Big Trouble?
Understanding what’s transferable—and what’s not—under FMCSA law.
In the trucking industry, there is a lot of misinformation circulating about the transferability of USDOT and MC numbers. Some people claim you can “buy a DOT” or “inherit an existing authority” to skip steps in starting your own trucking business. But let’s get this straight:
You cannot legally buy or sell a USDOT number.
Let’s break down why—and what the FMCSA actually allows.
What Is a USDOT Number?
A USDOT number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to identify a specific legal entity. It’s used to track everything from safety performance and crash investigations to inspections and compliance reviews.
Regulation: 49 CFR § 390.201
FMCSA Policy: Are USDOT Numbers Transferable?
“A USDOT Number is issued to a single person or entity and is not transferable.” – FMCSA
Trying to use another company’s USDOT number is considered fraud because it misrepresents your company's safety and compliance history.
What Is an MC Number?
An MC number (Motor Carrier Authority) is what allows a for-hire carrier or broker to operate in interstate commerce. Unlike the USDOT, the MC number can be transferred — but only under strict conditions and with formal notification to FMCSA.
FMCSA Guidance: Transfers of Operating Authority – 78 FR 52457
These transfers are permitted in cases of mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring. However, the new owner must still apply for their own USDOT number if the underlying legal entity changes.
USDOT Number vs. MC Number — What’s the Difference?
Let’s make this more simple.
Think of the USDOT number like your trucking company’s driver’s license.
The FMCSA issues it.
It tracks your company’s safety record, inspections, and compliance.
Every company that operates commercial vehicles must have one—even if you’re not hauling for hire.
It’s not for hire authority—it just means you’re registered with the government.
The MC number (Motor Carrier number) is similar to your company’s business permit, allowing you to be paid for hauling loads across state lines.
It gives you “for-hire” operating authority from the FMCSA.
It means you're allowed to haul freight for other people and charge for it.
You usually need it in addition to your USDOT number if you’re a for-hire carrier or broker.
What Counts as Fraud?
Using someone else’s USDOT number or “renting” authority isn't just a shortcut — it's a violation of federal law. That includes:
Misrepresenting who is operating the vehicle
Misstating who is responsible for safety compliance
Circumventing insurance or drug-testing requirements
Violations may lead to civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. §§ 521(b)(2)(B), 14901(a), and 14907, and possible criminal charges.
Yes, this is fraudulent activity…
And this.
And yes, this, too.
What You Can Do (The Legal Way)
If you’re looking to start a trucking business, here’s the correct route:
Form a legal entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
Apply for your own USDOT number via FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS)
Apply for MC authority if you plan to operate for-hire across state lines
Purchase another company's MC number only through a formal acquisition, and notify FMCSA of the change.
Bottom Line — Get your own DOT Number.
You can’t buy a DOT number. You can only build one.
What you can buy is an operating authority (MC number)—but only if it’s done transparently, legally, and with the FMCSA’s approval.
Don't risk your business or your reputation by cutting corners. In the eyes of the FMCSA, using someone else’s DOT number is not a workaround — it’s fraud.