Licensing Applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority

Instructions for Completing Form OP-1(P)
Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
Topics
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

Page
Overview of Operating Authority ............................................................................................................................................... 1
How to Apply ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
What is the Cost? ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
What are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority? ................................................................................................................. 3
How to Complete the OP-1(P) Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority .................................................................... 7
Information Sources ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

*If a sole proprietor owner/operator submits personal information for registration purposes to obtain a USDOT Number or Operating
Authority, this information will be publicly available on FMCSA Web sites. This published information may include, but is not limited
to, the sole proprietor owner/operator’s home address, telephone number, and e-mail address when the home contact information
serves as the business contact information.

I. Overview of Operating Authority
FMCSA encourages all applicants with Internet access to use the online registration assistant at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/onlineregistration in order to determine FMCSA’s registration requirements. Applicants without Internet access can call FMCSA at
1-800-832-5660 for assistance.

Who Needs Operating Authority?
Before beginning interstate operations in the United States (U.S.), all authorized for-hire Motor Carriers of non-exempt property
and passengers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada must obtain Operating Authority by submitting the
appropriate form(s) in the OP-1 series. For a description of the different types of OP-1 forms and the various FMCSA requirements
for obtaining Operating Authority, please see “What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.
NOTE:
· Carriers that operate solely within the State of Hawaii are not required to obtain Operating Authority.
· Mexico-based Motor Carriers should refer to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/espanol/forms_sp.htm (Spanish) or
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/espanol/english/forms.htm (English) for more information.
In addition to Operating Authority, most Motor Carriers of property or passengers must obtain a USDOT Number before beginning
interstate operations. Please consult “What Forms Do I Need?” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms, which specifies the required
forms for both Operating Authority and USDOT Number.

II. How to Apply
Applications may be submitted online or mailed to FMCSA. Compared to mailing, the online method reduces processing time by as
much as 2-3 weeks, thus enabling companies to begin their operations sooner. Remember, operations cannot begin until the
certificate, permit, or license for Operating Authority has been received. For more information, see “What Are the Steps in
Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 1 of 12

Apply Online
Applying online requires the use of a valid credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa). Those who do not wish
to submit their credit card information online must complete the application and payment by mail (see “Apply by Mail” below).
The following tips are encouraged:
·

Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration and complete the “Step-by-Step Registration Guide” prior to starting the
application. The registration guide will lead users through a series of questions. Based upon the answers to the questions,
the guide will identify required registration forms and link users directly to the online application form.

·

Utilize the form instructions during the completion of the online form. This will help to ensure that the application is
completed accurately.

NOTE:
· The applicant’s legal name (or the authorized representative’s name) must match the name and billing address of the
credit card.
· Record the MC or FF Number that is provided after approval of the application. This number will be needed on the
insurance and process agent forms that are required to complete the application process for obtaining Operating Authority
(for more details, see “What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” [Topic IV] in this packet). This number may also
be needed for any correspondence with the FMCSA.

Apply by Mail
Follow the steps below:
·

Applicants with Internet access are encouraged to go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration and complete the “Stepby-Step Registration Guide” in order to identify required registration forms.

·

Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/print-form to download and print the appropriate form(s) and instructions. Applicants may also
call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 to request an application packet by mail.

·

Follow the instructions to complete the application form(s).

·

Save a copy of the application and all supporting documents for the company’s business records.

·

Mail the completed application form(s), any supporting documents, and payment to one of the following addresses
depending upon the type of payment (and method of mail delivery):
1)

Check or Money Order (make payable to the FMCSA in U.S. dollars)
First-Class Mail
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
P.O. Box 530226
Atlanta, GA 30353-0226
Overnight Express Mail (the site street address should only be used for lockbox remittances delivered via courier):
Bank of America
Lockbox Number 530226
1075 Loop Road
Atlanta, GA 30337

2)

Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa only)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, MC-RS
Washington, DC 20590

NOTE: Sending payment to the wrong address will delay application processing by 2-3 weeks.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 2 of 12

III. What is the Cost?
Operating Authority ........................................................................................................... $300.00 each
·

·

Form OP-1
1)

Motor Carrier of Property (except Household Goods).

2)

Motor Carrier of Household Goods.

3)

Broker of Property (except Household Goods).

4)

Broker of Household Goods.

5)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Cargo (except Household Goods).

6)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier of International Household Goods.

Form OP-1(P)
1)

·

Motor Carrier of Passengers.

Form OP-1(FF)
1)

Freight Forwarder of Property (except Household Goods).

2)

Freight Forwarder of Household Goods.

For descriptions of the different types of Operating Authority, see “SECTION II — Type of Authority” under “How to Complete the
OP-1(P) Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority” (Topic V) in this packet.
NOTE:
· FMCSA regulations prevent us from giving applicants refunds for motor carrier operating authority. After the application,
petition, or other document has been accepted for filing by the FMCSA, the filing fee will not be refunded, regardless of
whether the application, petition, or other document is granted or approved, denied, rejected before docketing, dismissed
or withdrawn. The “non-refund” notice for application fees is also posted on our Web site.
· The FMCSA reserves the right to discontinue processing any application for which insufficient payment is received.

IV. What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?
For Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders based in the U.S. or Canada, the Operating Authority application process
includes the six steps shown below. Motor Carriers based in Hawaii or Mexico should see the NOTE in “Overview of Operating
Authority” (Topic I) in this packet.

Step 3
10-day protest period

Step 1
Applicant
submits
OP-1
and/or
OP-1(P)
and/or
OP-1(FF)

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

Step 2
Applicant
receives
MC or FF
Number

Step 4
Insurance Company files
form(s) with FMCSA
Step 5
Applicant or Process Agent
files Form BOC-3 with FMCSA

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Step 6
Applicant begins
operation AFTER
receiving certificate,
permit, or license for
Operating Authority
from FMCSA

Page 3 of 12

Step 1 — Application for Operating Authority
Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders begin the Operating Authority application process by submitting one (or more) of
the following forms with the appropriate application processing fee:
·

OP-1 — Operating Authority for:
1)

Motor Carrier (property or household goods).

2)

Broker (property or household goods).

3)

United States-based Enterprise Carrier (international cargo or international household goods).

·

OP-1(P) — Operating Authority for Motor Passenger Carrier.

·

OP-1(FF) — Operating Authority for Freight Forwarder (property or household goods).

NOTE:
· For descriptions of the different types of Operating Authority, see “SECTION II — Type of Authority” under “How to
Complete the OP-1(P) Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority” (Topic V) in this packet.
· To identify the required form(s) for Operating Authority as well as USDOT Number, see “What Forms Do I Need?” at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms.

Step 2 — Grant Letter and MC/FF Number
Applicants will receive a grant letter after FMCSA processes and accepts the Operating Authority application as follows:
·

If applying online, a Motor Carrier (MC) or Freight Forwarder (FF) Number will be provided immediately, and the
confirmation grant letter will arrive via mail.

·

If applying by mail, the grant letter should arrive via mail in approximately 4 weeks. This letter will include the MC or FF
Number. Applicants have the option of checking the status of their application online. See “Information Sources” (Topic VI)
in this packet for instructions.

Insurance Companies and Process Agents will use the MC or FF Number to make the appropriate filings on behalf of applicants to
complete the application process for obtaining Operating Authority.
NOTE: Although an MC or FF Number has been assigned by FMCSA, this does not represent Operating Authority.
The company may not begin to operate until it has received the corresponding certificate, permit, or license for
Operating Authority described in Step 6.

Step 3 — 10-day Protest Period
At the same time the grant letter is mailed, notice of each company’s application for Operating Authority will be published in the
FMCSA Register. This publication initiates the 10-calendar-day protest period, during which any individual can file a protest with
FMCSA stating why a company should not be issued Operating Authority. FMCSA will accept protests sent by mail as long as they
are postmarked by the last day of the protest period. FMCSA will provide the applicant with information on the protest resolution
process if any protests are filed. During this protest period, Insurance Companies and Process Agents can file the necessary
documents detailed in Step 4 and Step 5 below.
To view the FMCSA Register, go to http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and then follow the steps below:
·

Read the introductory page and then click the “Continue” link.

·

Select the “FMCSA Register” option in the dropdown menu and click “Go.”

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 4 of 12

Step 4 — Insurance
This step can begin any time after an applicant receives its MC Number as described in Step 2 above and is not dependent on
Step 3 being completed. An Insurance Company must file the appropriate insurance form(s) on behalf of the applicant within 90
days of the date the application for Operating Authority was published in the FMCSA Register. Otherwise, the application for
Operating Authority will be dismissed and the application fee will not be refunded. The applicant will receive a warning letter about
the 90-day deadline if FMCSA has not received the required documentation within 20 days.
NOTE:
· Applicants may not file insurance forms on their own behalf. Therefore, FMCSA does not provide insurance forms to applicants.
· An authorized representative from the home or branch office of an Insurance Company must file the required insurance
form(s) on the applicant’s behalf.
· To minimize processing delays, FMCSA recommends filing forms electronically.
· It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the Insurance Company to verify that FMCSA has received and approved
the required insurance form(s).
· Failure to promptly submit required forms and documentation will delay application processing and can result in dismissal
of the application and loss of the application fee.
· Check the status of insurance filings by either accessing the FMCSA Web site (see “Information Sources” [Topic VI] in this
packet for instructions) or calling FMCSA toll-free at 1-866-637-0635 or 202-385-2423 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. EST).
FMCSA requires the following insurance form for applicants requesting Operating Authority as a Motor Carrier of Passengers:
·

Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X for proof of bodily injury and property damage (BI & PD) insurance.

Motor Carriers of Passengers are required to maintain BI & PD insurance as follows:
·

$1,500,000 minimum liability coverage is required if all vehicles in the company fleet have a seating capacity of
15 passengers (including the driver) or fewer.

·

$5,000,000 minimum liability coverage is required if any vehicles in the company fleet have a seating capacity of
16 passengers (including the driver) or more.

NOTE: Passenger Carriers that are Federal Transit Administration grantees (Transit Service Operators) under 49 USC 5307,
5310, or 5311 are required to maintain liability insurance at least at the highest level required by any of the States in which the
transit service area is located and in which the carrier operates. FMCSA will waive the $300 filing fee for the OP-1(P)
Application for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority for Transit Service Operators.
For more details about which insurance/financial form(s) FMCSA requires, please see 49 CFR Part 387. To view this information,
go to the FMCSA Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguidedetails.aspx?menukey=387.

Self-Insurance
Motor Carriers and U.S.-based Enterprise Carriers may qualify as a self-insurer against bodily injury and property damage by
submitting Form BMC-40 (Application for Authority to Self-Insure) and evidence to the FMCSA to demonstrate the existence of
the following:
·

Adequate tangible net worth that will cover any liability claims in the event of a loss.

·

Sound self-insurance program.

·

Adequate safety program.

FMCSA may approve an application to self-insure subject to appropriate and reasonable conditions. For more details about selfinsurance, see 49 CFR 387.309 and 387.411.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 5 of 12

Step 5 — Process Agent
This step can begin any time after an applicant receives its MC Number as described in Step 2 above. FMCSA requires each
applicant for Operating Authority to designate a Process Agent in every State in which it operates or travels through. A Process
Agent is a representative upon whom court papers or FMCSA Notices and Orders may be served in any legal proceeding or
administrative matter brought against a Motor Carrier.
A Motor Carrier of Passengers may act as its own Process Agent in the State in which it maintains its principal place of business (a
P.O. Box address is not considered a principal place of business).
Either the applicant or Process Agent, on behalf of the applicant, can file Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents) with the FMCSA.
This form must be filed within 90 days of the date the application for Operating Authority was published in the FMCSA Register. Failure to
meet this deadline will result in dismissal of the Operating Authority application and loss of the application fee. The applicant will receive a
warning letter about the 90-day deadline if FMCSA has not received the required documentation within 20 days following publication of
notice of the application in the Federal Register. To minimize processing delays, FMCSA recommends electronically filing Form BOC-3 at
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/Form-BOC-3-508.pdf.
For a fee, many commercial companies will arrange for designation of a Process Agent in any State. Some companies offer
“blanket coverage,” which designates a Process Agent in every State. For a list of Process Agent companies, visit the FMCSA Web
site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/process-agent. For more details about Process Agent designation, see 49 CFR 366.

Step 6 — Certificate, Permit, or License of Operating Authority
After FMCSA has approved the application, insurance, and process agent filings, and the protest period has ended without any
protests, applicants are issued Operating Authority in the form of a certificate. Applicants may not begin operations until this
official record of Operating Authority is received by mail.

State Regulations and Requirements
In addition to Federal requirements, all applicants must comply with registration, fuel tax, and other State regulations and
procedures. Before beginning new or expanded interstate operations, applicants must familiarize themselves with the various State
rules applicable to interstate companies in each State in which they plan to operate. Begin this process by contacting the
transportation regulatory agency for the State in which the applicant is located.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 6 of 12

V. How to Complete the OP-1(P) Application
for Motor Passenger Carrier Authority
These instructions will assist companies in accurately completing the application. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be
delayed or suspended until the applicant has been contacted and the problems have been resolved. If an application is
rejected, the application fee will not be refunded.
NOTE FOR APPLICATIONS THAT WILL BE MAILED:
· Please print clearly in ink or type all information.
· If more space is needed to complete any section on the application form, please attach a separate sheet of paper and label
each page with the applicant’s legal business name, section number on the form, and item description.
· Retain a copy of the completed application form and any supporting attachments for the company’s business records.
· For additional mailing instructions, please see “Apply by Mail” under “How to Apply” (Topic II) in this packet.

SECTION I — Applicant Information
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section.
1. FMCSA Authority
Select the “Yes” response if either of the following conditions is true:
·

Operating Authority was previously issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), Office of Motor Carrier Safety (OMCS), or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

·

An application for Operating Authority is currently being processed by FMCSA.

If neither of the conditions above applies, select the “No” response.
If the “Yes” response is selected, indicate the MC/FF Number (for example: MC-999999), which is also called the lead docket
number. To search for the MC/FF Number, follow the instructions provided under “MC/FF Number” in “Information Sources” (Topic
VI) in this packet.
2. Legal Business Name
Enter the full legal name of the business entity (i.e., corporation, sole proprietor/individual, or partnership) that owns/controls the
Motor Carrier. This should be the same name that appears on the incorporation certificate, partnership agreement, tax records, etc.
Examples are as follows:
·

Corporation — Enter the full legal name on the incorporation certificate. This name must include the type of corporation,
such as: John Doe Inc. or John Doe LLC.

·

Sole Proprietorship/Individual — Enter the full legal name, such as: John A. Doe.

·

Partnership — Enter the full legal names of all partners, such as: John A. Doe and Jane B. Smith.

NOTE: To avoid delays in obtaining Operating Authority, the Legal Business Name on the OP-1(P) application must match the
name submitted on insurance documents, Form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agents), and Form MCS-150 (Application for
USDOT Number, which is required for Motor Carriers only).
3. Doing Business As Name
Leave this item blank unless the “Doing Business As” (DBA) Name or “Trade” Name is different from the Legal Business Name
entered above. For example: enter “John’s Bus Company” here if the business operates under this name, but John A. Doe is the
Legal Business Name.
NOTE: It is important to spell, space, and punctuate the business name the same exact way each time it appears on an
application. Any difference will be considered a different company. For example: John Jones Bus Co., Inc.; J. Jones Bus Co.,
Inc.; and John Jones Bus are considered three separate companies.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 7 of 12

4-9. Principal Address (Principal Place of Business)
Enter the physical address where the company is engaged in business operations related to the transportation of persons and where
safety records are regularly maintained. An applicant with a single business location must designate that location as its principal place
of business. If there is more than one business location, provide the address where the company's safety records are maintained. This
address will be used by FMCSA for on-site visits to Motor Carriers for the purpose of conducting safety audits, investigations, and
other activities.
NOTE: A P.O. Box may not be entered as the Principal Address on the OP-1(P) form. Also, if applying for a USDOT
Number, this Principal Address must match the Principal Address on the MCS-150 application.
10-15. Mailing Address
Enter the mailing address where all correspondence from FMCSA should be sent. Leave this item blank if the Mailing Address is the
same as the Business Address. The mailing address may be a P.O. Box.
NOTE: In order to receive pertinent FMCSA notices and verification that insurance documents have been filed on the
applicant’s behalf, please notify FMCSA of Business or Mailing Address changes by one of the following methods:
· Online at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option.
· Fax information to 202-366-3477.
· Mail information in writing to 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, MC-RS, Washington, DC 20590, Attention: Address Change.
Please include Legal Business Name and MC Number (also called lead docket number).
16-23. Representative
If someone other than the applicant is preparing the application, provide the representative’s name, title/position or relationship to the
applicant, business address, and business telephone and fax numbers. This representative will be contacted if questions concerning
this application arise.
24. USDOT Number
Enter the USDOT Number if one has been assigned. If not, please consult “What Forms Do I Need?” at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/reg-forms
to determine whether a USDOT Number must be obtained.
To find a company’s USDOT Number, use either method below:
·

·

Go to http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
1)

Then click “Licensing & Insurance” under “FMCSA Searches”

2)

Enter a Legal Name or DBA Name AND the State in which the company headquarters are located

3)

Click “Search.”

Call FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.

NOTE: All applicants subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are required to obtain a USDOT Number before
beginning business operations. For more information, please visit FMCSA’s Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration
or call 1-800-832-5660.
25-27. Form of Business
Select only one category and provide the requested information:
·

Corporation — Provide the name of the State where the corporation is incorporated.

·

Sole Proprietorship/Individual — Provide the full legal name of the individual who is the business owner. This name
should match the name entered under Legal Business Name.

·

Partnership — Provide the full legal name of each partner. These names should match the names entered under Legal
Business Name.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 8 of 12

SECTION II — Insurance Information
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section. Select only one response.
28. Minimum Amount of Coverage Required
Motor Carriers of Passengers must maintain bodily injury and property damage (public liability) insurance. The insurance coverage
requirements depend upon the seating capacities of the commercial motor vehicles that the company plans to operate:
·

$1,500,000 minimum liability coverage is required if all vehicles in the company fleet have a seating capacity of
15 passengers (including the driver) or fewer.

·

$5,000,000 minimum liability coverage is required if any vehicles in the company fleet have a seating capacity of
16 passengers (including the driver) or more.

NOTE: Passenger Carriers that are Federal Transit Administration grantees (Transit Service Operators) under 49 USC 5307,
5310, or 5311 are required to maintain liability insurance at least at the highest level required by any of the States in which the
transit service area is located and in which they operate.
A representative from either the home or branch office of an insurance company must file Form BMC-91 or BMC-91X on behalf of the
applicant within 90 days of the date notice of the application for Operating Authority is published in the FMCSA Register. Otherwise,
the application for Operating Authority will be dismissed and the application fee will not be refunded. Call FMCSA at 1-866-637-0635
to obtain information about insurance. For more information about insurance requirements and procedures, refer to “Step 4” under
“What Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” (Topic IV) in this packet.

SECTION III — Safety Certification
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section. Select only one response.
29-30. Safety Certification
Applicants must first determine whether they are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) at 49 CFR,
Chapter 3, Subchapter B (Parts 350-399), available online at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=3d54d58aeebe6e4c9f5f088ab91e56ab&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfrv5_02.tpl.
An applicant is subject to the FMCSRs if it will operate any of the following commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce:
·

A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, whichever is greater, of 10,001 pounds
(4,537 kilograms) or more.

·

A vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.

·
A vehicle designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Applicants that are subject to the FMCSRs must read the statements under the heading titled “Applicants Subject to Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations.” These statements describe the activities that Passenger Carriers must follow in order to comply with
the FMCSRs. Select the “Yes” response in this part only if the applicant attests that all of the statements are true.
Applicants that will not operate any of the commercial motor vehicles specified above are exempt from the FMCSRs and must
complete the safety certification under the heading titled “Exempt Applicants.” Read the corresponding statement and select the
“Yes” response in this part only if the applicant attests that the entire statement is true.

SECTION IV — Compliance Certification
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section.
31. Compliance Certification
Read the statement and check “Yes” only if the statement is true.
Private entities that are primarily in the business of transporting passengers and that transport passengers in an over-the-road bus
(defined as a bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck over a baggage compartment) are subject to the USDOT’s Americans
with Disabilities Act regulations located at 49 CFR Part 37, Subpart H.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 9 of 12

SECTION V — Government Funding Status
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section. Select only one response.
32. Government Funding Status
Applicants that currently receive, or have received in the past, governmental financial assistance for the acquisition or operation of a bus must
indicate their funding status by selecting either the “Public recipient” or “Private recipient” response.
Applicants that do not receive any government funding or use equipment acquired with governmental financial assistance should
select the “Non-recipient” response.
NOTE:
· Only public recipient applicants requesting authority to operate over regular routes are required to submit, on a separate
sheet of paper attached to the application, the specific routes over which you intend to provide regularly scheduled service.
You must also furnish a map clearly identifying each regular route involved in your passenger carrier service description(s).
· Applicants that choose to mail the application should attach a separate sheet of paper which details any requested evidence.
· Public recipient applicants for charter or special transportation must submit the evidence requested in this section of the
application form.
· Regular route public recipient and charter applicants and charter and special transportation private recipient applicants
may, at their option, submit supplemental evidence with this application which addresses the Public Interest Criteria
specified in this section of the form. This evidence may be needed if the application is protested.
· Applicants who do not receive governmental financial assistance do not need to submit additional evidence.

SECTION VI — Scope of Operating Authority
All Passenger Carrier applicants must complete this section. Check all boxes that apply.
33-37. Scope of Operating Authority Requested — This section corresponds to the type(s) of Operating Authority selected in
“SECTION II — Type of Authority” of the OP-1(P) application form.
NOTE:
· “Regular Routes” refer only to Passenger Carriers that perform regularly scheduled service between designated points and
operate over named roads or highways.
· Only public recipient applicants requesting authority to operate over regular routes are required to submit a detailed narrative
description of the route(s) and a corresponding map that graphically displays the path of the route with the application.
· Special and charter operations do not operate over regular routes.

SECTION VII — Affiliations
Only applicants with any relationship within the past 3 years to any business entity regulated/licensed by the
FMCSA, ICC, FHWA, or OMCS must complete this section.
38. Affiliations — Examples of an affiliation or relationship include, but are not limited to, owning another company (even a
percentage of stock), providing a loan to another company, managing another company, or having a family relationship with an owner
or manager of another company.
Disclose any past or current relationship within the last 3 years by providing the following:
·

Description of affiliation or relationship.

·

Name of the company.

·

MC/FF Number.

·

USDOT Number.

·

Latest DOT safety rating (for more information, see “Information Sources” (Topic VI) in this packet.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 10 of 12

SECTION VIII — Applicant’s Oath
All applicants must complete this section. False certifications are subject to the penalties described in the oath.
39. Applicant’s Oath — Type or print the name and title of an individual authorized to sign documents on behalf of the company that
is applying for Operating Authority. The authorized signer is one of the following:
·

In the case of a sole proprietorship, the owner.

·

In the case of a partnership, an official partner.

·

In the case of a corporation, an authorized officer.

·

An individual with power of attorney to act on behalf of the applicant (proof of the power of attorney must be submitted with
the application).

NOTE: If this application is not signed and dated by an authorized individual, the application will be rejected and Interstate
Operating Authority will NOT be issued.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 11 of 12

VI. Information Sources
For general information and guidance regarding applications, please visit the FMCSA Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or call
FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660

Status of Application, Insurance, and Process Agent Filings
To check the status, use either of the following methods after FMCSA has processed your application:
·

·

Go to the FMCSA Web site at http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and do the following:
1)

Read the introductory page and click “Continue”

2)

Select “Carrier Search” in the dropdown menu and click “Go”

3)

Follow the search instructions (for State, enter the location of the company headquarters).

Call FMCSA’s automated telephone system at 1-866-637-0635, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have
your MC Number (also called docket number) ready if it has already been assigned (for more information, see Step 2 in “What
Are the Steps in Getting Operating Authority?” [Topic IV] in this packet).

MC Number
To find a company’s MC Number, go to http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov and conduct a search as follows:
·

Read the introductory page and click “Continue”

·

Select “Carrier Search” in the dropdown menu and click “Go”

·

Follow the search instructions (for State, enter the location of the company headquarters).

Those without Internet access can call 1-866-637-0635 for assistance.

USDOT Number Registration
To obtain a USDOT Number, either apply online or by mail as follows:
·

Apply online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/online-registration, which provides a USDOT Number immediately after successful
completion of the online form.

·

Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/print-form, print the appropriate MCS-150 form(s), and mail the completed form(s) to FMCSA.

Those without Internet access can call 1-800-832-5660 for assistance.

Hazardous Materials Regulations
If you intend to transport incidental property that may be considered to be hazardous materials (for example, oxygen tanks for disabled
passengers), refer to the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations in Parts 100 through 185 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), particularly the Hazardous Materials Table at 49 CFR 172. These regulations are available online at
http://hazmat.dot.gov/regs/rules.htm. Contact the FMCSA at 202-366-6121 if assistance is needed.
To obtain information about DOT hazardous material transportation registration requirements, call 202-366-4109.

Safety Rating
If a safety rating has already been assigned, view your status online at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov (click “Company Snapshot”)
or call 1-800-832-5660.
To request a safety fitness review, please contact your local FMCSA field office. To find contact information for your local field office, either:
·

Visit the FMCSA Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/field-office, or

·

Call 1-800-832-5660.

Instructions for Form OP-1(P)

(Revision 3/17/2014)

Page 12 of 12