Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
03/26/2026
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
05/31/2026
183,261
94,619
245,570
126,789
54,978,200
28,385,700
This information collection request is a renewal for mandatory reporting which applies to new registrants that are subject to FMCSAâs licensing, registration, and certification regulations. Form MCSA-1 is an interactive, online form that allows users to see and complete only sections that are applicable to their specific operation(s). There is no paper version of Form MCSA-1; users must complete the form online, accessible via the Unified Registration System (URS). Form MCSA-1 requests information to identify the applicant, the nature and scope of its proposed operations, safety-related details, and information regarding the drivers and vehicles it plans to use in U.S. operations. The information on Form MCSA-1 is collected only at initial registration (i.e., it is a one-time collection of information).
New registrants seeking initial operating authority with FMCSA must fill out Form MCSA-1. Every interstate and intrastate hazardous material motor carrier operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) is required to register with FMCSA to obtain a USDOT Number. Most for-hire carriers are also required to file a separate application for operating authority. Existing registrants seeking additional authorities must use forms from the OP-1 series, including OP-1, OP-1(P), OP-1(FF), and OP-1(NNA). New and existing Mexico-domiciled carriers must apply for authority using Form OP-1(MX).
FMCSA and the States use registration information collected via Form MCSA-1 to track motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and other entities they regulate. Registering motor carriers is essential to being able to identify carriers so that their safety performance can be tracked and evaluated. The data make it possible to link individual trucks to the responsible motor carrier, thus implementing the mandate under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1) to ensure that CMVs are maintained and operated safely. Registration information collected via Form MCSA-1 informs prioritization of the Agencyâs activities and aids in assessing and statistically analyzing the safety outcomes of those activities.
This ICR renewal request includes an increase in the estimated burden hours and burden cost to respondents and increased cost to the Federal government. This estimate is based off the increased number of respondents/responses calculated based on the number of new entrants who applied using Form MCSA-1 during calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, which results in these estimates of annual respondents/responses and burden hours for the upcoming information collection period.
US Code:
49 USC 13908
Name of Law: Registration and other reforms
The estimated annual respondents/responses for the Form MCSA-1 increased from 94,619 in the previously approved ICR to 183,261 in the current ICR. The estimated annual burden hours for the Form MCSA-1 increased by 118,780 hours to 245,569 hours [245,569 proposed hours â 126,789 currently approved hours = 118,780 hours].
The average annual estimated MCSA filing cost to respondents increased from $28,385,700 to $54,978,200.
The estimate is based off the increased number of respondents/responses calculated based on the number of new entrants who applied using Form MCSA-1 during calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, which results in these estimates of annual respondents/responses and burden hours for the upcoming information collection period.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.