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Operating authority filing fee (OP-1 / Motus)

Pay the $300 operating-authority application fee when you file for your MC number.

Filed with
FMCSA
Cost
$300 per authority type (non-refundable)
Time
Part of your registration (~1 hour total)

What you'll need

  • Your USDOT number
  • Business info and authority type (usually motor carrier of property)
  • Payment

Step by step

  1. 1

    Start your registration in Motus

    Apply for operating authority through FMCSA's new Motus system (it replaced the legacy URS on May 14, 2026) — sign in with an identity-verified Login.gov account.

  2. 2

    Choose your authority type

    Motor carrier of property is the norm for owner-operators.

  3. 3

    Pay the $300 fee

    Per authority type — non-refundable even if the application is denied.

  4. 4

    Wait for your MC number

    Then complete your BOC-3 and insurance filing to activate.

Worth knowing

  • You only need common-carrier (property) authority for typical trucking.
Official source: FMCSA — get operating authority

Fact-checked June 2026. Fees, screens, and dates change — always reconfirm at the official source at filing time.

Not legal advice and not FMCSA or DOT guidance; verify with FMCSA or a licensed professional.

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