MC Number To Be Phased Out: The New FMCSA Registration System

FMCSA Plans Major Shift: MC Number Will Be Phased Out

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a major change for 2025. The agency plans to stop issuing the MC number as part of a larger overhaul of its registration system. This change is expected to take effect when FMCSA launches the new system later this year.

Going forward, the FMCSA will use the USDOT Number as the primary identifier for all regulated entities. Under the updated system, each type of operating authority will be linked to a suffix attached to the USDOT Number.

What Happens to Existing MC Number Holders?

FMCSA confirmed it will not replace current MC numbers with USDOT Numbers. Companies that already have an MC number will keep it. These numbers may still be used for advertising or other non-regulatory purposes.

However, once the new system is in place, all registration records will be based on the USDOT Number. Each suffix will show the type of authority held, such as broker, freight forwarder, or for-hire motor carrier.

Why FMCSA Is Eliminating the MC Number

This change is required by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Under this law, all FMCSA-regulated companies must have a USDOT Number.

The MC number was never a legal requirement. FMCSA used it in the past to track specific types of authority, not to identify a person or company. Over time, as the agency moved away from route-specific and contract authorities, the need for a separate MC number became unnecessary.

The transition is part of FMCSA’s larger goal to modernize registration, reduce fraud, and improve data accuracy. These changes were first outlined in the Unified Registration System (URS) Final Rule, released in 2013. View the full rule here.

MC Number Phase-Out Delayed by Industry Concerns

FMCSA noted that many in the trucking industry are concerned about the change. To allow more time for companies to adjust, the agency will not phase out the MC number during the first rollout phase of the new registration system.

“FMCSA will take a measured approach to implement these changes in later releases while continuing to engage our stakeholders as we maximize the new registration system’s benefits in enhancing safety, reducing fraud, and improving data accuracy,” the agency stated.

How the New System Will Replace the MC Number

Once fully implemented, all registrations will be tied to the USDOT Number. This includes safety registration, operating authority, hazmat permits, and more. Each registration will be represented by a unique suffix attached to the USDOT Number.

A single company may hold multiple types of authority. In that case, they will have multiple suffixes under one USDOT Number. These suffixes will not need to be displayed on vehicles. However, they will be required on business documents involving brokers, freight forwarders, and for-hire motor carriers.

FMCSA also clarified that safety registration is a separate requirement. It applies to anyone operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Before approving safety registration, the agency must verify compliance and review the applicant’s affiliations.

What Carriers Should Know About the Transition

• Current USDOT Numbers will remain active.
  Existing registrants do not need to reapply.

• New USDOT Numbers will be issued to some entities.
  This includes brokers, freight forwarders, and non-commercial vehicle carriers who never had a USDOT Number before.

• Suffixes will be used in place of the MC number.
  Each suffix will identify a specific type of registration or authority.

• FMCSA will stop issuing the MC number.
  Existing MC numbers can still be used for advertising or internal tracking.

FMCSA has published answers to frequently asked questions about these changes. Read the full FAQ here.

Looking Ahead

The end of the MC number marks a big shift for the trucking industry. FMCSA says this change will help streamline the registration process and improve oversight.

By moving all records under the USDOT Number, the agency believes it can better track compliance and reduce the risk of fraud. The new system will be introduced in phases, and FMCSA says it will continue working with stakeholders throughout the transition.

More updates will follow as the system rolls out later this year.