Is FMCSA Eliminating MC Numbers? What's Actually True in 2026

No, FMCSA has not eliminated MC numbers. FMCSA has proposed moving to a USDOT-number-only system, but in an April 29, 2026 Federal Register notice it said the Motus Phase II launch "will not include… the elimination of MC/FF numbers." Any future change would come through rulemaking with public comment, so for now your MC number still matters.

What FMCSA actually proposed

For years, for-hire carriers have had two numbers. The USDOT number identifies your company for safety purposes. The MC number (a "docket number") is tied to your operating authority. Freight forwarders have FF numbers, and certain Mexico-domiciled carriers have MX numbers.

FMCSA has said it wants to simplify this. Its plan is to use the USDOT number as the single identifier for every registered company. Different types of registration would be shown with suffixes added to the end of the USDOT number, instead of a separate MC, FF, or MX number.

FMCSA's own FAQ, "Will FMCSA stop issuing MC Numbers?", describes this as something it has proposed. It says the change is under consideration, would be published in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment, and would not take effect with the first release of the new registration system. If you want to read it yourself, search the FMCSA website for that question title.

What the April 2026 Federal Register notice says

On April 29, 2026, FMCSA published a notice titled "Availability of Motus, FMCSA's New Registration System" (91 FR 23144, FR Doc. 2026-08334). It explains the move to Motus, FMCSA's new online registration system.

The notice covers MC numbers in a section called "Listening and Responding to Stakeholder Feedback." FMCSA says stakeholders asked for more time and raised concerns in three areas:

1. The introduction of "safety registration"
2. The elimination of MC and FF docket numbers
3. Changes to how the BOC-3 (process agent) form is filed

FMCSA's answer, in its own words: the Phase II release of Motus "will not include the implementation of safety registration, the elimination of MC/FF numbers, or changes to the Form BOC-3 filing process." It adds that FMCSA "will take a measured approach to implement these changes in later releases" while it keeps working with stakeholders.

The notice also says:

• FMCSA "will continue to identify all regulated entities by a USDOT Number" as the unique identifier.
• The new USDOT number suffixes are "only visible in the system for ease of use at this time." They will not change formal FMCSA letters, notices, or orders.
• Suffixes are not required for marking trucks.

In short, FMCSA still says it plans to make these changes eventually. It has not set a date, and they are not part of the current Motus launch.

Why the confusion spread

A few things made this topic easy to get wrong:

• FMCSA did talk publicly about retiring MC numbers. Early descriptions of the registration overhaul included it, so some writers reported a plan as if it were final.
• Motus is a big change. Motus replaced the old Unified Registration System and the registration functions of the FMCSA Portal in May 2026. When so much changes at once, people assume everything changed.
• Blog posts copy each other. One wrong date gets repeated until it looks like a fact.

The only reliable sources are the Federal Register, the eCFR, and FMCSA itself. If a claim does not point to one of those, be skeptical.

What this means for you right now

Keep using your MC number

If you have operating authority, your MC number is still active and still part of your FMCSA record. Brokers, shippers, factoring companies, and load boards still commonly use it to look you up and set you up.

• Keep your MC number on your rate confirmations, invoices, and broker packets.
• Keep your carrier profile on load boards and broker onboarding platforms the same as your FMCSA record.
• Do not "switch" to only your USDOT number on paperwork because a blog said so.

Your truck marking rules have not changed either. Under 49 CFR 390.21T, your truck must show your legal or single trade name and your USDOT number, preceded by "USDOT."

Protect yourself from fraud and impersonation

FMCSA's April 2026 notice says it has seen a "significant increase" in fraud. That includes identity theft, hijacked FMCSA accounts, and the sale of carrier numbers and PINs. This is one reason Motus requires identity and business verification.

What you can do:

• Watch your FMCSA record. Check your company snapshot on SAFER now and then. Look for changes to your address, phone, email, or company officials that you did not make.
• Watch for double brokering under your name. If a broker calls about a load you never booked, someone may be using your MC or USDOT number. Report it to the broker and to FMCSA.
• Use only official sites. Motus is at motus.dot.gov. FMCSA has warned about phishing emails and look-alike sites pretending to be Motus. A real FMCSA site ends in ".gov".
• Never send your login details or verification codes to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.

If you want help staying on top of your record, see our monthly compliance management service.

Keep your USDOT record and Motus account current

The USDOT number is becoming the center of everything. Make sure yours is right.

• Claim your USDOT number in Motus, if you have not already. Our Motus registration guide walks through it.
• Keep your MCS-150 information current. U.S. carriers must update it every 24 months under 49 CFR 390.19T. FMCSA has temporarily paused enforcement of biennial updates during the Motus transition, but the requirement still exists. Check FMCSA's current instructions before you count on the pause.
• Make sure your insurance and BOC-3 filings show up correctly on your record.

What could happen next

FMCSA has said it expects to propose registration rule changes. If FMCSA does move forward with retiring MC numbers, here is what the process would look like based on what it has said so far:

1. FMCSA publishes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register.
2. The public, including carriers, can comment.
3. FMCSA reviews comments and may publish a final rule with an effective date.

As of this writing, we have not seen a proposed rule eliminating MC numbers published in the Federal Register. If one appears, you will have notice and time to adjust. You can search the Federal Register for "FMCSA registration" to check for yourself.

FMCSA's FAQ also says that if it stops issuing MC numbers, existing MC numbers would not be converted into USDOT numbers. Your USDOT number would stay the same.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still get an MC number if I apply for authority today?

Applications now go through Motus. FMCSA has not eliminated MC numbers. But check FMCSA's current instructions for exactly how new authorities are numbered in Motus, since the system shows USDOT suffixes. Our USDOT and MC number setup service can walk you through a new application.

Do I need to change my truck's door lettering?

No. Federal marking rules require your name and USDOT number, not your MC number. Nothing in the 2026 notice changes that.

Will brokers stop asking for my MC number?

Brokers decide how they vet carriers. Many still use the MC number today. Keep giving it to them until the industry and FMCSA change course.

How JMM Compliance can help

We help carriers set up and maintain their USDOT number, operating authority, and FMCSA record, and we keep track of registration changes so you do not have to chase rumors. If you are applying for authority or need your record cleaned up, see our USDOT and MC number setup service. If you are stuck getting into Motus, our Motus setup service can help.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your operation; confirm details with FMCSA or a qualified professional.