For applicants who do not have Internet access, the following three tables ("Interstate Commerce," "Intrastate Commerce," and "Non-Commerce") will help new U.S. and Canada-based carriers determine which FMCSA forms a company is required to complete.

(A much faster option is to apply through the Online Registration and Compliance Assistant, an easy-to-use Web site designed specifically to help applicants determine which registration forms are required, and to help users complete them correctly.)

The Matrix Explained
In the tables, the various forms are displayed under the registration function they support—Obtaining a USDOT Number (Forms MCS-150, MCS-150B) or Obtaining Operating Authority (Forms OP-1, OP1-(P) or OP1-(FF)). Applicants must submit all the forms indicated to complete the registration process. Boxes marked with an "X" under the corresponding classification indicate required forms. If several categories apply to an operation, all indicated forms must be filed, but only a single form of any type needs to be submitted.

The tables do not address the registration requirements for new Motor Carriers headquartered in Mexico who wish to operate as interstate carriers within the United States. All Mexico-based motor carriers should visit the appropriate New Entrant page (in Spanish or English) to determine which forms must be filed to meet FMCSA registration requirements.

The nature of a company?s business may subject it to multiple operation classifications, so selections should be made carefully. Detailed instructions for completing all registration forms are available for download from the Registration and Licensing Forms page, or by calling FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 to have them mailed.

Table 1:  Interstate Commerce

Table 2:  Intrastate Commerce

*In select states (see list at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/registration-USDOT.htm) all registrants of commercial motor vehicles, even intrastate and non-Motor Carrier registrants, are required to obtain a USDOT Number as a necessary condition for commercial vehicle registration.

Table 3:  Non-commerce