How do I look up an MC number?
Enter the MC number with or without the MC prefix. Select the matching company to open its USDOTData carrier record, then verify each current authority and its status in the official FMCSA Motus public record.
Carrier authority search
MC Number Lookup
Search an MC, MX, or FF docket number to find the matching carrier or regulated entity. Then review its USDOT identity and verify the authority that applies to the work.
A docket match is not an active-authority verdict. Operating authority can be pending, inactive, revoked, or tied to filings that must be checked in the current FMCSA record.
Search MC, MX, or FF
Enter a prefix and number, such as MC123456, or enter the digits and review the returned docket matches.
Enter MC, MX, or FF number (or just the number to search all types)
Carrier search is free. Some detailed carrier data may require a full report or Pro access.
Current for Motus in 2026
Docket numbers remain, but authority records are more specific
FMCSA says existing docket numbers stay the same and the MC, MX, and FF prefixes remain. Motus assigns a separate docket number to each newly granted authority, so one company can have more than one authority record with its own status and history.
How to verify an authority record
Use the docket number to locate the entity, then answer identity, authority, insurance, and safety questions separately.
- 1
Match the entity
Confirm the legal and DBA names, USDOT number, location, and docket prefix. Similar names do not prove a match.
- 2
Select the exact authority
In Motus, expand Operating Authority Registration(s) and choose the authority type relevant to the proposed operation.
- 3
Read status and reason
Review whether the authority is active, pending, inactive, suspended, or revoked and read the specific status reason.
- 4
Check supporting filings
Confirm the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility filing, BOC-3 details, effective dates, and history.
MC, MX, and FF are not interchangeable
- MC docket
- Commonly associated with for-hire motor-carrier, broker, or related operating authority. Read the authority type in the official record.
- MX docket
- Used for Mexico-domiciled carrier registrations and authorities. Confirm the authorized operation and geographic scope.
- FF docket
- Associated with freight-forwarder authority. It does not by itself show motor-carrier authority.
MC number lookup questions
Is an MC number the same as a USDOT number?
No. A USDOT number identifies the regulated entity, while an MC, MX, or FF docket number identifies operating authority or registration associated with particular activities. A company can have both.
Does finding an MC number prove that authority is active?
No. A docket match identifies the record, not its current status. Review the applicable authority in Motus, including its status, reason, filings, and history.
Did Motus remove MC, MX, and FF docket numbers?
No. FMCSA says the MC, MX, and FF prefixes remain. Existing docket numbers do not change, while each new authority granted in Motus receives its own docket number.
Continue the carrier check
Use the current Motus workflow to verify authority and insurance, then review the broader carrier record before relying on a match.
