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Frequently Asked Questions

This information does not in any way supersede the laws and regulations governing this program as laid out in the California Vehicle Code, Revenue & Taxation Code and the California Code of Regulations.

What is a Motor Carrier Permit?

A motor carrier permit is a document issued by the DMV's Motor Carrier Permit Branch. The permit is issued to the motor carrier as evidence of the registration with the DMV of their California Identification number (CA#), as required by CVC Section 34620. Additionally, the permit verifies the motor carrier has met all of the statutory requirements to commercially operate motor vehicles on California's highways. The permit contains information specific to the motor carrier (e.g., name, mailing address, CA#, and effective/expiration dates of the permit).

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Who needs a permit?

  • Any person or entity who is paid to transport property in their motor vehicle regardless of vehicle size or weight (For-hire carrier).
  • Any person or entity operating a motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more and which is used in the course of business to transport their own property (Private carrier).
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Who will not need a permit?

  • Vehicles operated by household goods and/or passenger carriers as defined in Section 5109 of the Public Utilities Code (those vehicles operate under Public Utilities Commission authority)
  • Vehicles operated by household goods carriers to transport used office, store, and institutional furniture and fixtures when operated under a household goods carrier permit issued pursuant to Section 5137 of the PUC.
  • Pickup trucks with a GVWR of less than 11,500 pounds, an unladen weight of less 8,001 pounds, and equipped with a box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length, when operated in a non-commercial manner.
  • Utility trailers, camp trailers, or trailer coaches.
  • Vehicles providing transportation of passengers only, a passenger stage corporation transporting baggage and express upon a passenger vehicles incidental to the transportation of passengers.
  • Vehicles used only for personal use and are 10,000 pounds GVWR or less.
  • Two-axle daily rental trucks with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds when operated in non-commercial use.
  • Vehicles which are exempt from vehicle registration fees.
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When should a new carrier apply for a permit?

A permit is required before vehicles can be put on the road. New carriers should apply prior to starting operations. Permits are staggered on a 12-month period from the time of application rather than on a calendar year basis.

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How do I obtain a Motor Carrier Permit?

To obtain a permit the following need to be provided to DMV:

  • A completed application form (DMV 706 MCP)
  • Proof of financial responsibility (DMV 65 MCP)
  • Proof of Workers' Compensation insurance or signed exemption
  • A valid Requestor Code issued by the Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN) if you employ drivers with a Commercial Class A, B, or C driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement. For forms or additional information on EPN, you may contact the EPN Unit at (916) 657-6346 or get more information about the Employer Pull Notice Program.
  • A Carrier Identification number (CA#) issued by the CHP
  • Payment of fees

Starting January 31, 2005, new federal regulations require a person who is applying for a California commercial driver license with an original Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement to undergo a security threat assessment. The USA Patriot Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to complete a security threat assessment (background records check) before the Department of Motor Vehicles issues a HazMat endorsement.

Related Links

Federal Hazardous Materials Requirements

Transportation Security Administration

Transportation Security Administration - Agent Information


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Can I go to the local DMV Field Office to apply for a Motor Carrier Permit?

No. The single point of contact for all matters related to participation or information concerning the Motor Carrier Permit program is the MCP Branch located at DMV Headquarters, in Sacramento, California. For those carriers who prefer to hand deliver their applications and fees to DMV, a drop box marked "Motor Carrier Permit" has been installed in the lobby of Building West at DMV Headquarters in Sacramento, CA. To obtain additional information that may not be provided on this site, call (916) 657-8153.

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Where do I send my application and insurance to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit?

To obtain a permit you will need to mail your application (DMV 706 MCP) with the appropriate fees and proof of liability and Workers' Compensation insurance directly to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Permit Branch/Operations Unit
P.O. Box 932370 - MS G875
Sacramento, CA 94232-3700

If you send your application and fees utilizing overnight delivery, mail them to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Permit Branch - MS G875
2415 1st Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818

If you hand carry your application and fees to DMV Headquarters, you can place them in the "Motor Carrier Permit" drop box located at:

Department of Motor Vehicles - Building West Lobby
2570 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818

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How do I obtain a California Identification number (CA#)?

The Carrier Identification number (CA#) is issued by the CHP as part of their Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program. However, not all carriers who require an MCP need to be part of the BIT program. For more information regarding CA numbers, contact:

California Highway Patrol
Commercial Records Unit
PO Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone (916) 375-2810

You can visit the California Highway Patrol website at http://www.chp.ca.gov

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What are the liability insurance requirements to obtain a permit?

Levels of liability insurance vary from a $300,000 to $5,000,000 combined single-limit coverage depending on the type of activities performed. Effective January 14, 2004, proof of liability insurance will also be accepted from the motor carrier as well as insurance provider. Proof must be submitted on one of the following forms:

  • A Certificate of Insurance (DMV 65 MCP rev. 7/2002)
  • A Surety Bond (DMV 55 MCP rev. 8/2002)
  • A Certificate of Self Insurance

A carrier may also apply for a Certificate of Self Insurance if they meet the following requirements.

  • A carrier has 25 or more commercial vehicles.
  • The required level of liability does not exceed $750,000.
  • There are no unsatisfied judgment(s) against the motor carrier name, the "Doing Business As" or trade names listed on the application for MCP resulting from property damages and/or bodily injury (including death) caused by a motor vehicle accident.

For additional information and self insurance forms, you may call the Motor Carrier Permit Branch at (916) 657-8153 or write to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Permit Branch - MS G875
PO Box 932370
Sacramento, CA 94232-3700

Additional information pertaining to self insurance may be obtained in the California Code of Regulations, Title XIII, Article 3.5.

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Do I need to provide proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance?

Yes, to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit one of the following must be filed with the department:

  • A Certificate of Insurance (DMV 65 MCP rev. 7/2002)
  • SCIF form 10262 issued by State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF)
  • SCIF form 10265 issued by SCIF
  • Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure issued by the Director of Industrial Relations Office of Self Insurance Plans.
  • A signed exemption statement, under penalty of perjury, stating that, in its operations as a motor carrier, it does not employ any person in any manner so as to become subject to the Workers’ Compensation laws of this state.

For additional information regarding Workers’ Compensation requirements and laws, go to Department of Industrial Relations or call them at 1-800-736-7401.

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If I only employ family members in my business, is Workers’ Compensation insurance required?

An owner/operator who employs only family members is required to provide Workers’ Compensation insurance.

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How are fees determined for the Motor Carrier Permit?

Fees are set in law and are composed to local governments, and a safety fee which is used by DMV and CHP to operate the Motor Carrier Permit program.

Application fee amounts are based on the type of carrier (for-hire or private) and the number of power units operated in the fleet. The fleet includes all power units owned, leased and/or operated by the carrier.

Fees for carriers with apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP) are prorated based on actual mileage within California.

For more information regarding the IRP program call (916) 657-7971 or for Single State Registration (SSRS) call (916) 657-6636.

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Do my fees change if I add vehicles to, or remove vehicles from my fleet?

Fees are based on the size of the power unit fleet at the time of original application or renewal. If you have fleet additions or deletions during the permit period, you do not have to report them until you renew the permit.

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What is a Seasonal Permit?

The department also issues a Seasonal Permit to carriers that operate as for hire. A Seasonal Permit can be obtained for a period of six- to eleven-months. The requirements to obtain a Seasonal Permit are the same as for a regular Motor Carrier Permit, with the exception that the fees required vary according to the number of months for which the permit is issued.

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Do I have to be in compliance with Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) and Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) programs to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit?

Yes, Assembly Bill 1238, which became effective January 1, 2004, requires motor carriers to self-certify their enrollment in, or exemption from, the BIT and CSAT programs upon application or renewal of an MCP. The MCP application (DMV 706 MCP) and the MCP renewal notice (DMV 134 MCP) have been revised to include BIT and CSAT information for the purpose of self-certification.

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What is the Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program?

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 34501.12 requires any person or organization directing the operation of certain trucks or trailers to participate in an inspection program conducted by the CHP. The law requiring the CHP to inspect California truck terminals every two years is known as the BIT program, and the inspections conducted by the CHP are commonly called "BIT inspections." It is the legal responsibility of every motor carrier who is subject to the BIT program to submit an application and appropriate fee to the CHP for inspection of each of the motor carrier's terminals. For more information regarding the BIT program, contact:

California Highway Patrol
Commercial Records Unit
PO Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone (916) 375-2810

You can visit the California Highway Patrol website at http://www.chp.ca.gov

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What is the Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) program?

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 34520 requires motor carriers and drivers to comply with the the controlled substance and alcohol use, transportation, and testing requirements of the United States Secretary of Transportation as set forth in Part 382 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. More Information about Part 382 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Additionally, motor carriers are required to make available for inspection, upon the request of an authorized employee of the CHP, copies of all results and other records pertaining to controlled substance and alcohol use and testing conducted pursuant to federal law, including those records contained in individual driver qualification files. For more information regarding the CSAT program, contact:

California Highway Patrol
Commercial Records Unit
PO Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone (916) 375-2810

You can visit the California Highway Patrol website at http://www.chp.ca.gov

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Are motor carriers who transport empty freight containers required to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit?

Absent any conditions that would specifically identify the movement of a freight container, whether empty or loaded, as other than interstate, such transportation should be considered interstate and a Motor Carrier Permit would not be required.

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Is a refuse transporter considered a "private" or "for-hire" carrier?

A "for-hire" motor carrier is a carrier who transports goods or property for compensation. A "private" motor carrier is a carrier who does not transport goods or property for compensation. Since the refuse is considered to be the property of the carrier, the carrier is not transporting someone else's property for compensation. Therefore, a refuse transporter is considered a private carrier.

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If I change the name of my company, do I need to apply for a new MCP?

If this is a change of name only and there has been no change to the business entity, you do not need to apply for a new MCP. However, you will need to complete and return to the department the Notice of Change form (DMV 152 MCP) . If you are unable to access or print the form through the Internet, please contact the MCP Operations Unit at (916) 657-8153 and a form will be mailed to you.

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If I change my business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship to partnership, individual to corporation, partnership to individual, etc.), do I need to apply for a new MCP?

Yes, you will need to apply for a new permit in the name of the new entity. To do this you will need to submit:

  • A completed application form (DMV 706 MCP).
  • Proof of financial responsibility (DMV 65 MCP rev. 7/2002).
  • Proof of Workers' Compensation coverage issued by SCIF or a signed exemption.
  • A valid Requestor Code issued by the Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN) if you employ drivers with a Commercial Class A, B or C driver license with a hazardous materials endorsement. For forms or additional information on EPN, you may contact the EPN Unit at (916) 657-6346 or "click" here to be taken to the web page.
  • A Carrier Identification number (CA#) issued by the CHP.
  • Payment of fees.

You will also need to complete and submit to the department a Request for Voluntary Withdrawal Permit form (DMV 716 MCP) for the permit issued to the previous entity, if you are no longer doing business under that name. If you are unable to access or print the form through the Internet, contact the MCP Operations Unit at (916) 657-8153 and a form will be mailed to you. Withdrawing from the program prior to the expiration of your permit does not result in any refund of fees nor can the fees be applied toward a new permit.

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Am I required to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit if all my drivers are independent contractors and I only own the trailers?

No. Only carriers who operate or employ drivers to operate those vehicles listed below are required to obtain a Motor Carrier Permit:

  • Self-propelled commercial vehicles as defined in subdivisions (a), (b), (f), (g), and (k) of CVC Section 34500
  • Any motor truck of two- or more axles that is more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
  • Any other motor vehicle used to transport property for compensation
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If my business terminal(s) are located out-of-state and I employ driver(s) who are also licensed out-of-state, am I required to enroll in the EPN program?

Your are not required to enroll in the EPN program if your operation does not not have any terminal(s) located within California. However, if at any time you were to regularly garage, maintain, operate or dispatch from a dispatch office, cross-dock facility, maintaince shop, business, store, or private residence located within California, you would become subject to enrollment in the EPN program.

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If my business is a Corporation, Partnership, or LLC and I am the only driver, will I be required to enroll in the EPN program?

Yes. The Corporation, Partnership, or LLC is the employing entity and as such is required by statute to monitor the driving records of all commercial drivers in their employment. When an individual or sole proprietor submits a change of entity to obtain a permit as a Corporation, Partnership or LLC, proof of enrollment in the EPN program is required.

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How do I change my address?

To change your address on your MCP, you will need to complete and return to the department the Notice of Change form (DMV 152 MCP). If you are unable access or print the form through the Internet, contact the MCP Operations Unit at (916) 657-8153 and one will be mailed to you.

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If I am no longer operating as a motor carrier, do I need to notify DMV?

Yes, you need to complete and return to the department a Request for Voluntary Withdrawal form (DMV 716 MCP). If you are unable to access or print the form through the Internet, contact the MCP Operations Unit at (916) 657-8153 and a form will be mailed to you. Withdrawing from the program prior to the expiration of your permit does not result in any refund of fees.

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Is the information provided on my application confidential?

The information provided on the Motor Carrier Permit application is public record, regularly used by law enforcement agencies and others, and is open to inspection by the public.

The only information designated as confidential, which is contained on the MCP application, is the list of employees provided annually by carriers with 20 or more vehicles, the EPN number, EIN number, DL number, and payment information.

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Can I obtain information about a Motor Carrier Permit holder?

Yes, fees vary from no charge to $125.00 depending on the type of request.

Motor Carrier Information request processing fees
Information Requested Required Fees
Copy of MCP Permit $15.00
If an individual needs a letter (Only) $15.00
Copy of MCP Application (Per Year) $20.00
Computer Screens (Each) $5.00
Hardcopy of Insurance Documents (Each) $20.00
Overnight Mail $10.00
Motor Carrier's List (CD) $125.00
Clerical cost $24.00 an hour or $6.00 per 1/4 hr. or fraction thereof (Used for processing Subpoenas only.)
Witness Service Fee Deposit $150.00
Cost of individual documents (Per Page) $0.10

There is no charge for a casual request. A casual request is a request for routine information, which is specific and brief, and is provided by MCP's Public Contact area via telephone. Additional fees of $16.00 per hour may be incurred if documents must be retrieved from the off-site storage facility. Requests for the Motor Carrier List (CD) must be submitted on company letterhead and should include business name, address, telephone number and contact person. All other requests must be submitted in writing and should include your name, address and telephone number with a check or money order made payable to Department of Motor Vehicles and mailed to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Permit Branch/Operations Unit
PO Box 932370 - MS G875
Sacramento, CA 94232-3700

DMV information may only be used for the purpose for which it was approved by the department. It may not be combined with any other information. To obtain additional information regarding information requests for Motor Carriers of Property, call (916) 657-8153.

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What happens if I operate as a motor carrier of property without a permit?

Operating as a motor carrier of property without a permit is a misdemeanor and is punishable by fine of up to $2,500, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months or both. CHP may also confiscate and impound your vehicles. (Vehicle Code Section 34670).

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Can the Department of Motor Vehicles suspend a Motor Carrier Permit?

A Motor Carrier Permit may be suspended when any of the following actions/activities occur:

  • Failure to pass BIT inspection by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
  • Failure to pay BIT fees to CHP.
  • Failure to comply with Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) requirements of federal law as described in Subdivision (a) of CVC 345200.
  • Failure to make copies of CSAT results and other records available to CHP as required by Subdivision (b) of CVC 345200.
  • Knowingly leasing, operating, dispatching or otherwise utilizing vehicles from a carrier whose motor carrier permit is suspended, which suspension is based wholly or in part on the failure of the motor carrier to maintain any vehicle in safe operating condition.
  • Failure to be enrolled in the Employers Pull Notice (EPN) program.
  • Suspension and/or revocation of carrier’s driver's license.
  • Failure to maintain liability and/or Worker’s Compensation insurance.
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In addition to the MCP permit, will I need to obtain any additionalpermits to operate my vehicle(s)?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the movement of vehicle/loads exceeding statutory limiations on the size, weight, and loading of vehicles contained in Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code. For more information regarding such special permits, you will need to contact:

California Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 942874, Mail Slot 41
Sacramento, CA 94271-0001

You can visit the Department of Transportation website at http://www/dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/permits/index.htm.

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Will DMV audit my carrier records?

The department reviews all carrier records on an on-going basis.

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