Your FAQs for getting – and keeping – your TxDMV operating authority.
I want to operate as an independent contractor or household goods mover. Do I need a USDOT Number?
Yes—if you're operating in Texas, start with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get your USDOT Number.
To keep that USDOT Number active, you'll need to update Form MCS-150 with FMCSA every two years. If you tell FMCSA you're operating interstate, you'll also need to register and pay Unified Carrier Registration fees through UCR.gov every year.
I've got my USDOT Number. Can I hit the road?
Not yet. A USDOT Number is not operating authority – it's basically an identifier. Next step: Operating Authority.
- Crossing state lines? You'll need Interstate Operating Authority (an MC Number) from FMCSA.
- Staying in Texas (local moves / intrastate hauling)? You'll need Intrastate Operating Authority – a TxDMV certificate (formerly known as a “TxDOT number”).
Do I need intrastate authority, interstate authority, or both?
If you do both kinds of work, you need both kinds of authority. One doesn't cover the other.
To apply for TxDMV Intrastate Operating Authority, start in eLINC (Electronic Licensing, Insurance and Credentialing). Once you're approved, you can view your certificate in MCCS (Motor Carrier Credentialing System).
Do I need to pay a third party to help me apply?
No. Lots of businesses will offer (and charge) to “help,” but you can do this yourself –
and we'll help too.
Call the Motor Carrier Division at 800-299-1700 (options 3-4-3) if you need application assistance.
Quick heads-up: there are solicitations out there that look official. Be careful – some companies pretend to be government agencies and charge you to file things you can file yourself.
Insurance
Do I have to have insurance?
Yes – and it's not enough to just buy a policy. TxDMV has to receive your insurance filing electronically from your insurer before your application can be granted.
What you need depends on what you do:
- Commercial auto filing: Form E
- Household goods movers: cargo insurance (Form H & I)
If you switch insurance companies, make sure the new Form E is filed before the old one expires.
I bought insurance. How do I know it's filed?
You've got a few options:
- Email notifications: We'll email you when insurance is filed—and warn you if the filing is removed. Make sure the email on your application is your email address.
- Check in MCCS: After you have a certificate, log in to MCCS and review your filings.
- Use the “Truck Stop” site: We publish insurance data there, so anyone can look up whether a company's filings are current.
If my insurer files it, isn't this their problem?
Not under state law. You're responsible for making sure your insurance stays filed with TxDMV 24/7. That's why the email warnings matter so much – seriously, use an email you check.
If you receive an enforcement letter about insurance filings, your first move should be logging into MCCS and checking what's on file. It'll make the letter make a lot more sense.
Taking a break, shutting down, or leasing on
My truck broke down… or I just want a break. What now?
Important: the operating authority is tied to you (the carrier), not the truck. If you keep the certificate active, you must keep insurance filed – and you can be fined for holding authority without insurance even if you're not operating.
So if you're stopping operations, your first step should be to cancel your certificate in MCCS:
- Go to the Supplemental tab
- Select Cancel Certificate
Need help? Call 800-299-1700 (options 3-4-3).
Good news: canceling isn't “starting over.” You can re-register later.
I'm going to “lease on” to another company. What next?
If you're operating under another carrier's authority and insurance, that carrier is responsible for its certificate and making sure your vehicle is covered under it.
But if you have your own certificate, you're still responsible for managing it. If you plan to cancel your commercial auto policy, cancel your operating authority first.
Also: canceling your TxDMV certificate doesn't dissolve your LLC or corporation—it just inactivates the operating authority you're not using/insuring right now.
Commercial Driver Licensing and Safety Audits
Who handles CDL and safety audits?
TxDMV doesn't regulate driver licensing or motor carrier safety audits. That's handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Anything else I should know?
There's a lot to learn – and we teach it. Check out our Outreach & Training page for info on free webinars where you can ask questions and get help.