Are MC numbers going away?
You may have read that FMCSA is “eliminating MC numbers.” Some articles even gave dates that came and went. Here’s where things actually stand, and why it doesn’t erase the value of an aged authority.
Current status
FMCSA has said it plans to move toward using the USDOT number as the single identifier for carriers. In its April 2026 Federal Register notice about the Motus registration system, FMCSA said MC/FF docket numbers would not be eliminated in Motus’s initial phases, and that the change would come in later releases after stakeholder feedback. MC numbers are still in use today.
Does an aged authority lose value?
No. Brokers and insurers don’t value the MC number itself. They value the company’s history: how long its operating authority has been active, its inspections, crashes and insurance record. That history sits with the company and its USDOT number. If FMCSA retires MC numbers, the authority age and record still remain.
What to do now
- Put your USDOT number on documents, broker packets and invoices along with your MC.
- Keep your MCS-150 current.
- Watch for official FMCSA notices, not social media rumors.
For more on the registration changes, read Motus explained.
Frequently asked questions
Are MC numbers being eliminated?
FMCSA plans to move to USDOT-only identification eventually, but as of its 2026 notices, MC numbers are still in use and weren’t removed in Motus’s initial phases.
Will my company lose its authority age?
No. Authority age and history belong to the company and its USDOT record, not to the MC number format.
Next step
Aged authorities keep their history. See what’s available.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.