§ 365.503 Application

Question 1: How long does it take to get an MX number, Certificate of Registration and USDOT Number?

Guidance: The time it takes to obtain operating authority varies depending on the application submitted and the means by which the application is submitted.

• US DOT number: Can be obtained on-line the day the completed application is submitted.
• Commercial Zone Operating Authority Registration: If the application is complete, it can be issued in approximately 4 weeks.
• Long-Haul Operating Authority Registration: OP-1(MX) If the application is complete, it can be processed in 4-6 weeks. [At this time, the online application process is not available; an application is completed and submitted on paper.] Prior to issuance, the carrier must submit to and pass a Pre-Authorization Safety Audit (PASA). Once the PASA is successfully completed, the carrier will be notified of the results and of the requirement to submit evidence of insurance to FMCSA. At the same time, the carrier’s information is published in the FMCSA Register to allow for a 10-day protest period. At the end of that protest period and upon receipt of evidence of insurance and the BOC-3, Designation of Process Agent form, the provisional authority will be issued.

If an application is submitted and it is not completed correctly, it will be sent back to the motor carrier for correction. When the corrections are returned, they are entered in the order they are received along with any new applications that are received.

Question 2: I am a Mexican national and I have two companies, one domiciled in the U.S. and one domiciled in Mexico. Which applications do I need?

Guidance: Both companies need their own authority. Although both companies may have the same owners and corporate officers, they are considered to be separate companies located in different countries. The Mexico-domiciled carrier needs an OP-2 application (for a commercial zone authority) unless they do not already have a US DOT number or other authority, in which case, they must register via the Unified Registration System. If they are a long-haul carrier that operates outside the commercial zone, they must fill out the OP-1(MX) application.

The U.S.-domiciled carrier or enterprise carrier must register for operating authority as well. For information on how to apply. The motor carrier must pay the $300 application fee for each application.

Question 3: I don't have authority from the Mexican Government's Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) yet. Can I still make application for OP-1(MX) or OP-2 authority?

Guidance: Yes, you may apply without the SCT authority. However, you will need to have the SCT authority (an RFC number) before FMCSA will issue the OP-1(MX) authority or OP-2 certificate of registration.