CA Number & Motor Carrier Permits Explained
Operating a commercial vehicle in California comes with its own unique set of rules requirements. While you might be aware of what a USDOT number is, if you’re running routes within the Golden State, you’ll need two additional credentials to operate legally: a Carrier Identification Number (CA Number) and a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).
California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) use these filings to track your safety record, insurance, and compliance. Without them, you’re going to find out sooner rather than later why they’re required, and what the repercussions are for not having them.
Let's break down what these credentials are, who needs them, and why it can be a headache getting them on your own if you’re not familiar with the process.
What is a CA Number?
Just like a DOT number is a unique number assigned to you by the DOT to keep track of your company, the CA Number is your company’s unique identifier with the California Highway Patrol. Issued by the CHP, this number is assigned to your company to track safety and compliance information. It’s a lifetime number, meaning it stays with your business and must be displayed on both sides of your commercial vehicles, just like a DOT Number.
While the CA number is extremely similar to a DOT number, they are distinct requirements and both must be obtained before operating what California considers to be a commercial vehicle within the state.
More importantly, before you can get your Motor Carrier Permit, you first need to get a CA Number approved.
Who Needs a Motor Carrier Permit?
Once you have your CA Number, the next step is obtaining a Motor Carrier Permit from the California DMV. The California Motor Carrier Permit is used as proof that you’re in compliance with California's registration and insurance requirements.
You are generally required to have an MCP if you:
Operate a commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
Transport property for hire, regardless of your vehicle's size or weight.
Operate a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for operation.
Transport hazardous materials.
This applies to both in-state carriers (intrastate) and some out-of-state carriers who pick up and deliver loads within California. For example, if you are an Oregon-based carrier who occasionally has loads where both the origin & destination are within California, and your vehicle does not leave the state during that trip, you are required to obtain both the CA & MCP.
A notable exemption to CA / MCP requirements is Household Goods carriers. If you’re a moving company, you’ll instead need to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Household Goods & Services.
What Are The Potential Repercussions for Non-Compliance?
Ignoring the CA Number and Motor Carrier Permit requirements can land you in hot water. Here’s a sneak peek of potential outcomes if you’re pulled over without them.
Hefty Fines: If you're caught operating without a valid MCP, you can be fined up to $2,500. This is a misdemeanor offense as stated in California Vehicle Code (CVC) §34660.
Vehicle Impoundment: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has the authority to immediately impound your truck under CVC §34661. You won't get it back until you show proof of a valid permit and pay all towing and storage fees.
Registration Holds: The DMV can suspend your truck's registration for MCP violations, making it illegal to operate the vehicle on any road until the issue is fixed.
Criminal Charges: Operating without an MCP is considered a misdemeanor, which can lead to a criminal record. In addition to the fine, this offense is punishable with jail-time, especially if you have a prior record. (CVC §34660)
Why Can Filing Be So Difficult?
On the surface, the application process seems like it should be straightforward, but it’s filled with potential hangups hat can cause you serious delays. The state agencies involved are meticulous, as they often are, and small errors can set you back to square one, keeping your trucks parked.
Here are some of the most common issues we see:
Incorrect Business Information: Your business name and address must match exactly across all your documents—from your corporate filings with the DOT & Secretary of State to your insurance forms and DMV application. A simple abbreviation or typo can lead to a rejection.
Insurance Filing Errors: Your insurance provider must file the correct forms directly with the DMV, showing the required levels of liability coverage. If they file the wrong form or your policy doesn't meet the minimums for your vehicle and cargo type, your application will be stalled.
EPN Program Enrollment: If your drivers hold a commercial license, you are required to enroll in the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program. This system automatically sends your drivers' records to you. Failing to provide a valid EPN requester code on your MCP application is a common oversight.
Multi-Agency Coordination: You’re dealing with the CHP for the CA Number and the DMV for the MCP. Each has its own forms and processes. Ensuring all paperwork is filed in the correct order and with the correct agency is a challenge for carriers with plenty on their plate already.
These delays aren’t just frustrating—they cost you money. Every day you’re not on the road is a day you’re not earning.
Letting The Experts Handle It
Navigating state and federal regulations is our specialty. Instead of spending your limited & valuable time trying to decode forms and waiting on hold with government agencies, we’ll handle your CA Number and Motor Carrier Permit applications for you.
Just like with everything else we do, our team knows the process inside and out. We’ll ensure your applications are accurate, complete, and submitted correctly the first time. We’ll manage the coordination between agencies and make sure your insurance and other required filings are in order to get you on the road as quickly as possible.
Your job is to keep your trucks moving and manage the day-to-day. Our job is to handle the paperwork that makes it all possible. Contact us today to get started and stay compliant on California roads, or anywhere else you want to go.