FMCSA-Approved Process Agent

BOC-3 Filing Service

A BOC-3 (also written "BOC 3" or "boc3 form") is the Designation of Process Agents the FMCSA requires under 49 CFR Part 366. Every for-hire motor carrier, freight broker, and freight forwarder operating under interstate authority must have one on file before their MC or FF number can be activated.

$68One-Time Fee
Lifetime blanket coverage All 50 states and DC Filed the same business day No renewals, ever
File my BOC-3 now Compare lifetime vs. annual
Questions first? (208) 278-6722
Last updated: July 2026
5,000+
BOC-3s filed for carriers
$0
Annual renewal fees, ever
50+DC
Blanket coverage everywhere
5.0★
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Who Needs One

Who needs a BOC-3 on file?

If you hold any authority beyond a plain USDOT number, you need a BOC-3 before the FMCSA will activate it.

Motor carriers (MC#)

Hauling freight or passengers for hire across state lines under motor carrier authority.

Freight brokers (MC#)

Arranging freight to be carried by others under broker authority, without trucks of your own.

Freight forwarders (FF#)

Consolidating and break-bulking shipments for interstate transport under FF authority.

Private carriers hauling only their own goods, with no MC or FF authority, do not need a BOC-3 filing.

Already applied for authority? The FMCSA automatically dismisses applications after 90 days without a BOC-3 and proof of insurance on file. And if your BOC-3 is ever removed, your authority gets revoked unless a replacement is filed.

How It Works

Filed and on your authority in three steps.

1

Provide your information

Give us your USDOT and MC numbers when you order online, or call and we'll take them down.

2

We file with the FMCSA

We process your order the same business day and file electronically. It reflects immediately.

3

You get confirmation

A copy of your filed BOC-3 arrives for your records. Add insurance and you're set to activate.

The Part Nobody Tells You

Lifetime vs. annual BOC-3 filings

Most providers charge you every single year for the same filing. We charge once.

How TIPS Does It

Lifetime BOC-3

One filing, active as long as you hold authority

$68once, and done
  • No renewals and no annual invoices, ever
  • No revocation risk from a missed payment
  • Free amendments if your details change

Annual BOC-3

The typical provider's model

$30-$100per year, forever
  • You must renew every year to stay covered
  • A missed payment removes your BOC-3
  • Your MC authority can then be revoked in weeks
File once for $68
What's Included

Everything the filing covers.

  • Blanket coverage in all 50 states plus DC, one filing
  • Electronic filing submitted directly with the FMCSA
  • Same business day processing on every single order
  • Lifetime filing with zero annual fees or renewals
  • Forwarding of legal documents served on your behalf
  • A confirmation copy of the filing for your records

Ordering takes under five minutes, and your BOC-3 is filed and attached to your MC number the same business day.

Verify us before you buy.

Total Insight Professional Services is on the FMCSA's official registry of approved process agents. Check our listing on fmcsa.dot.gov, then check any other provider you're comparing.

View our FMCSA listing
FAQ

BOC-3 questions & answers

Can I be my own process agent?+
The FMCSA requires you to designate a third party in any state where you do not have a physical office. A blanket agent covers every state you operate in with one filing, instead of requiring separate registered agent agreements in each state.
How long does the BOC-3 filing take?+
When you purchase during business hours, TIPS files your BOC-3 the same day. Once submitted electronically, the FMCSA's records update immediately.
Do I need to renew my BOC-3?+
Not with TIPS. Our BOC-3 filings are lifetime. Some providers charge annual fees for BOC-3 coverage. We do not.
What happens if I receive legal documents?+
As your process agent, TIPS forwards any service of process to the address and email you have on file with us.
What if I already have a BOC-3 with another provider?+
You can switch to TIPS at any time. We file a new BOC-3 that replaces your existing one. If you currently pay for an annual filing, switching to TIPS means you never pay again.
What happens if my company information changes?+
If your company name or physical address changes, your BOC-3 will need to be amended. With TIPS, amendments are free. Just let us know when you plan to make changes.
How much does BOC-3 filing cost?+
TIPS charges $68 one time. There are no annual renewal fees and no hidden charges. As long as you hold your authority, your BOC-3 coverage stays active. Some providers charge $30 to $75 per year, or over $100 for a lifetime filing - with TIPS, you pay $68 once and you're done.
What is the penalty for not having a BOC-3 on file?+
Operating without a valid BOC-3 is a federal violation under 49 CFR Part 366. Fines can reach $16,000 or more per incident, and your operating authority can be revoked.
How do I check if I already have a BOC-3 on file?+
Go to the FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search your USDOT number. Your BOC-3 status appears under your authority record.
Keep Reading

Authority guides from the TIPS library

GuideUnderstanding the BOC-3 The process agent designation, explained in plain English. Read the article → January 2026MC Number vs DOT Number: What's the Difference? Which numbers your operation needs, and what each covers. Read the article → GuideNext Steps After Getting a DOT Number The filings that come after your DOT number, in order. Read the article →
Ready to File?

$68 once. Covered for life.

Lifetime blanket coverage in all 50 states and DC, filed the same business day, with free amendments whenever your details change.

File my BOC-3 now Need full authority setup?
(208) 278-6722
Talk to a dedicated compliance agent