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. You file it once. It stays on your authority until you replace it or your company name or address changes.

File my BOC-3 nowCompare lifetime vs. annual
Rated 5.0 on GoogleBy the carriers we've helped
BBB Spark Award2026 winner - Idaho
FMCSA-ApprovedBOC-3 Process Agent
50 States + DCProcess agents in every state
Who needs one

Who needs a BOC-3 on file?

If you hold any authority, like an MC, MX, or FF number, you need a BOC-3 filed before the FMCSA will activate it.

You need a BOC-3 if one or more of the following matches what you do

  • Motor Carriers (MC#)Hauling freight or passengers for-hire across state lines under a motor carrier authority.
  • Freight Brokers (MC#)Arranging freight to be carried by others under broker authority, without trucks of your own.
  • Mexico Domiciled (MX#)Mexico-based carriers operating for-hire into the United States.
  • Freight Forwarders (FF#)Consolidating and break-bulking shipments for interstate transport under a freight forwarder authority.

Already applied for your authority? The FMCSA automatically dismisses authority applications after 90 days if you don't have a BOC-3 and insurance on file. File yours before the deadline to avoid re-paying the $300 fee to the FMCSA.

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

How it works

Filed and visible in Motus in three steps.

  1. 1

    Provide your information

    Give us your USDOT and MC numbers when you order online, or call us and we'll handle it over the phone.

  2. 2

    We file with the FMCSA

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

  3. 3

    You get confirmation

    We email a copy of the filed BOC-3 for your records. Attach your insurance and your authority is ready to be authorized.

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
Lifetime vs. annual

Lifetime vs. annual BOC-3 filings

Most providers charge you every single year for the same filing. We charge once. Here is what that adds up to.

The typical providerAnnual BOC-3$30 to $100 per 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
  • Pay for a new filing if your details change
How TIPS does itLifetime BOC-3$68 once, and done
  • One filing, active as long as you need it.
  • One payment. Lifetime coverage.
  • Nothing to renew, no missed payments.
  • Free amendments if your details change
Annual provider, $30 to $100 per yearTIPS, $68 once
Year 1
$30 to $100
$68
Year 2
$60 to $200
$68
Year 3
$90 to $300
$68
Year 4
$120 to $400
$68
Year 5
$150 to $500
$68
File once for $68
What's included

Everything the filing covers.

BOC-3 Filing, TIPSOrder summary
  • Blanket coverage in all 50 states plus DC, one filingIncluded
  • Electronic filing submitted directly with the FMCSAIncluded
  • Same business day processing on every single orderIncluded
  • Lifetime filing with zero annual fees or renewalsIncluded
  • Forwarding of legal documents served on your behalfIncluded
  • A confirmation copy of the filing for your recordsIncluded
Lifetime filing$68

Ordering takes less than five minutes, and your BOC-3 is filed and attached to your MC, MX or FF number the same business day.

Reviews

Carriers and brokers who filed with TIPS.

★★★★★

As a busy driver I needed a company to help handle a majority of the workload for getting my own authority. I cannot recommend Samantha at TIPS enough. She helped walk me through a complicated process with ease.

Miles CunatGoogle review, new authority
★★★★★

TIPS is the best! I'm so thankful as a new broker for somebody to help me thru it all. Completely taking care of everything for me, making sure it was right the first time.

Harrison RunyanGoogle review, new broker
★★★★★

Very knowledgeable, answered all my questions, and completed the filings very quickly. Great follow up too.

Jonathan CloughGoogle review
★★★★★

Great place to work with on getting my DOT number. Everyone that works for them is very helpful.

Joe DesaroGoogle review
★★★★★

Great company to work with. The customer service is top notch and they don't try to rob you price wise like most companies do. Highly recommend them.

Walkers Logistics and Shipping LLCGoogle review
★★★★★

Samantha was great. She was very professional and kept me updated throughout the whole process. I am very pleased with the service I received and will definitely be using them again.

Riggins TruckingGoogle review
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.
Can I file my own BOC-3?+
Not directly. Only a process agent registered with the FMCSA can submit a BOC-3, so you choose a blanket agent like TIPS and the agent files it on your behalf. You give us your USDOT and MC numbers and we handle the filing.
How often do you have to file a BOC-3?+
Once. A BOC-3 stays on your authority until it is replaced, amended, or your authority is revoked. With TIPS there is nothing to renew. Some providers charge a yearly fee to keep the same filing active, which is why the question comes up.
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 do you need to file a BOC-3?+
Your legal business name as it appears on your USDOT record, your USDOT number, your MC or FF docket number, and your business address. If you are still waiting on your MC number, order anyway and we will file as soon as it posts.
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.

Want the long version? Read Understanding the BOC-3 in the TIPS library.

File your BOC-3 today

$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. Need the rest of your authority set up too? We can help with all of it.

File my BOC-3 now (208) 278-6722