FMCSA Cracks Down on Illegal USDOT and MC Number Transfers

Key Details The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a March 13, 2026 bulletin warning truckers against buying, selling, or leasing USDOT numbers and MC operating authority numbers. The agency emphasized that these identifiers are non-transferable and belong exclusively to the legal entity to which they were assigned. Why It Matters Unauthorized transfers of USDOT or MC numbers will result in immediate deactivation and revocation of all related registrations. This crackdown comes as federal regulators intensify efforts to eliminate fraud and prevent chameleon carriers from operating under stolen or illegally obtained credentials. What You Need to Know For sole proprietors, a USDOT number is permanently tied to the individual and cannot be transferred even if the business is sold. New owners must apply for their own number. For corporations, the number transfers with legitimate ownership changes, but new owners must update FMCSA records immediately. Bottom Line If you attempt to purchase, rent, or lease someone else's USDOT or MC number, FMCSA will deactivate your number and revoke your safety registration. Always obtain your own credentials through proper channels to stay compliant and protect your carrier's legal standing.