Do I Need a Motor Carrier Permit in California?

Legally operating a truck on California roadways requires obtaining the proper permits and complying with a complex set of regulations. One common question carriers have about trucking in the Golden State is, “Do I need a motor carrier permit in California?”

The short answer is that a California Motor Carrier Permit is mandatory for the majority of commercial vehicles. The MCP indicates that your company has current and valid insurance and registration for every vehicle. 

The MCP is different from the motor carrier number. However, FMCA Filings can help you comply with all trucking permit regulations in California and elsewhere, including walking you through how to get an MC number and a commercial vehicle permit in CA. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Is a California Motor Carrier Permit, and Why Do I Need One? 

The California Department of Transportation and the California Department of Motor Vehicles co-administer the MCP program. The purpose of the permits is to make the roads safer and ensure fair competition among trucking companies in the state by enforcing critical regulations. 

The documentation for motor carrier permits includes:

• A valid vehicle registration
• Proof of liability insurance that complies with California regulations; your insurer must submit documentation directly to the state 
• A Federal Employer Identification Number
• Completed MCP application 
• California Secretary of State Number (for California-based carriers)
• A fee based on the type and duration of the permit

Failing to acquire an MCP before operating on California roadways can result in significant consequences, including fines, misdemeanor charges, and even jail time. The California Highway Patrol may also impound the vehicle if you don’t have an MCP. 

Vehicles That Need an MCP in California 

Anyone who drives a truck may wonder, “Do I need a motor carrier permit in California?" Although most commercial vehicles that transport goods and passengers need this essential California DOT permit, not all trucks do.

The following absolutely must have an MCP to operate in the state.

• Any operator or carrier driving vehicles that require a CDL license
• Any operator or carrier transporting hazardous materials
• Any person or carrier driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more 
• Any operator or carrier with a vehicle that exceeds 40 feet in length when combining the truck and the trailer, semi-trailer, auxiliary or pole and pipe dollies, or logging dolly

Vehicles that do not require an MCP include:

• Personal vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds
• Vehicles that are exempt from registration fees
• Two-axle, non-commercial daily rental trucks with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds
• Vehicles operated by carriers specializing in household goods
• Non-commercial pickup trucks with a GVWR of less than 11,500 pounds (8,001 pounds unloaded) and no longer than nine feet long
• Utility or camping trailers 
• Vehicles used to transport passengers only or transport companies that only transport passengers and their luggage
• Non-commercial trucks or two-axle truck tractors with a GVW of less than 26,001 when used on their own to pull a trailer 

In some cases, vehicles that do not require an MCP may need to acquire different California DOT permits. For example, companies that carry passengers must apply for a Motor Carrier of Passengers (MCP-P) permit to operate businesses like sightseeing tours or airport shuttles legally. 

The Difference Between MCP and MC

The MCP is a California-only permit, while a motor carrier number is a registration issued to carriers for interstate travel. Drivers will only ever need to produce the MCP in California. 

The MCP contains details about the carrier and their compliance with the applicable state laws. It serves as verification of insurance and registration but also provides authorities with further information like the company’s USDOT number, CA, number where applicable, and the permit’s effective and expiration dates. An MCP is only valid for one year; carriers receive expiration notices 45 days in advance and typically need to submit updated documentation and a fee to renew the MCP.

Get Help Obtaining a Motor Carrier Permit in California

If you have questions about the legal requirements to operate a commercial vehicle or large truck in California and how to obtain the authorization you need, get in touch with FMCA Filings. We can help you answer the question, “Do I need a motor carrier permit in California?” and streamline the permitting process. We’ll ensure you have all the necessary documents, apply for the correct permits, and operate safely and compliantly throughout the US. 

Are you new to the industry and ready to start your own trucking company? Don’t go it alone. FMCA Filings can help you with all the paperwork and permitting necessary for launching a successful, legally compliant, and fully authorized entity.

Get in touch today, or talk with one of our agents using the Live Chat feature.