28 of 51 US jurisdictions require a for-hire carrier to hold state intrastate operating authority on top of its federal registration, and 23 do not. Haul Handbook read each state's own rule, checked Oct 6, 2026.
Operating authority is permission to haul other people's freight for pay. Cross a state line and the federal layer applies: FMCSA issues that authority, usually as an MC number. Stay inside one state and the state itself decides whether you need a credential, which agency issues it, and what it costs. Some states run the program through a public utilities commission, some through the DOT or DMV, and some ask for nothing beyond safety registration.
Each source marker opens the agency page or statute we verified, with the date we checked it.
Intrastate operating authority for for-hire property carriers, by US jurisdiction. Verified Oct 6, 2026.
State
Authority required
Issuing agency
Program and credential
Filing fee
Alabama (AL)
YesMotor Carrier Services SectionRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Alabama Public Service Commission, Transportation Division, Motor Carrier Services SectionMotor Carrier Services SectionRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026Ala. Code Title 37, Chapter 3 (Alabama Motor Carrier Act)
Intrastate authority (PSC certificate or permit under the Alabama Motor Carrier Act)Motor Carrier Services SectionRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
$100Motor Carrier Services SectionRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Alaska (AK)
No17 AAC 25.210, Safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.Recorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
–17 AAC 25.210
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–
Arizona (AZ)
NoWhat if I operate solely in Arizona? (Motor Carrier FAQ)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Arizona Department of Transportation, Enforcement and Compliance DivisionWhat if I operate solely in Arizona? (Motor Carrier FAQ)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
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Arkansas (AR)
YesArkansas Intrastate Authority registration packet, General Freight (forms AR-RS1, AR-RS2, fee and insurance instructions)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT), Legal DivisionArkansas Intrastate Authority registration packet, General Freight (forms AR-RS1, AR-RS2, fee and insurance instructions)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026Ark. Code Ann. 23-13-206 (commodity exemptions; permit issued under the Arkansas Motor Carrier Act)
$25Arkansas Intrastate Authority registration packet, General Freight (forms AR-RS1, AR-RS2, fee and insurance instructions)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
California (CA)
YesMC 500 M California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) HandbookRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Registration Operations DivisionMC 500 M California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) HandbookRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026Cal. Veh. Code 34620 (permit requirement); Cal. Veh. Code 34507.5 (carrier identification number); Rev. & Tax. Code 7236 (fees)
Motor Carrier Permit (MCP)Carrier number: CA#MC 500 M California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) HandbookRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$250MC 500 M California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) HandbookRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Colorado (CO)
NoColorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 40, section 40-10.1-105Recorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carriers, household goods movers and passenger carriers only)Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 40, section 40-10.1-105Recorded access date: Oct 6, 2026C.R.S. 40-10.1-105(1)(i)
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Connecticut (CT)
NoConnecticut General Statutes, Chapter 245c - Motor Carriers of Property for HireRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Regulatory and Compliance UnitConnecticut General Statutes, Chapter 245c - Motor Carriers of Property for HireRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 245c (Secs. 13b-387 to 13b-410c)
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–
Delaware (DE)
No2 Del. C. ch. 18, Public Carrier (section 1801 Definitions; section 1802 Regulation of public carriers)Recorded access date: Oct 5, 2026
–2 Del. C. ch. 18
–
–
District of Columbia (DC)
NoTrip Permits for Commercial Carriers and Heavy Duty VehiclesRecorded access date: Oct 9, 2026
–
–
–
Florida (FL)
NoFlorida USDOT NumbersRecorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)Florida USDOT NumbersRecorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
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–
Georgia (GA)
NoGeorgia Department of Public Safety, CVE Regulations Compliance (certificates and permits overview)Recorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
Georgia Department of Public Safety, Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD)Georgia Department of Public Safety, CVE Regulations Compliance (certificates and permits overview)Recorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) RegistrationCarrier number: Intrastate USDOT number with 'GA' suffixGeorgia Department of Public Safety, CVE Regulations Compliance (certificates and permits overview)Recorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
–
Hawaii (HI)
YesHRS §271-8 Certificate or permit requiredRecorded access date: Oct 5, 2026
Hawaii Public Utilities CommissionHRS §271-8 Certificate or permit requiredRecorded access date: Oct 5, 2026HRS chapter 271 (Motor Carrier Law): 271-8 (certificate or permit required), 271-12 and 271-13 (certificates and contract carrier permits), 271-17 (security for protection of public), 271-36 (fees); HAR chapter 6-62
Motor carrier certificate of public convenience and necessity (common carrier) or contract carrier permit, property classificationCarrier number: PUC number (P.U.C. No.)HRS §271-8 Certificate or permit requiredRecorded access date: Oct 5, 2026
$30HRS §271-8 Certificate or permit requiredRecorded access date: Oct 5, 2026
Idaho (ID)
NoCVS Insurance Requirements (Form E for intrastate haul-for-hire; BMC-91X for IRP haul-for-hire)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Idaho Transportation Department, DMV Commercial Vehicle Services (Motor Carrier Services)CVS Insurance Requirements (Form E for intrastate haul-for-hire; BMC-91X for IRP haul-for-hire)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
–
–
Illinois (IL)
YesMotor Carriers of Property Frequently Asked Questions (Transportation Division, rev. Nov 15 2022)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Illinois Commerce Commission (Transportation Division)Motor Carriers of Property Frequently Asked Questions (Transportation Division, rev. Nov 15 2022)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026625 ILCS 5/18c-4101 (Illinois Commercial Transportation Law, 625 ILCS 5/18c-1101 et seq.); 92 Ill. Adm. Code Chapter III
Public Carrier CertificateCarrier number: ILL. C. C. numberMotor Carriers of Property Frequently Asked Questions (Transportation Division, rev. Nov 15 2022)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$50Motor Carriers of Property Frequently Asked Questions (Transportation Division, rev. Nov 15 2022)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Indiana (IN)
YesUCR USDOT Numbers and Indiana Operating Authority ChecklistRecorded access date: Aug 9, 2026
Indiana Department of Revenue, Motor Carrier ServicesUCR USDOT Numbers and Indiana Operating Authority ChecklistRecorded access date: Aug 9, 2026IC 8-2.1-22; IC 8-2.1-24
Intrastate Operating Authority (Form IOA-1 registration), plus a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for carriers of passengers or household goodsCarrier number: Indiana ID NumberUCR USDOT Numbers and Indiana Operating Authority ChecklistRecorded access date: Aug 9, 2026
YesK.S.A. 66-1,114b, Public motor carrier of property other than household goods or passengers; certificate of public serviceRecorded access date: Sep 27, 2026
Kansas Corporation Commission, Transportation DivisionK.S.A. 66-1,114b, Public motor carrier of property other than household goods or passengers; certificate of public serviceRecorded access date: Sep 27, 2026K.S.A. 66-1,114b (certificate of public service); K.S.A. 66-1,114 (household goods and passengers); K.S.A. 66-1,115 (private carriers); K.S.A. 66-1,128 (insurance); K.S.A. 66-1a01 (fees)
KCC intrastate operating authority: certificate of public service (for-hire property), certificate of convenience and necessity (household goods and passengers), private carrier license or permitK.S.A. 66-1,114b, Public motor carrier of property other than household goods or passengers; certificate of public serviceRecorded access date: Sep 27, 2026
Not confirmed
Kentucky (KY)
YesKRS 281.630, Certificates issued by department; applications; fees; renewalRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor CarriersKRS 281.630, Certificates issued by department; applications; fees; renewalRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026KRS 281.630; KRS 281.655
Kentucky Intrastate For-Hire CertificateCarrier number: K-Number (KYTC Number also assigned)KRS 281.630, Certificates issued by department; applications; fees; renewalRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
$25KRS 281.630, Certificates issued by department; applications; fees; renewalRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Louisiana Public Service CommissionLa. R.S. 45:164 - Common carrier's certificate; contract carrier's permitRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026La. R.S. 45:162; La. R.S. 45:164
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Maine (ME)
No29-A M.R.S. sec. 1611: Insurance, bond or self-insurance requiredRecorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services (Operating Authority Unit)29-A M.R.S. sec. 1611: Insurance, bond or self-insurance requiredRecorded access date: Sep 28, 202629-A M.R.S. sec. 1611 (insurance, bond or self-insurance required)
For-Hire Insurance filing29-A M.R.S. sec. 1611: Insurance, bond or self-insurance requiredRecorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Maryland Public Service Commission regulates passenger-for-hire carriers only; property carriers register with MDOT State Highway Administration, Motor Carrier Division (MD DOT number)Transportation DivisionRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026Md. Code, Transportation Article, Sec. 22-404.3 (number display requirement)
Maryland Motor Carrier Identification Number (intrastate ID number, not an operating-authority program)Carrier number: MD DOT #Transportation DivisionRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight DivisionTransportation Oversight DivisionRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026M.G.L. c. 159B, s. 3 (certificates for common carriers of property by motor vehicle; applied in practice to household goods carriage)
Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED), Regulatory and Credentialing SectionRegulatory & Credentialing Section (CVED Authority, intrastate operating authority)Recorded access date: Oct 8, 2026Motor Carrier Act, 1933 PA 254; MCL 478.1 and MCL 478.2 (fees); MCL 479.8(2) and Mich. Admin. Code R 460.18503(3) (decal, cab card, vehicle marking)
CVED Authority (intrastate operating authority under the Motor Carrier Act)Carrier number: CVED number (the carrier's account number issued by MSP/CVED). Two published texts name different letters for the vehicle marking: MCL 479.8(2)(b) still requires the letters MPSC plus the account number, while Mich. Admin. Code R 460.18503(3) from the 2018 rule set requires the letters CVED and the CVED number. Both are currently in force, so confirm the marking with MSP/CVED at issuance.Regulatory & Credentialing Section (CVED Authority, intrastate operating authority)Recorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
YesApplication for Mississippi Intrastate General Freight Operating Authority (form MSR-1)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Mississippi Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier SectionApplication for Mississippi Intrastate General Freight Operating Authority (form MSR-1)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026Miss. Code Ann. Title 77, Ch. 7 (Motor Carrier Regulatory Law); 'restricted motor carrier' (for-hire property except household goods) defined at Miss. Code Ann. Sec. 77-7-7; 'commission' means the Mississippi Transportation Commission
Mississippi Intrastate General Freight Operating Authority (Restricted Motor Carrier registration, form MSR-1)Application for Mississippi Intrastate General Freight Operating Authority (form MSR-1)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
$50Application for Mississippi Intrastate General Freight Operating Authority (form MSR-1)Recorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
Montana Public Service CommissionMont. Code Ann. 69-12-101. Definitions (Motor Carrier Act)Recorded access date: Jul 25, 2026Mont. Code Ann. 69-12-101; 69-12-301
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Nebraska (NE)
NoTransportation - Motor Carrier RegulationRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Nebraska Public Service CommissionTransportation - Motor Carrier RegulationRecorded access date: Jul 24, 2026Neb. Rev. Stat. ch. 75, art. 3 (§ 75-301 et seq.)
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Nevada (NV)
YesMC 208: Intrastate Commerce Authority Information and Application (rev. 01/2025)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier DivisionMC 208: Intrastate Commerce Authority Information and Application (rev. 01/2025)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026NRS Chapter 706 (specifically NRS 706.169, 706.186, 706.291, 706.437, 706.438, 706.439, 706.4395)
Intrastate Commerce Authority (Letter of Authority, Form MC 208)MC 208: Intrastate Commerce Authority Information and Application (rev. 01/2025)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Not confirmed
New Hampshire (NH)
NoRSA 359-T:2, Certificate Required.Recorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services (household goods and passenger carrier certificates only)RSA 359-T:2, Certificate Required.Recorded access date: Oct 4, 2026RSA 359-T (household goods carriers); RSA 266:72-a and Saf-C 901.02 (adopted federal safety rules)
No state operating authority for general freight; Household Goods Carrier certificate (RSA 359-T) for for-hire intrastate movers onlyRSA 359-T:2, Certificate Required.Recorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
–
New Jersey (NJ)
NoLicensing and Registration, Trucking, Multimodal/FreightRecorded access date: Jul 29, 2026
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)Registration & Licensing - Motor Carrier Compliance BureauRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026N.Y. Transportation Law art. 8 (Carriers of Property by Motor Vehicle; certificate/permit requirement at sec. 172)
No2026 Motor Carrier Driver's Handbook (Commercial Vehicle Regulations), Carrier Registration and Operating Authority sectionsRecorded access date: Sep 27, 2026
–
–
–
Ohio (OH)
YesIntrastate motor carriers and registration informationRecorded access date: Jul 26, 2026
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)Intrastate motor carriers and registration informationRecorded access date: Jul 26, 2026ORC 4921.19; Ohio Adm.Code Chapter 4901:2-21
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)Carrier number: PUCO identification number (displayed on vehicles preceded by the letters PUCO)Intrastate motor carriers and registration informationRecorded access date: Jul 26, 2026
$30Intrastate motor carriers and registration informationRecorded access date: Jul 26, 2026
Oklahoma (OK)
YesIntrastate Licenses for For-Hire Motor CarriersRecorded access date: Aug 5, 2026
Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Transportation DivisionIntrastate Licenses for For-Hire Motor CarriersRecorded access date: Aug 5, 202647 O.S. Section 230.28 (Motor Carrier Act of 1995); OAC 165:30 Subchapter 3
Intrastate Motor Carrier LicenseIntrastate Licenses for For-Hire Motor CarriersRecorded access date: Aug 5, 2026
$100Intrastate Licenses for For-Hire Motor CarriersRecorded access date: Aug 5, 2026
Oregon (OR)
YesApplication for Class 1A Permit (Form 735-9745)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Oregon Department of Transportation, Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD)Application for Class 1A Permit (Form 735-9745)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026ORS 825.100 (certificate or permit required to operate as a motor carrier); permits granted under ORS 825.102
Motor Carrier Account with Oregon intrastate for-hire operating authority (For-Hire Certificate or Permit; Class 1A Permit for general commodities except household goods)Carrier number: CCD Account NumberApplication for Class 1A Permit (Form 735-9745)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$300Application for Class 1A Permit (Form 735-9745)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Pennsylvania (PA)
YesApplication for Motor Common Carrier of Property (checklist, instructions, and form, rev 10/5/21)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC), Bureau of Technical Utility ServicesApplication for Motor Common Carrier of Property (checklist, instructions, and form, rev 10/5/21)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 202666 Pa.C.S. § 1101
Certificate of Public Convenience, Motor Common Carrier of PropertyCarrier number: PUC No. A-Application for Motor Common Carrier of Property (checklist, instructions, and form, rev 10/5/21)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$100Application for Motor Common Carrier of Property (checklist, instructions, and form, rev 10/5/21)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Rhode Island (RI)
YesResponsibilities and Jurisdiction of the Motor Carriers DivisionRecorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC), Motor Carriers SectionResponsibilities and Jurisdiction of the Motor Carriers DivisionRecorded access date: Oct 4, 2026R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-12-6
Certificate of operating authority as a common carrier of property (R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 39-12), or a contract carrier permitCarrier number: DPUC certificate number (or contract carrier permit number)Responsibilities and Jurisdiction of the Motor Carriers DivisionRecorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
$250Responsibilities and Jurisdiction of the Motor Carriers DivisionRecorded access date: Oct 4, 2026
South Carolina (SC)
YesCertificate of ComplianceRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services (Certificate of Compliance); SC Public Service Commission / Office of Regulatory Staff for passenger, household goods, and hazardous waste carriers onlyCertificate of ComplianceRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026SC Code 58-23-40 (PSC certificate scope, as amended 2022); SC Code 58-23-920 (insurance required of motor vehicles transporting goods for hire)
Certificate of Compliance (COC), Class E-L / Class E-LCCertificate of ComplianceRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026
$25Certificate of ComplianceRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026
South Dakota (SD)
NoIntrastate CarriersRecorded access date: Oct 8, 2026
Utah Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Division (safety and credentials oversight; no economic authority certificate)Motor Carrier Operating AuthorityRecorded access date: Jul 25, 2026UCA 41-1a-201 (vehicle registration)
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Vermont (VT)
NoA Guide to the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in Vermont, Form VN-166 (01/2023)Recorded access date: Oct 5, 2026
–
–
–
Virginia (VA)
YesFor-Hire Intrastate Operating AuthorityRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier ServicesFor-Hire Intrastate Operating AuthorityRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026Va. Code 46.2-2120 (filing fees for certificates of fitness)
For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority (property carriers receive a permit; household goods and common carriers a certificate)For-Hire Intrastate Operating AuthorityRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
$0For-Hire Intrastate Operating AuthorityRecorded access date: Oct 6, 2026
Public Service Commission of West VirginiaW. Va. Code 24A-1-3, Exemptions from chapterRecorded access date: Sep 28, 2026W. Va. Code 24A-2-5; exemptions at W. Va. Code 24A-1-3(10) and 24A-1-3(14)
PSC certificate or permit (passenger, solid waste, wrecker and non-exempt contract carriers only)W. Va. Code 24A-1-3, Exemptions from chapterRecorded access date: Sep 28, 2026
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Wisconsin (WI)
YesWisconsin Motor Carrier Authority Application, Form MV2843 (6/2021)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier ServicesWisconsin Motor Carrier Authority Application, Form MV2843 (6/2021)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026Wis. Stat. s. 194.41 (for-hire liability insurance filing requirement, as cited on Form MV2843 instructions)
Wisconsin Intrastate Local Cartage (LC) authorityCarrier number: LC NumberWisconsin Motor Carrier Authority Application, Form MV2843 (6/2021)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$500Wisconsin Motor Carrier Authority Application, Form MV2843 (6/2021)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Wyoming (WY)
Yes2020 Wyoming Operating Authority Manual (revised 12.2020, current manual linked from WYDOT operating authority page)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
Wyoming Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Services, Operating Authority Section2020 Wyoming Operating Authority Manual (revised 12.2020, current manual linked from WYDOT operating authority page)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026W.S. 31-18-209 (cited in the WYDOT Operating Authority Manual; Wyoming Statutes Title 31, Chapter 18, Regulation of Motor Vehicle Carriers)
Wyoming Operating Authority (Letter of Authority)2020 Wyoming Operating Authority Manual (revised 12.2020, current manual linked from WYDOT operating authority page)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
$502020 Wyoming Operating Authority Manual (revised 12.2020, current manual linked from WYDOT operating authority page)Recorded access date: Jul 24, 2026
How to read the table
Authority required answers one question: does the state make a for-hire property carrier get a state credential before hauling loads that stay inside state lines? Passenger carriers and household-goods movers often follow stricter rules even where this column says No.
Issuing agency is where you apply. Where the answer is No, the agency listed is the one that oversees motor carriers anyway, since safety rules still apply to in-state trucking.
Program and credential names the authority type and, where one exists, the carrier number the state assigns.
Filing fee is the application or filing charge the agency publishes. "Not confirmed" means the agency did not publish a figure we could verify, so we left it open rather than guessed.
A dash is an honest blank: the state has nothing to list in that cell.
Where this fits when you start a trucking company
Intrastate authority is one layer of the paperwork stack, and it only controls where your loads may run. Your state may also want an in-state carrier to hold a USDOT number, a separate question with its own patchwork; our state DOT number requirements table answers it for all 51 jurisdictions. Trucks that run in more than one state register through the plan mapped in our IRP registration by state table, and their fuel tax follows the IFTA rates by state.
