Our transportation department developed four trucking permit packages for new business owners starting a transportation company. These well-developed, thorough packages are unique to our clients. California owner-operators can pick the package that fits their needs best, depending on whether they'll operate locally or out of state.
Call us to find out about our GOLDPAY Plan and pay your permit package in 3 easy payments.
Businesses in California who own commercial vehicles, hire drivers, and provide services by contract to other businesses are typically called "For Hire" or "Owner Operators." These businesses can choose to work within California state limits, making them "California only" or "local" drivers. Businesses must clearly establish their driving distance to ensure they apply for the correct vehicle permits — this information is also necessary when purchasing commercial auto insurance. Other important pieces for permit application include identifying:
Failure to provide correct or up-to-date information can be extremely costly to the business. Partner with Goldamity's brokers to ensure accurate and current information.
California Owner Operators — Local Only
California Owner Operators — Local Only
California Owner Operators — Interstate
Transportation company must provide acceptable proof of insurance and/or proof of business entity and EIN if not issued by our services. Issuance of permit varies by county the business is located in, and by processing time for CHP or DMV.
Commercial vehicles used in two or more states save money by registering with IRP. There are 59 jurisdictions that participate in the plan, made up of 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. Interstate vehicles registered with IRP pay pro-rated registration fees to the states traveled into, instead of paying full annual registration for each state.
In the state of California, new businesses with commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs are required by law to get specific federal and state permits to operate. These permits are issued by different agencies that help regulate the safety of business vehicles, drivers, and operations. The agencies involved in issuing these permits are:
Each agency issues a unique number or permit to confirm the business is in compliance and has up-to-date, paid fees required for operation. Businesses that change their business entity and get a new Tax ID Number (TIN) or Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) must reapply for new California trucking permits.
Our staff of experienced professionals fills out the appropriate paperwork, submits the information to each agency, and follows up to save business owners time. Trucking permit services are for new businesses in the state of California only — we may be able to assist with existing permits that are pending or expired, but are unable to assist with permits that have been previously revoked. See our step-by-step guide on the permit process below.
Set up your business entity
US DOT number
FMCSA MC authority
EPN number
CA number
MCP
Insurance
Your California trucking permit requirements will vary based on your contracting company.
Filed with the IRS to pay taxes for heavy vehicles. These taxes are paid every year in July. It takes about ten days to be verified by the IRS and is linked to your business by TIN, EIN, or Social Security number.
Form CHP 362 is submitted to the California Highway Patrol. Once approved, CHP issues the business a CA#, creating a company profile that helps CHP enforce California's safety requirements for commercial vehicles and notify organizations of emergency situations.
Instantly issued by the FMCSA, this unique number is assigned to a business that owns commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs and is paid for the transportation of goods or people. Also identifies the number of drivers, units, and type of cargo transported.
Businesses with employees must enroll in this DMV-regulated program, which assigns a requester code to the employer. The employer is notified of changes to a driver's record or license status — created to identify drivers with poor driving behavior and improve public safety.
Issued by the DMV of California as proof the vehicle is registered in the state. Valid for 12 months from the month the application is submitted. Requires proof of commercial auto liability insurance and workers' compensation (if applicable) via form MCP65. Approval can take up to 45 days.
An MCP65 is proof of insurance issued on a special DMV form. Only insurance companies can issue it.
A completed application, payment, and MCP65.
You can get your permits with an ITIN# or EIN#.
DOT#, CA#, and MCP — learn more about each permit here.
Your DOT needs an MCS-150 every year, and your MCP needs to be renewed every year — if renewed late, there is a penalty.
Any vehicle over $10,000 in value used for private or for-hire purposes.
DOT# is instant, CA# takes 2 weeks, and MCP takes 4–6 weeks.
We cater to diverse business industries: construction, contractors, hospitality, and retail. From general liability and property insurance to workers’ compensation and cyber liability coverage, we have a range of options to protect your business from unforeseen risks.
Simple steps to protect your business:
Call us today for a complimentary consultation and quote.
