New Motor Carriers

New Motor Carriers must comply with various federal regulations and obtain Operating Authority, state and local business licenses, vehicle registration and, if operating interstate, a fuel tax license. See Overview of Motor Carrier Regulations.

Federal Regulations

USDOT and MC Numbers

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must have a USDOT Number. Many are required to have an MC Number (Operating Authority) as well.

Nevada requires a USDOT Number on all intrastate companies operating commercial vehicles rated 26,001 pounds or heavier.

Apply through the Unified Registration System (URS). See also FMCSA Insurance Requirements.

UCR Registration

If you operate any truck or bus in interstate commerce, you must register with the federal Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. UCR registration is not necessary if you operate within the state of Nevada only.

Nevada is a non-participating state and does not offer this service. However, Nevada-based carriers must comply with UCR. You must register with a participating state. Information and online registration are available at plan.ucr.gov.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

All motor vehicles, including farmer/rancher and special mobile equipment, operating at or registered for a gross vehicle weight (GVW) in excess of 55,000 pounds must show proof of payment of Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (per U.S.C. Title 23 Section 141) on IRS Form 2290.

See the following IRS web pages:

• e-file Form 2290
• About Form 2290 (links to paper forms)
• Form 2290 Due Dates
• IRS Trucking Tax Center

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials permits are issued by the Hazmat Alliance.

State and Local Licensing

Business Licenses

You must obtain the proper business licenses from the State of Nevada and your local government.

Apply for your state license online through SilverFlume, which has complete information on starting or growing a Nevada business. Many small trucking firms file as a Sole Proprietor.

You may also use Paper Forms from the Nevada Secretary of State

Operating Authority

All Motor Carriers require Operating Authority. You obtain Operating Authority from different agencies depending on what type of business you operate.

Intrastate

In Nevada, fully-regulated carriers apply with the Nevada Transportation Authority. “Fully-regulated carrier” means a common carrier or contract carrier of passengers or household goods who is required to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or a contract carrier’s permit, and whose rates, routes and services are subject to regulation. Examples include limousine companies, charter buses and vehicle towing services.

Common and contract carriers of property other than fully-regulated carriers are granted Intrastate Commerce Authority by the DMV Motor Carrier Division as part of the DMV licensing process below.

Interstate

Carriers operating in interstate commerce obtain authority and an MC number through the FMCSA Unified Registration System as outlined above.

Permanent Trailer Plates

Nevada offers a permanent plate and registration for full and semi-trailers that are part of a fleet and registered through the Motor Carrier Division. The total fees for a permanent plate and registration are $115. The permanent registration is valid for as long as the company or person owns the trailer.

Qualifications to obtain a permanent trailer registration:

• Permanent trailer plates will only be issued through the Motor Carrier Division.
• The trailer must be either a full or semitrailer.
• The trailer must be used for commercial purposes.
• The registered owner of the trailer must have a Federal Employee Identification Number.
• The trailer must be titled and registered in the business name.
• Full trailers must be pulled by a drawbar rather than a fifth wheel coupling or ball and hitch.

Existing plates can be switched. Contact us for details.