Part 360 — Fees for Motor Carrier Registration and Insurance
49 CFR Part 360: FMCSA filing fees for operating authority applications and insurance-related services.
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49 CFR Part 360 establishes the fees that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration charges motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders for filing and processing registration-related applications and insurance documents. These fees apply to applications for operating authority, insurance filings, and requests for certified copies of FMCSA public records.
Fees under Part 360 are paid through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Pay.gov system and must be submitted at the time of filing. Applications not accompanied by the correct fee are rejected. The fee schedule covers a range of services from new operating authority applications to insurance service account maintenance for carriers filing MCS-90 endorsements.
Part 360 also provides a limited fee waiver process. Carriers of passengers who receive Federal Transit Administration grants may qualify for fee waivers, and other requesters may petition FMCSA in extraordinary circumstances. Fee amounts are updated periodically through Federal Register publication and are effective 30 days after notice.
Key Provisions
- Sets fees for operating authority applications submitted through FMCSA’s online registration system.
- Covers fees for insurance filings, surety bonds, and self-insurer certificates.
- Requires fee payment through Pay.gov at the time of filing — unpaid applications are rejected.
- Provides for fee waiver requests in extraordinary circumstances or for FTA-funded passenger carriers.
- Fee amounts are updated periodically via Federal Register notice with 30-day advance notice.
Why It Matters to Truck Owners
Every carrier applying for new operating authority or filing insurance documents with FMCSA pays fees governed by this part. Missing a fee or underpaying will result in your application being rejected outright — a common source of delay for new carriers trying to get authorized quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get FMCSA operating authority?
Filing fees under Part 360 vary by application type. New operating authority applications carry specific fees published in the fee schedule at 49 CFR 360.3. Check the current FMCSA fee schedule at fmcsa.dot.gov before filing, as fees are updated periodically.
Can FMCSA fees be waived?
Yes, in limited circumstances. Passenger carriers receiving FTA grants may qualify for automatic waivers. Other applicants may request a waiver by demonstrating that payment would impose undue hardship or that waiver is in the public interest. FMCSA reviews these requests case by case.
How do I pay FMCSA filing fees?
Fees must be paid through Pay.gov, the U.S. Treasury’s secure online payment system, at the time of filing. Payment can be made from a bank account or by credit or debit card. Dishonored payments result in suspension of processing.
Read the official legal text: 49 CFR Part 360 — eCFR.gov (official)
Related Federal Trucking Laws
- Part 365 — Rules Governing Applications for Operating Authority
- Part 366 — Designation of Process Agents
- Part 387 — Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility
- Part 385 — Safety Fitness Procedures
This page is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov or with a qualified transportation attorney.
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