Compliance
BOC-3: who files it, when you need it and what it costs
Updated
The BOC-3 names process agents to accept legal papers for your company in the states where you operate. For a carrier, the process agent files it with FMCSA, and a new authority stays pending until it's on file. Agents set their own prices, which ran from $20 one-time to $125 a year on their own sites in October 2026.
At a glance
- Who files for a carrier
- Your process agent
- How many on file
- One complete BOC-3 covering your states
- Agent prices, October 2026
- $20 one-time to $125 a year
- Needed for
- A new authority grant, keeping your authority and reinstatement
What a BOC-3 does
A process agent accepts legal papers served on your company, which the law calls service of process. Your BOC-3 lists agents for the states you operate in or drive through.
FMCSA wants one complete BOC-3 on file that covers every state you need. Keep a copy at your main place of business.
Who files it
For a carrier, the process agent files the BOC-3 with FMCSA. You pick the agent and the agent submits the form. A broker or freight forwarder that runs no trucks can file its own.
FMCSA keeps a directory of process-agent companies at fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents.
What it costs
Process agents set their own prices, and FMCSA's authority fee table lists no separate BOC-3 fee. Paying someone is normal for this filing, because the agent is the one who files it.
Prices on three agents' own sites, October 17, 2026:
| Process agent | Price | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Ace (fmcsaprocessagents.com) | $20 | One-time. A $67 mailing charge can apply if electronic service isn't acknowledged within 10 days |
| FastBOC3 | $75 | One-time |
| Logistec/TTS (operatingauthority.com) | $125 a year | Annual service |
Before you pay, check whether the price is one-time or yearly and what extra charges can apply.
Ready for Loads isn't affiliated with FMCSA or any process agent. Prices are as each agent listed them on October 17, 2026.
Where the BOC-3 fits in a new authority
Follow the order FMCSA describes:
- Apply for authority in Motus and pay $300 per authority type.
- After review, FMCSA publishes the application in the FMCSA Register, and the rule allows protests within 10 days after that.
- Your insurer files your liability insurance and your process agent files the BOC-3.
- FMCSA issues the grant, and you confirm it shows active before the first load.
Motus lists a missing BOC-3 as one of the reasons an application stays pending. Pending authority covers the others, and MC number covers the application.
Keeping your BOC-3 on file
Your authority depends on the BOC-3 staying on file. If it lapses, FMCSA can revoke your authority, and reinstating it takes a valid BOC-3 again.
If you switch agents, make sure one complete BOC-3 covering your states is what ends up on file. See reinstatement.
See what your authority is waiting on. The status check looks up your DOT or MC number in the latest FMCSA data and shows where your authority stands. Check your status
Frequently asked questions
Can I file my own BOC-3 as a carrier?
No. FMCSA's BOC-3 instructions say a process agent files for a carrier. Brokers and freight forwarders without trucks can file their own.
How much does a BOC-3 cost?
Process agents set their own prices. On their own sites in October 2026, they ran from $20 one-time to $125 a year.
Does FMCSA charge for the BOC-3?
FMCSA's authority fee table lists no separate BOC-3 fee. Your cost is the agent's price.
Why is my authority still pending after I paid an agent?
Motus can hold an application for FMCSA review, the BOC-3 or your insurance filing. Ask your agent to confirm the BOC-3 went in, then check the other two.