What Is a BOC-3 Filing?
A BOC-3 is a federal form that designates a process agent — a person or company authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf — in each state where you operate. The FMCSA requires it on file before it will grant operating authority (49 CFR Part 366).
Who needs to file a BOC-3?
Any carrier, broker, or freight forwarder applying for FMCSA operating authority. For a chauffeured operator getting interstate passenger authority, the BOC-3 is one of the steps that activates it — alongside your insurance filing.
How do you file a BOC-3?
You file it through a process-agent service that submits it electronically to the FMCSA and provides a process agent in every state (blanket coverage). Most carriers can't self-file — the rule expects a designated agent list, which these services maintain.
What does it cost, and how often?
Typically a one-time fee of about $25–$50 through a process-agent service. It stays in effect until you change agents, so it isn't an annual renewal.
Common questions
What is a BOC-3 filing?
A BOC-3 is a federal form that designates a process agent — a person or company authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf — in each state where you operate. The FMCSA requires it on file before granting operating authority (49 CFR Part 366).
Who needs to file a BOC-3?
Any motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder applying for FMCSA operating authority. For passenger carriers, it's part of activating your interstate operating authority alongside your insurance filing.
How do you file a BOC-3 and what does it cost?
In practice you file through a process-agent service that submits it electronically to the FMCSA and provides blanket coverage in all states — most carriers can't self-file. It's typically a one-time fee of around $25–$50 and stays in effect until you change agents.
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Track every requirement in one place
VettyFleet tracks every license, filing, inspection, medical card, and DOT test your fleet answers to — federal, state, and city — warns you before anything expires, and prints audit packets on demand.
General information, not legal advice — verify against current federal (FMCSA/DOT), state, and local sources, or counsel, before relying on it. Fees and rules change; confirm current amounts with the agency.