California CA Number
The CHP carrier ID you need before a California Motor Carrier Permit.
The California Highway Patrol issues a CA number to identify motor carriers operating in California. If your business needs a California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) from the DMV, the CA number comes first.
Who Needs a CA Number?
California carriers that need a Motor Carrier Permit, which generally includes:
- For-hire carriers transporting property in California, regardless of vehicle size
- Operators of commercial vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more
- Carriers transporting hazardous materials
- Truck and trailer combinations over 40 feet long
- Any operation that requires a commercial driver license
CA Number vs. Motor Carrier Permit
The CA number is your carrier ID with the CHP and costs nothing. The Motor Carrier Permit is issued separately by the California DMV, requires proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage or an exemption, and has fees based on your fleet size. If your business entity changes, you need a new CA number and a new MCP.
Before You Start
- Your USDOT number
- Legal business name, entity type, and California address
- Company officers and contact information
- Type of operation and cargo
How It Works
- Enter your USDOT number and company details.
- We prepare your CHP 362 Motor Carrier Profile.
- We submit it to the CHP and track it.
- You get your CA number by email, with the steps for your MCP application.
What It Costs
The CHP does not charge for a CA number. Our service fee is $99.
Ready to Get Started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CA number the same as a USDOT number?
No. The USDOT number is federal. The CA number is California's carrier ID from the CHP.
Do I still need a Motor Carrier Permit?
If your operation requires one, yes. The CA number is the first step, and the MCP comes from the DMV.