California CA Number: Who Needs One and How to Get It

Reviewed by Austin Park, founder of ICR Filings · Updated October 23, 2026

If you run trucks in California, you will hear about three numbers: your federal USDOT number, a CA number, and a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP). They come from three different agencies, in a set order. The CA number is the one in the middle, and it is the one people most often skip by mistake.

What the CA number is

The CA number is a carrier identification number issued only by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The DMV uses it as your Motor Carrier Permit number, so you cannot get an MCP without one. The CHP issues one CA number per person or company, no matter how many "doing business as" names it uses. There is no fee for it.

Who needs one

Anyone who needs a California Motor Carrier Permit needs a CA number first. According to the DMV, that generally means carriers operating:

• Trucks with two or more axles and a weight rating over 10,000 lbs
• Any motor vehicle that hauls property for pay, at any size
• Certain other commercial vehicles listed in the California Vehicle Code

That covers both for-hire carriers and private carriers hauling their own goods. A carrier that runs only within California needs the MCP, the CA number, and a USDOT number. Some out-of-state carriers need an MCP and CA number too. The DMV says interstate permits do not expire, and initial fees for interstate carriers are prorated by miles driven in California.

The DMV lists a few exceptions, such as carriers that only haul U.S. mail under a Postal Service contract, or only haul freight containers.

Step 1: get a USDOT number

California requires a USDOT number before a CA number, even for carriers that never leave the state and never haul hazmat. FMCSA's own website may tell an in-state carrier it does not need one, but California Vehicle Code section 34507.5(a)(1) says otherwise. See how to get a USDOT number.

Step 2: file the CHP 362

The CA number comes from a CHP 362, Motor Carrier Profile, sent to the nearest CHP Motor Carrier Safety Unit. The form lists the unit addresses. It asks for:

• Legal name and entity type, with your EIN (or SSN for a sole proprietor without one)
• California Secretary of State entity number for a corporation or LLC
• Principal place of business, mailing address, and emergency contacts
• Types of operation (truck, hazmat, buses, and so on)
• Your USDOT number, which is required. A CA number cannot be issued without it.
• Total fleet miles in California for the most recent full calendar year, and your California terminals

The same form is used to update an existing CA number: check the "Update" box and enter your number.

Step 3: apply for the Motor Carrier Permit

With the CA number, apply to the DMV's Motor Carrier Permit Operations unit on form MC 706 M, or online. Local DMV offices cannot process it. You will need:

• Your CA number
• Proof of liability insurance
• Proof of workers' compensation coverage, or a signed exemption
• An Employer Pull Notice requester code, if you employ drivers with certain license classes or endorsements
• A list of every vehicle, with plate, state, and VIN
• The permit fee, based on for-hire or private operation and your number of power units (trailers are not counted)

If your business changes

If the business entity changes in any way, such as a sole proprietor forming an LLC, the DMV says you need a new CA number from the CHP and a new MCP application. A new USDOT number may also be needed; see changing your company name or address with FMCSA.

One more California rule for new carriers

The CHP's guidance for new carriers also reminds them of 90-day preventive maintenance inspections, which must be documented. The CHP 108 form can be used for this.

Want it handled?

We prepare and submit your CHP 362, track it, and send you the steps for your MCP once the number is issued. California CA Number ($99 service fee, no government fee).

Official sources

• CHP: new carrier guidance for intrastate property carriers
• CHP 362: Motor Carrier Profile
• California DMV: Motor carrier permits
• California DMV: Motor carrier permit FAQs
• Caltrans: CA number
• 13 CCR 1235.1: CA number applications (no charge)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you file.

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• How to Get a Copy of Your MC Authority Letter (Certificate of Authority)
• Form 2290 Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Who Owes It, How Much, and When It Is Due (2026-27)
• Oregon Weight-Mile Tax: Who Pays, Current Rates, and the July 2027 Changes