Running in California? You need a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) from the California DMV. For-hire carriers need it for any motor vehicle, regardless of type or size, according to the CHP. Private carriers generally need it for a truck of two or more axles rated over 10,000 pounds GVWR, truck tractors, and certain other vehicles. Before the permit, you get a CA number from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) by filing a Motor Carrier Profile (CHP 362).
Minimum liability (combined single limit): $300,000 for non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,000 pounds GVWR or less, and $750,000 for vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more. Hazmat requires $1,000,000 to $5,000,000.
Filings: your insurance company provides the Certificate of Insurance (MC 65 M). You also prove workers' compensation or sign an exemption statement, even if you employ only family. DMV may suspend the MCP if liability or workers' comp lapses.
If you cross state lines, the federal rules apply. A for-hire carrier of general freight in interstate commerce with vehicles of 10,001 pounds GVWR or more needs at least $750,000 under 49 CFR 387.9. The policy carries the MCS-90 endorsement, and your insurance company, not you, files the BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA. Hazmat limits run higher.
The limit is the same $750,000 for most heavier trucks, but the BMC-91 goes to FMCSA and does not replace the MC 65 M filing with DMV.
- California's liability minimum is $750,000 for non-hazardous property in vehicles of 10,001 pounds GVWR or more.
- A for-hire carrier needs an MCP regardless of vehicle type or size, according to the CHP.
- The CA number comes from the CHP and is used as the MCP number.
- CARB's Clean Truck Check covers nearly all non-gasoline vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR on California roads, including out-of-state trucks.
By truck
- Dump truck insurance in California
- Dry van insurance in California
- Flatbed insurance in California
- Hot shot insurance in California
- Box truck insurance in California
Common questions
Does a California hot shot pickup need a Motor Carrier Permit?
If it hauls other people's property for pay, yes. The CHP's FAQ says the definition includes any motor vehicle, regardless of type or size, used in a for-hire operation, and that a pickup truck is a motortruck.
Is CARB compliance part of my insurance?
No. CARB rules such as the Truck and Bus Regulation and Clean Truck Check are separate from the liability requirements in your MCP, but missing them can affect DMV registration and keep a truck off the road.
Do I need workers' comp if I only employ family?
The DMV says all motor carriers must show compliance with California's workers' compensation laws, even if they employ only family members. You either show coverage or sign an exemption statement if you qualify.
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Protec Consulting Group is a licensed insurance agency in California.
Sources: California DMV, Motor Carrier Permits · California DMV, Motor Carrier Permit FAQs · California DMV, MC 706 M Application Instructions · CHP, Motor Carrier of Property Permit FAQ (rev. 8-23) · CARB, Clean Truck Check Overview Fact Sheet · CARB, Truck and Bus Regulation · CARB, Advanced Clean Fleets amendments (news release, September 25, 2025) · 49 CFR 387.9, schedule of limits (Cornell LII) · 49 CFR 390.5, definition of interstate commerce (Cornell LII) · FMCSA, Insurance Filing Requirements · USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Sand and Gravel (Construction) · Caltrans, Truck Lane Use (Vehicle Code 22406) · Caltrans, Chain Controls · Caltrans and CHP, Operation Snowflake flyer · Port of Los Angeles, Facts and Figures · Port of Los Angeles, Clean Truck Program · CDFA, California Agricultural Production Statistics. Reviewed: 2026-11-03.