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Starting a trucking company in Indiana: a filing checklist

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 24, 2026Sources checked Oct 24, 2026

Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in any state yet, including Indiana, and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

Most new Indiana carriers that cross state lines need a USDOT number and MC authority from FMCSA, an insurance filing from their insurer, a BOC-3, UCR, and IRP plates and an IFTA license from Indiana DOR Motor Carrier Services. For-hire carriers that never leave Indiana file Form IOA-1 with DOR, and their insurer files a Form E.

In this guide
  • Federal filings
  • Indiana filings
  • The order that works
  • Markings and records
  • FAQ

New carriers in Indiana deal with FMCSA for federal authority and the Indiana Department of Revenue's Motor Carrier Services (MCS) for plates, fuel tax and intrastate filings. Indiana issues IRP plates through DOR, not the BMV. Here is the checklist with the official link for each step.

Federal filings

  1. USDOT number and MC authority. Apply through FMCSA registration. For-hire interstate freight needs operating authority.
  2. Insurance filing. Your insurer files proof of liability with FMCSA. Most for-hire freight in trucks of 10,001 pounds or more needs $750,000 (FMCSA chart). See our guide to insurance on file for a new MC authority.
  3. BOC-3. A process agent filing for every state you run in.
  4. UCR. Register and pay each year at ucr.gov. Indiana DOR does not accept UCR payments.
  5. Form 2290. Heavy vehicle use tax for trucks of 55,000 pounds or more. IRS Form 2290

Indiana filings

FilingWho needs itWhere
IRP apportioned platesTrucks with 3 or more axles, or combinations over 26,001 lbs, that leave IndianaDOR MCS
IFTA license and decalsQualified vehicles that leave IndianaDOR MCS
Form IOA-1 plus Form EIntrastate for-hire carriers and private hazmat carriersDOR MCS checklist
Form IOA-1 onlyIntrastate private carriers of non-hazardous goodsDOR MCS
Indiana operating authorityHousehold goods or passengers for hire inside IndianaDOR MCS

Source: Indiana DOR Commercial Motor Vehicle Guide. Your insurance company files the Form E, not you.

The order that works

  1. Set up the business entity and get an EIN, so names match on every filing.
  2. Apply for your USDOT number and MC authority.
  3. Line up insurance early. Your insurer has to file before FMCSA grants authority.
  4. File the BOC-3 and pay UCR.
  5. File Form 2290 if your trucks are heavy enough. IRP asks for the Schedule 1.
  6. Open IRP and IFTA with MCS: online, by mail, by email for IRP, or by appointment at 317-615-7200. MCS contact page
  7. Mark your trucks, then run your first load.

Markings and records

  • Markings: DOR's guide says anyone required to have a USDOT number must mark the vehicle on both sides with the carrier name and "USDOT" plus the number, legible from 50 feet. Intrastate vehicles add an "IN" suffix.
  • Fuel tax: IFTA carriers file a quarterly return. Keep miles by state and fuel receipts by truck from your first load.
  • New entrant period: FMCSA monitors new carriers for 18 months, with a safety audit (49 CFR 385 Subpart D).

More Indiana guides: Indiana intrastate requirements and Indiana owner-operators: IRP and IFTA.

FAQ

Is there a fee for a USDOT number in Indiana?

No. Indiana DOR's Commercial Motor Vehicle Guide says there is no fee for a USDOT number. Interstate carriers register and pay fees to UCR, and intrastate carriers complete Form IOA-1.

Where do I get IRP plates in Indiana?

From DOR Motor Carrier Services, not the Indiana BMV. DOR says new IRP or IFTA accounts can be opened online, by mail or by appointment, and new IRP applications can be emailed.

Which trucks need IRP in Indiana?

DOR's overview lists a truck with three or more axles, or a combination over 26,001 pounds, traveling outside Indiana. Intrastate-only trucks do not need IRP.

Do intrastate carriers in Indiana need insurance on file?

Yes, for-hire carriers and private carriers of hazardous materials. Along with Form IOA-1, your insurance company files a Form E with Indiana. Private carriers of non-hazardous goods file Form IOA-1 only.

Do I need Indiana operating authority?

Only to haul household goods or passengers for hire inside Indiana. DOR says those carriers apply for Indiana operating authority. General freight carriers use USDOT and, if intrastate, Form IOA-1.

What happens after my authority goes active?

FMCSA's new entrant program monitors new carriers for 18 months and includes a safety audit. Keep driver files, hours of service and maintenance records ready from the first load.

Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed. We are not licensed in any state yet, including Indiana, and do not quote, sell or place insurance there. This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources