Start a Delivery Business | Licenses, Permits & Authority Guide

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As a delivery/moving business owner in California, getting your Employer Identification Number (EIN), DOT Number, California Motor Carrier Permit, and a local business license isn’t just a smart business move, it’s the law. These steps may feel tedious and come with upfront costs, but they unlock big benefits: protecting your personal finances, giving you the legal authority to operate, and positioning you as a professional, trusted partner for customers and businesses. More importantly, the State of California requires all independent delivery professionals with pickup trucks, cargo vans and box trucks to complete these registrations to remain compliant with state and local regulations. Taking care of these requirements now will keep your business running smoothly, help you avoid costly penalties, and open the door to more earning opportunities with GoShare. Our guide below is designed to help make the process as easy and quick as possible for you.

To summarize the steps necessary:

  1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  2. USDOT number
  3. California Motor Carrier Permit
  4. Business License
  5. Federal Motor Carrier Permit (only required if delivering across state lines e.g. California to Nevada)

Getting a DOT Number, CA Motor Carrier Permit and Business License can be quick and easy, learn how by following our guide.

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN application page. Need help? Here is a detailed step by step guide to get your EIN

Step 2: Click on the button labeled “Apply for an EIN”.

Step 3: Choose your entity type (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc). Learn more about the difference between a Sole Proprietorship and a Limited Liability Company

Step 4: Enter your name, SSN, and business details. Learn more about how to pick the perfect name for your business.

Step 5: Receive your EIN immediately as a PDF, save this for later steps.

Cost: Free

 

2. USDOT Number

Step 1: Go to the FMCSA website. Need help? Learn more about how to get a DOT number.

Step 2: Click on “New Registration”

Step 3: Follow the guided application, making sure to Apply Online via the Unified Registration System if you do not yet have have a USDOT Number or Authority.

Step 4: Provide your EIN, business type, address, and vehicle details.

Step 5: Select “Intrastate” or “Interstate” as appropriate.

  • Intrastate delivery or trucking happens entirely within one state’s boundaries, without crossing state lines.
  • Interstate delivery or trucking involves transporting goods across state borders, which subjects carriers to federal regulations in addition to state laws.

Step 6: Submit and receive your USDOT Number.

Cost: Free

 

3. CA Number and California Motor Carrier Permit

Please note, a CA number must be obtained first before you can apply for a California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).

CA Number

Step 1: Complete the following form: CHP 362 – Motor Carrier Profile. Need help? Learn more about how to get a California Motor Carrier Permit.

Step 2: File your completed form. This can be done by mail, fax, or in person at a CHP Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU) office. Find your local CHP MCSU office here.

Step 3: Once processed, CHP will assign you a CA Number.

CA Motor Carrier Permit (MCP)

Step 1: Go to the CA DMV website.

Step 2: Click on the button labeled “Start MCP Application”.

Step 3: Complete the application. Please note that in order to complete the application, the following items are needed:

  • Your CA Number
  • Proof of Liability Insurance. You can use a Certificate of Insurance, such as MC 65 M, or equivalent.
  • Proof of Workers’ Compensation Coverage. You can have an exemption if you have no employees.
  • Enrollment certificate or exemption from Controlled Substance & Alcohol Testing (CSAT). You can choose exemption and join GoShare. However you cannot be exempt if you’re transporting hazardous materials.

Step 4: Pay MCP fee and await for processing. Once processed, you will receive your MCP.

Cost: $250 for one vehicle. $352 if 2 – 4 vehicles.

 

4. Business License

Please note that you will need to have a business name and you should use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of your SSN. Learn more about the benefits of getting a local business license.

Step 1: Find the official local business license website for your city/county.

  • Look for a page called Business License, Business Tax Certificate, or Occupational License. If you reside in California you can quickly find helpful information and a link to your city’s business license page.
  • Most cities will have an online application and credit card payment. Some will make you fill out a PDF and upload/mail it back. Some small cities may make you visit in person.

Step 2: Check whether the city, county or both will require a license.

  • Inside city limits, city license almost always required
  • Unincorporated areas, county license only

Step 3: Gather documents for application

  • Business legal name, EIN, Owner information
  • Business location, can be your home address
  • Business start date and estimated gross receipts (or headcount) for fee calculation
  • Proof of business entity (articles of incorporation, EIN)
  • Insurance (if requested)

Step 4: Submit application

  • Fill out the online form carefully
  • Upload supporting documents
  • Pay fee

Cost: Varies by city (e.g. San Diego = $38 per year)

 

5. Federal MC Number (Not Required)

Please note, this is only needed if you haul goods for-hire across state lines such as from California to Nevada.

Step 1: Use the FMCSA portal (same login as USDOT). Need help? Learn more about how to get an MC Number.

Step 2: Complete OP-1 or relevant authority request.

Step 3: Upload a BOC-3 process agent form (a third-party service such as Process Agent can be used).

Step 4: Submit insurance filings through your insurer (minimum $750,000 liability for property carriers).

Step 5: Pay a fee for each authority requested.

Cost: $300 (per authority)

 

After you have your licenses and authority you can start earning money with GoShare. Learn more and sign up to drive here.