---
title: "BOC-3"
url: https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/boc-3
description: "A BOC-3 is the FMCSA filing that designates process agents, the people who can accept legal papers for a carrier, broker or freight forwarder in each required state."
---

# BOC-3

**Definition:** A BOC-3 is the FMCSA filing that designates process agents, the people who can accept legal papers for a carrier, broker or freight forwarder in each required state.

Also called: BOC-3 filing, Designation of process agents. Category: FMCSA & freight.

Carriers must designate a [process agent](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/process-agent) for each state where they are authorized to operate and each state they cross; brokers do so for each state where they have offices or write contracts (49 CFR 366.4T). Most carriers use a blanket company that files one BOC-3 covering every state. Motus Phase II left the BOC-3 filing process unchanged.

Without an active BOC-3, authority isn't granted and doesn't last. FMCSA's Motus authority-history data records involuntary suspensions with reasons such as a BOC-3 cancellation taking effect with no active process agent filing on file.

For a factor, the BOC-3 is a minor signal on its own. It matters in context: a cancelled BOC-3 often travels with an insurance cancellation, and a new process agent appearing alongside new officers and contacts can be part of a takeover.

> **Red flag: Red flags** A BOC-3 cancelled or missing on an active-looking carrier. A change of process agent at the same time as other contact changes. A carrier acting as its own agent at an address that is a mail drop.

## Related

- [Process agent](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/process-agent)
- [Operating authority](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/operating-authority)
- [Revocation](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/revocation)
- [MC takeover](https://carrierkyc.com/glossary/mc-takeover)
- [Carrier risk check](https://carrierkyc.com/tools/carrier-check)

## Sources

- [49 CFR 366.4T: Process agents, required states](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-366.4T) (eCFR)
- [Federal Register: Availability of Motus, FMCSA's New Registration System](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08334/availability-of-motus-fmcsas-new-registration-system) (FMCSA notice, 2026-04-29)
- [FMCSA Motus AuthHist, All With History](https://data.transportation.gov/Trucking-and-Motorcoaches/Motus-AuthHist-All-With-History/yu5v-wbh6) (data.transportation.gov)
- [FMCSA BOC3, All With History (legacy L&I)](https://data.transportation.gov/Trucking-and-Motorcoaches/BOC3-All-With-History/2emp-mxtb) (data.transportation.gov, last refreshed 2026-05-14)