When is it appropriate to report a name change for my operating authority rather than a transfer of operating authority?

Definition: A transfer of operating authority means that there has been a change in the ownership, management or control of the company but that the company intends to keep its existing MC number.

There are several situations in which you would report a name change to the FMCSA:

• If you are adding or deleting the names of people from the operating authority records, whether or not you change the company name (due to death, divorce, marriage, etc.):
  • Adding or removing husband or wife (requires copy of death certificate, divorce certificate or marriage license/notarized letter if marriage license is unavailable)
  • Adding or removing son or daughter (notarized letter required )
  • Adding or removing brother or sister (notarized letter required)
  • Removing existing partner listed on the authority (notarized letter required)
  • Removing existing LLC/corporation partnership (notarized letter required)
• If you are changing the name of the company without a change of ownership

In other circumstances, you would generally report a transfer of operating authority:

• If you are transferring operating authority to another person
  • Cousin
  • Aunt/uncle
  • Step- or half-siblings (or other distant relatives)
  • Non-related persons
• If you are selling the company to a person who is not immediate family (spouse, sibling, children)