BOC-3 Process Agent Designation

A BOC-3 process agent is a representative designated to receive legal documents on behalf of a transportation company.

Motor carriers are required to appoint a process agent for each state in which they operate. Brokers are required to appoint a process agent in each state in which they write contracts and have a physical location. Companies may appoint a process agent for individual states or appoint a blanket process agent that covers every state.

Process agents are appointed by filing Form BOC-3 with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Only process agents and freight brokers that do not operate commercial motor vehicles may file Form BOC-3. Motor carriers must have a BOC-3 filed by a process agent on their behalf. Companies should list all states for which designations are required on Form BOC-3. In addition, companies must retain a copy of Form BOC-3 for their records at their principal place of business.

Form:

Form BOC-3: Designation of Agents for Service of Process

Agency Fee:

There is no application fee.

Notes:
  • An original signed copy should be submitted to the FMCSA Office of Registration and Safety Information and one signed copy should be filed with each state in or through which the operation is conducted; and one copy should be retained by the carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.
  • Motor carriers must have their BOC-3 submitted by a process agent. Freight brokers that do not operate commercial motor vehicles can submit their own BOC-3.
  • Changes in designation may be made only by filing with the FMCSA, a new form BOC-3. Copies of new designations need to be sent only to those states affected by the change or new filing
Fact Checked:3/1/21

Order our process agent service and reliably receive your legal documents.

  • File your BOC-3 within one business day
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  • Annual fee includes free document scanning
Revised March 01, 2021. Complete data last reviewed March 01, 2021.
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