What is the CA Number and MCP, and Who Needs It?

A CA Number, also known as a California Number, is a number issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and is necessary for identifying yourself as a California-based commercial vehicle. It is also a required item for obtaining a California Motor Carrier Permit (MCP).

The state of California processes your CA Number order within one to five business days. Once you use it to apply for your MCP, the MCP is usually issued in three to sixweeks. Proof of insurance and the fees must be mailed in with the application to the state of California. The state of California charges $250 for the non-expiring MCP. If you operate vehicles that require a CDL, you will also be required to enroll in the EPN (Employer Pull Notification program) as part of the process for the MCP.

All California-based carriers with a GVW over 10,000 lbs. are required to have a CA Number and MCP. Out-of-state carriers who operate in California are not required to get a CA Number or MCP.

CA Number Services That Save You Time

For trucking professionals, time is money, and navigating CA Number paperwork without expert help can lead to missed deadlines, incorrect filings, and regulatory headaches. Instead of trying to interpret every instruction, guideline, or provision yourself, you can rely on a dedicated service that handles these complexities with precision.

Authority Express offers a done-for-you approach tailored to companies allowed to register for a CA identification number, especially those subject to dealer, textile labelling, or vehicle code regulations. Our team manages the behind-the-scenes requirements—such as aligning your name and address formatting with agency standards, verifying business of importing or selling status, and ensuring your online application meets both California and federal criteria.

This is particularly helpful for processors or finishers of a textile fibre product, Canadian manufacturers, or Canadians engaged in the business of moving regulated goods into California. Instead of decoding bureaucracy, you get a fast-track solution that preserves accuracy, ensures compliance, and minimizes disruption. The identification number is critical, but you don’t need to handle it alone.