California Filing Guide
At-a-Glance
Agency: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Filing types required: Proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance, if applicable
Forms available: MCP 65 (MC 65 M), MCP 66 (MC 66 M), MCP 67 (MC 67 M), REG 1323, REG 1324, REG 1325
Delivery methods offered: Real-time, direct electronic delivery using Tyler Insurance Filings
Processing note: MCP 65 and MCP 66 forms are processed through an automated system with responses received in one business day. In contrast, REG 1323 and REG 1325 forms undergo manual review and processing times vary based on agency workload and staffing.
Filing Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulating authority | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) Operations Division |
| Motor carrier types regulated | For-hire motor carriers transporting property for compensation, courier service operators using motorcycles, operators of commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, private motor carriers hauling personal goods or property, operators of vehicles transporting hazardous materials, operators of combinations of motor truck and trailer/semitrailer/pole or pipe dollies/auxiliary dollies/logging dollies exceeding 40 feet when coupled together, operators of any motor vehicle requiring a commercial driver license (CDL). |
| Proof of financial responsibility required |
All intrastate motor carriers must have proof of liability insurance. Workers' compensation policy information is reported on the MCP 65 form. |
| Accepted insurance forms | Proof of primary and excess liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage is filed on MCP 65; the corresponding cancellation notice is given on MCP 66. The DMV REG 1323 is used to submit proof of financial responsibility for passenger carriers; the corresponding cancellation form is REG 1325. |
| Who is authorized to submit the filings | Insurance companies or authorized agents file the required forms on behalf of the motor carrier. |
| How to submit through Tyler Insurance Filings | Insurance filings may be submitted directly to the agency. Log in or enroll to start a filing. |
| Coverage timing requirements | Insurance coverage must remain continuous while authority is active. Cancellations or changes require notice at least 30 days in advance to avoid authority issues. |
| Policy changes and replacement filings |
For policy changes, submit a cancellation (MCP 66 or REG 1325) prior to submitting a new filing (MCP 65 or REG 1323). A filing will remain in force until a cancellation is received. |
State-Specific Details
Name matching: All filings must include the exact name and address listed on the motor carrier's operating authority application with the California DMV.
Identification numbers: California Highway Patrol issues a CA/MCP number to the motor carrier. Permits are not granted by the California Highway Patrol when CA/MCP numbers are issued. A motor carrier must apply for operating authority with the California DMV. File proof of insurance after the motor carrier applies for a permit.
Integration with DMV: The California MCP 65 and MCP 66 forms are submitted electronically to the DMV through an automated process, with responses often provided within one business day.
Duplicate filing risks:
- A new MCP 65 filing for the same policy number or motor carrier will not replace or overwrite a previous MCP 65 filing. Instead, multiple records will be active in the CA DMV system. An MCP 66 will cancel all existing MCP 65s if they have the same policy number and effective date.
- A 1323 filing will not replace previous 1323. A1325 will be needed to cancel.
How Tyler Insurance Filings Can Help
Centralize filing management: Manage state insurance filings in one place instead of tracking submissions across emails, portals, and paper records.
Reduce manual handling: Electronic submission minimizes rework and duplicate entry.
Improve visibility into submission status: Track filings from submission, with clearer insight into what has been sent and when.
File to multiple states at once: Submit filings to multiple jurisdictions in a single workflow, reducing time spent managing state by state processes.
Track effective dates and renewal timelines: Built-in reporting helps you monitor effective dates, renewal requirements, and upcoming filing needs across states.
Receive feedback on rejected filings: When filings are rejected or require attention, you can receive notes to help identify issues and take next steps more effectively.
Disclaimer
This compilation was developed solely as a resource that might serve as a starting point for research regarding the subjects addressed. It should not be relied upon for any legal or business decisions. This compilation relies upon reported practices of the states and relevant agencies. Actual practices within the states and relevant agencies may vary from what they have reported. While efforts have been made to provide accurate and authoritative information, this compilation does not apply to all lines of business, is only updated periodically, and should not form the sole basis for compliance decisions.