Apply for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
Ready to apply for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code® (SCAC™)? You’re in the right place. A SCAC is the industry’s universal carrier identifier—used across freight systems, contracts, onboarding, and government programs.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.® (NMFTA)™ is the official SCAC issuing authority. To begin your application, you’ll complete the online application through our secure application portal.
Please note: SCAC Certificates are usually issued within 1-2 business days.
Applying is designed to be straightforward. During the application process, you will:
Provide basic business information
and operating information
Confirm the type of carrier operation you run
Complete identity verification
as part of issuance
(currently for non-Class 8 Carriers only).
This verification step for non-Class 8 carriers helps ensure each SCAC is tied to a real, verified individual, reducing the risk of impersonation and fraud. Learn more about ID Verification via this link.
Before You Start
To keep the process moving, have the following ready:
-
Legal business name and doing business as (DBA) (if applicable);
-
Primary business address and contact information;
-
Applicable operating details, such as US DOT number, mode, and carrier type; and
-
Individual who will complete identity verification (non-Class 8 only).
After You Apply
Once your application is submitted:
-
You’ll receive confirmation and next-step instructions; and
-
Your SCAC will be issued after successful validation of your application.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure which carrier type applies to you or what information you’ll need, review Requirements & Fees, visit the NMFTA Help Center, or contact our friendly client services team.
Got Questions?
-
You’ll need basic business information, operating details, and a designated individual who will complete identity verification as part of the issuance process (currently for non-Class 8 Carriers only). Operating details include your applicable US DOT number, MC number, MX number, FF number, or Mode of Transportation.
-
Identity verification helps ensure every SCAC is tied to a real, verified individual. This reduces the risk of impersonation and freight fraud while protecting legitimate carriers.
-
No. Personal identity information is not published or displayed.
-
Fees vary based on SCAC type and use case. Current pricing is displayed in the application portal on scaccode.com during checkout and in our Terms of Sale.
-
SCACs are issued on an annual basis and must be renewed each year to remain active.
