# BOC-3 After an Acquisition, Merger, or Name Change

Canonical: https://www.fastboc3filing.com/guides/boc-3-after-acquisition-or-name-change
Category: BOC-3 Filing
Published: 2026-05-02
Updated: 2026-05-02
Read time: 7 min read

> When an MC number changes hands or your legal name updates, the old BOC-3 may no longer match. Here is what triggers a refile and what stays valid.

## TL;DR

> Stock-purchase deals usually leave BOC-3 untouched. Asset deals, legal-name changes, and new MC numbers all trigger a refile. Update MCS-150 first, then refile BOC-3 under the current legal name.

## Key takeaways

- Stock purchases preserve the entity — BOC-3 stays valid.
- Asset purchases under your existing MC: no BOC-3 change needed on your side.
- LLC name changes are refile triggers; DBA changes are not.
- Sole-prop-to-LLC conversion is a new entity = new BOC-3.
- Always update MCS-150 first; refile BOC-3 after SAFER reflects the new name.

## Cited entities

- MCS-150 [DefinedTerm]
- SAFER System [GovernmentService] (https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)

## FAQ

### Does buying another carrier transfer their BOC-3 to me?

Sometimes. If the acquisition is a stock purchase (you buy the entity, the legal name and EIN stay the same), the BOC-3 stays valid because it is tied to the entity, not the owner. If you bought the assets and operate under your own MC number, your existing BOC-3 covers you and the seller's BOC-3 is irrelevant. If you bought the seller's MC number with the intent to keep operating under it, FMCSA usually treats that as a new authority and you need a fresh BOC-3.

### What happens to my BOC-3 if I change my LLC name?

You need to refile. The BOC-3 is keyed to the exact legal entity name on record with FMCSA. When you amend your LLC name (for example, "ABC Trucking LLC" becomes "ABC Logistics LLC"), update MCS-150 first so FMCSA reflects the new name, then refile BOC-3 under the updated name. The new filing replaces the old one.

### Do DBA changes require a BOC-3 refile?

No. A DBA is a marketing name, not a legal entity. The BOC-3 names the underlying legal entity (the LLC or sole proprietor), so adding or dropping a DBA does not affect the filing. Update SAFER and your authority record if the DBA appears there, but the BOC-3 stays as-is.

## How-to steps

1. **Identify which scenario applies** — Stock purchase, asset purchase, MC-number transfer, legal name change, sole-prop-to-LLC conversion, or merger? Each has a different refile rule. Get this right before filing.
2. **Update your state filing if applicable** — For an LLC name change or formation, file the amendment (or articles of organization) with the Secretary of State first. The state filing is the source of truth for your legal name.
3. **Update MCS-150 to reflect the new legal name** — File a name-change MCS-150 with FMCSA so SAFER reflects the new entity. This typically takes a few business days to propagate. Skipping this step is the #1 mistake.
4. **Verify SAFER shows the new legal name** — Look up your USDOT on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and confirm the carrier name now displays the updated legal name. If it still shows the old name, give FMCSA a few more days before filing BOC-3.
5. **Refile BOC-3 under the current legal name** — Once MCS-150 reflects the new name on SAFER, your blanket process-agent provider files a fresh BOC-3 against the new entity. The new filing supersedes the prior designation in FMCSA records.
6. **Confirm authority remains active** — After the BOC-3 refile, return to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov within 24 hours. Operating Authority Status should still read AUTHORIZED FOR with the updated entity name displayed.

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Full article: https://www.fastboc3filing.com/guides/boc-3-after-acquisition-or-name-change