How long does Amazon Relay approval take?

Amazon's Relay FAQ says a completed application is typically approved or rejected within 1 to 3 weeks. Our approval time guide covers what slows it down and what to do if you hear nothing.

What if my BASIC score is just slightly over the limit?

Amazon publishes these limits as requirements and doesn't describe any tolerance. For violation limits it says "we won't offer an appeal process." Get under the limit before you apply. See our safety score guide.

Can I appeal if my application is rejected?

Amazon doesn't publish an appeal process for applications. Its FAQ says to review the reason for your rejection first, and that you're welcome to reapply once a fixable issue like insurance, authority status or missing documentation is addressed. See Amazon Relay application denied.

Do I need a business license?

Amazon doesn't list a business license. Its FAQ asks for a DOT number with interstate authority, a valid MC number and a "Carrier" entity type that is "Authorized for Property and for Hire." Check your state for its own registration rules. Amazon does verify your business entity and every owner over 25%.

Can I use my personal auto insurance?

No. Amazon requires commercial insurance: General Liability, Auto Liability, Cargo and Workers' Compensation. Personal policies don't cover commercial freight work and won't meet Amazon's minimums.

What if I have a newer authority but all my other metrics are strong?

Relay typically requires your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding, and strong BASIC scores don't replace that (our new authority guide has Amazon's exact wording). You can still apply now. Amazon's Relay FAQ says "we encourage you to apply early," so you're ready to move forward as soon as you meet the requirement.

Amazon Relay Requirements: The Complete Checklist

Short answer

Amazon Relay requires a DOT number with interstate authority active for at least 180 days, a valid MC number, and an FMCSA safety rating of Satisfactory, None or Not Rated. Insurance must meet its minimums and equipment must be supported.

Authority and Operational Requirements

Before you can book your first load on Amazon Relay, your business must meet these foundational criteria:

DOT Number You need a DOT number with interstate authority, and Relay typically requires that authority to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding. If yours is newer, you can still apply. Amazon's Relay FAQ says "we encourage you to apply early," so it can start reviewing your information.

MC (Motor Carrier) Number You must have a valid MC number. This number, issued by the FMCSA, shows that you're registered as an interstate carrier. When you get your DOT number, the MC application is usually filed at the same time.

Authority Age Relay typically requires your DOT number to be at least 180 days old to complete onboarding, and Amazon encourages you to apply early. Amazon words the rule four ways; our new authority guide puts them side by side.

Safety Rating and BASIC Score Requirements

Amazon requires a satisfactory safety profile. Amazon will check your FMCSA records, including your safety rating and your BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) scores.

FMCSA Safety Rating Your safety rating must be one of these three: Satisfactory, None, or Not Rated. Any rating below Satisfactory (such as Conditional or Unsatisfactory) disqualifies you from Relay.

BASIC Score Limits Your BASIC scores must stay within these limits:

Unsafe Driving: below 60%
HOS Compliance: below 60%
Vehicle Maintenance: below 75%
Controlled Substances/Alcohol: below 75%
Driver Fitness: below 75%

Additionally, your driver out-of-service violation rate must be at or below 35%, and your vehicle violation rate must be at or below 50%.

These thresholds reflect Amazon's risk tolerance. If you're close to any limit, focus on improving that metric before applying. A violation that pushes you over the limit can delay approval.

Insurance Minimums

Insurance requirements are strict and non-negotiable. Here's a summary; see the full insurance page for details on each coverage:

Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
Auto Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, including $50,000 trailer replacement (trailer interchange) coverage
Cargo Insurance: at least $100,000
Workers' Compensation: the FAQ says "in all jurisdictions where your company operates"; $100,000 per occurrence for Employer's Liability. See our workers' comp guide

You'll need to upload proof of insurance to your Relay account. Amazon verifies these minimums before approving you.

Equipment Specifications

Amazon accepts only specific types of equipment. Your equipment choices determine what loads you can book:

Day cab tractors (single-engine cab, no sleeper)
Sleeper tractors (with sleeping compartment)
26 ft and 16 ft box trucks with a working tuck-under liftgate (the liftgate is required)
48 ft and 53 ft dry van trailers
53 ft reefer trailers (temperature-controlled)
20, 40 and 45 ft high-cube containers (UIIA compliant)

Cargo vans are not supported. Do not apply with a cargo van: Amazon will not approve it, even if you think it meets the load specs.

Amazon says the majority of Relay loads are power only (you bring the tractor, Amazon provides the trailer), and one-way loads will most likely need a box truck or your own trailer.

Running a box truck without a CDL? See Amazon Relay non-CDL.

Beneficial Owner Verification

Amazon verifies the ownership of your carrier. This means:

Amazon verifies your business entity (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietorship, etc.).
Amazon verifies every beneficial owner, anyone with more than 25% ownership, using government records and documentation you provide.

During the sign-up process, you'll be asked to provide ownership information. Have your business formation documents, tax ID and ownership structure ready.

If owners are changing because of a sale, see Amazon Relay business for sale.

Amazon's application has five steps, in this order: DOT number, company details, one-time password verification, equipment inventory and payment information. You sign in with an existing Amazon shopping account or create a new one, and your details should match your FMCSA record. Our guide to how to sign up for Amazon Relay covers each step.

What Happens If You Don't Meet Requirements

Amazon may reject the application, and in many cases you can reapply. The Relay FAQ splits rejection reasons in two:

Fixable: issues "like insurance coverage, authority status, or missing documentation." Amazon says "you're welcome to reapply once it's been addressed."
Serious: some reasons, "such as serious compliance issues," may disqualify you from applying again.

Authority too new? Amazon says "we encourage you to apply early," so it can start reviewing your information before you reach 180 days.

What to check before you apply again is in Amazon Relay application denied. Safety limits are in our safety score guide.

After You're Approved

Once your account is active, you can browse the load board, post your truck for instant matching, and start accepting work. Many carriers use auto-refresh tools or auto-booking extensions to speed up the process: NudoIQ is designed to work inside the Relay board and give you lane rate history, net profit per load, and scorecard dispute assistance.

NudoIQ costs $49.99 per month for all features. Try it free for 7 days. No card required. Only $49.99 after the trial is over. Cancel anytime. 5.0 rating on the Chrome Web Store. Used by 300+ carriers.

Amazon and Amazon Relay are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. NudoIQ is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon Relay requirements change; confirm current rules at relay.amazon.com.