Texas Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond: $10,000 TxDMV Form MCD-439
Need a $10,000 Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond before TxDMV will issue your oversize or overweight permit? Apply online with Lavon Insurance, and we’ll help you get the MCD-439 bond on file so your load can move.
This annual bond is commonly required for permit applicants who aren’t registered as Texas motor carriers. It protects the state by guaranteeing payment for highway damage caused by permitted equipment.
- TxDMV Form MCD-439 (annual)
- Expires each August 31
- Filed with TxDMV before the permit is issued
- Apply online in minutes
$10,000
Required bond amount
Form MCD-439
TxDMV bond form
August 31
Annual expiration date
Chapter 623
Texas Transportation Code permits
What Is a Texas Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond?
The Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond is a $10,000 surety bond filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) on Form MCD-439. It guarantees that the permit holder will pay the Texas Department of Transportation for damage to state highways caused by operating the equipment covered by an oversize or overweight permit.
In other words, the bond protects Texas roads, not you. If permitted equipment damages a highway and the damage goes unpaid, the state can make a claim on the bond, and you must then repay the surety.
The bond supports permits issued under Chapter 623 of the Texas Transportation Code, which governs oversize and overweight vehicles and loads, including superheavy moves.
Who Is Involved
- Principal: you, the permit applicant
- Obligee: the Texas Department of Transportation
- Filed with: TxDMV Motor Carrier Division
- Surety: the insurance company that issues the bond
Who Needs a Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond in Texas?
Under TxDMV rules, an applicant for an oversize or overweight permit must either be registered as a motor carrier or, if not required to hold motor carrier registration, file this $10,000 surety bond. As a result, the bond most often applies to permit applicants who move oversize equipment but aren’t registered motor carriers.
Equipment Owners
For example, businesses moving their own oversize machinery, cranes or construction equipment between job sites.
Farm & Ranch Operations
Similarly, operations hauling oversize agricultural equipment that need a permit but aren’t required to register as motor carriers.
Other Permit Applicants
Any applicant TxDMV says must post the bond before issuing an oversize, overweight or superheavy permit.
TxDMV’s permit pages also describe the bond as required when you aren’t required to have a USDOT number. Because requirements depend on your registration status, confirm with TxDMV or call us before applying for your permit.
Sources: 43 TAC §219.11 · TxDMV, Permit Surety Bonds · TxDMV, General Single-Trip Permits
Oversize vs. Superheavy Permits in Texas
TxDMV issues several types of oversize and overweight permits through its TxPROS system. Generally, the larger and heavier the load, the more review the move requires.
| Permit | Typical Use | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| General single-trip | Loads over legal size or weight limits | Up to 254,300 lbs total gross weight |
| Superheavy single-trip | Non-divisible loads over 254,300 lbs | Also applies to loads over 200,000 lbs with less than 95 feet of axle spacing, or over permit axle limits |
| Route inspection | Very large dimensions | Required over 20 feet wide, 18 feet 11 inches high or 125 feet long |
Superheavy and other oversize/overweight permits are issued by the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division through its online permit system, TxPROS. You’ll need a USDOT number, which TxDMV checks for out-of-service orders, and, if you aren’t a registered motor carrier, this $10,000 bond on file first. If you submit an outside engineer’s report, TxDOT charges $500 to review it, and each superheavy permit covers one movement during the times listed on the permit.
Superheavy permits can require route approval plus bridge or pavement analysis, so TxDMV recommends applying three to four weeks ahead unless an approved route is already on file. Source: TxDMV, Superheavy Single-Trip Permits
MCD-439 Bond Requirements
TxDMV is specific about how the bond must be completed. Fortunately, the surety handles most of these details, but it helps to know them before you apply.
- Bond amount of $10,000, on TxDMV’s prescribed form
- Effective the day it’s issued and expires at the end of the state fiscal year, August 31
- A single business as principal, with no other names listed
- The principal’s primary mailing address and ZIP code
- Signed by the principal and the surety’s attorney-in-fact
- Issued by a licensed agent on behalf of an authorized insurer
- A certificate of continuation isn’t accepted, so renew with a new bond
File the signed bond with the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division, Permits section. The bond must be on file before TxDMV will issue your permit.
- Fax: (512) 465-4251
- Mail or overnight: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Attn: MCD-Permits, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
TxDMV’s bond page says a faxed or electronic copy is valid for 10 days and the original must be on file before the permit is issued. However, the current rule says TxDMV will accept an electronic copy in place of the original. To be safe, fax the bond so your permit isn’t delayed, then mail the signed original unless TxDMV tells you the copy is enough.
If the bond is canceled before it expires, TxDMV requires 14 days’ notice of termination. Source: TxDMV, Permit Surety Bonds
How to Get a Texas Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond
Apply Online
First, start your Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond application online with your business name and mailing address.
Get Approved
Next, the surety reviews your application and issues the $10,000 MCD-439 bond.
Sign and File
Then sign the bond as principal and fax or mail it to TxDMV’s MCD-Permits section before you apply for or receive your permit.
Get Your Permit
Finally, apply for your oversize, overweight or superheavy permit through TxPROS.
Form MCD-439 vs. Form 1753
Texas has two common trucking permit bonds, and they’re easy to confuse. The MCD-439 bond supports oversize and superheavy permits, while the Form 1753 bond supports the Annual Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit for divisible loads.
| Feature | Form MCD-439 | Form 1753 |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Permit | Superheavy or oversize permits | Annual Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance |
| Term | Expires each August 31 | Annual |
Need the other one? See our Texas Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Bond page.
Every MCD-439 bond expires at the end of the state fiscal year on August 31, no matter when you bought it. Because TxDMV doesn’t accept a certificate of continuation, you’ll need a new bond each year. So, renew in August to avoid a gap that could delay your next permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Texas Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond?
The bond amount is $10,000. You pay a premium to the surety for the bond, which is a fraction of the bond amount.
What is TxDMV Form MCD-439?
Form MCD-439 is the TxDMV Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond (Annual). It’s a $10,000 bond payable to the Texas Department of Transportation that guarantees payment for highway damage caused by permitted equipment.
Who needs a Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond?
Under TxDMV rules, oversize and overweight permit applicants must be registered motor carriers or, if not required to register, file this $10,000 bond. Confirm your status with TxDMV before applying for a permit.
When does the MCD-439 bond expire?
It expires on August 31, the end of the Texas state fiscal year, regardless of when it was issued. You’ll need a new bond each year because a certificate of continuation isn’t accepted.
What does the bond cover?
It guarantees payment to the Texas Department of Transportation for damage to state highways caused by operating the equipment covered by your permit. It doesn’t cover your own equipment, cargo or liability to others.
Is this the same as the over axle / over gross weight bond?
No. The Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond is $10,000 on Form MCD-439. The Over Axle / Over Gross Weight Tolerance Permit Bond is $15,000 on Form 1753 and supports a different permit.
What is a superheavy load in Texas?
TxDMV generally requires a superheavy permit for non-divisible loads over 254,300 pounds gross weight, loads over 200,000 pounds with less than 95 feet of axle spacing, or loads over the maximum permit weight on any axle or axle group.
Does the bond replace trucking insurance?
No. A surety bond protects the state, while insurance protects you. You’ll still need commercial auto or truck liability insurance and other coverage for your operation.
Where do I file Form MCD-439?
File it with the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division, Permits section, by fax at (512) 465-4251 or by mail to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Attn: MCD-Permits, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. The bond must be on file before your permit is issued.
Where do I get a superheavy permit in Texas?
Superheavy permits are issued by the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division through TxPROS, its online permit system. Apply three to four weeks before the move unless an approved route is already on file, since route approval and bridge or pavement analysis may be required.
Can I apply for the bond online?
Yes. You can start your Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond application online through Lavon Insurance, or call (972) 853-8884 for help.
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Learn more →Get Your $10,000 Texas Superheavy or Oversize Permit Bond
Apply online for your TxDMV Form MCD-439 bond, and we’ll help you get it on file so TxDMV can issue your permit.
Bond requirements are summarized from TxDMV rules and forms for general education and can change; confirm current requirements with TxDMV. Bonds are subject to surety approval. This page is not legal advice. Texas License No. 3318921 · NPN 21550532.