US DOT Number Service

Companies that operate commercial motor vehicles as defined in §390.5 (CMVs) that transport cargo or passengers across state lines (interstate commerce) must have a unique number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This DOT registration number and the carrier’s legal company name must be displayed on both sides of the vehicle.

Apart from the federal regulations, 36 states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a US DOT Number.

Transporters of hazardous materials within their state, in quantities requiring a safety permit, also need one.

The definition in 390.5 refers to a vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:

• has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
• is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;
• is designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
• is transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded.

All first-time carrier applicants get enrolled in the FMCSA's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. Under this program, you must pass a safety audit conducted within your first year of operation. In addition, your operation will be closely monitored for compliance at roadside inspections during your 18-month probationary period, after which you'll be given permanent registration status. J. J. Keller can help you prepare for (or respond to) your new entrant audit.

Depending on the types of vehicles you're operating interstate, you may need to comply with IFTA & IRP, HVUT, and state-specific taxes such as KYU, NYHUT, NM weight-mile tax, and Oregon weight-distance tax. Get permits now!

Also, you will need to renew UCR annually.

Get essential guidance to help new entrants successfully pass roadside inspection, safety audits, and compliance reviews with the Start Your Engines: A Roadmap for New Entrants manual.