Who Needs a USDOT Number
Any company operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce that weigh over 10,001 pounds, transport hazardous materials, or carry 9+ passengers for compensation needs a USDOT number. This covers nearly every trucking operation.
Even if you only operate within one state, many states require a USDOT number for intrastate commerce. Check your state's requirements at the FMCSA website. Getting a DOT number is free and there is no reason not to have one if you operate any commercial vehicle.
Step-by-Step Application
Visit the FMCSA Unified Registration System at fmcsa.dot.gov/registration. You will need your company's legal name, EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), business address, type of operation (interstate/intrastate), type of cargo, and number of vehicles.
The application takes about 20 minutes. Your USDOT number is assigned immediately upon completion — there is no waiting period like with MC authority. However, you must display your DOT number on both sides of every commercial vehicle within the specifications: contrasting color, readable from 50 feet, during daylight hours.
Keeping Your DOT Number Current (MCS-150)
Your USDOT number comes with an obligation: you must update your MCS-150 form every two years, during your assigned month (based on the last digit of your DOT number). Failure to update results in deactivation of your DOT number.
Update when anything changes: address, phone number, number of vehicles, type of operation, or number of drivers. You can update anytime — you do not have to wait for your biennial update month. Set a calendar reminder. An expired DOT number during a roadside inspection is an immediate out-of-service order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Right Services for Your Business
Browse our independent reviews and comparison tools to make smarter decisions about dispatch, ELDs, load boards, and factoring.