Back to Blog
Running commercial vehicles in the United States require more than just business planning—it demands strict compliance with federal transportation rules. One of the most important requirements is obtaining a USDOT (or DOT) number. This unique identifier, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), allows regulators to track your company’s safety performance, insurance status, and compliance history. In simple terms, it acts as your business’s official record for federal transportation authorities.
Whether you operate a small trucking company, manage a fleet, or transport passengers across state lines, chances are high that you will need a USDOT number to operate legally. The exact requirements depend on what you haul, where you travel, and the nature of your business. Failing to comply can lead to costly penalties, out-of-service orders, and serious legal issues, making it crucial to understand how the system works before starting operations on-road.
Although the process is straightforward for most carriers, navigating FMCSA guidelines still requires attention to detail, especially if you handle hazardous materials or operate in multiple states. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about USDOT numbers—what they are, who needs one, how to apply, and why staying compliant matters for long-term success and safety in the transportation industry.
What is a DOT number?
A DOT number is a unique numeric identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track commercial carriers operating in interstate commerce and certain intrastate operations. Federal and state agencies use this number to monitor your safety record, vehicle inspections, compliance history, insurance coverage, and crash involvement.
In practical terms, the DOT number functions as the transportation industry’s compliance tracking system. If you operate vehicles that transport passengers, haul cargo, or move hazardous materials, you may be required to obtain a DOT number before operating legally on public roads. Once issued, this number stays linked to your company and reflects your safety and compliance history for as long as your registration remains active.
What is the USDOT number?
A USDOT number—often just called a DOT number—is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to motor carriers and commercial vehicle operators in the United States. The “US” prefix indicates that it is a U.S.-issued identifier. In everyday trucking language and conversations, the terms USDOT and DOT are used interchangeably and mean the same.
Your USDOT number is assigned to your business when you register with the FMCSA. A typical USDOT number might look like USDOT1523010, and you’ll often see it displayed on every commercial vehicle owned by the carrier. Both commercial and certain private vehicles traveling on public highways may be required to obtain and display a USDOT number, depending on how and where they operate.
The purpose of the USDOT number is to support safe commercial transportation and ensure that companies operating on public roadways adhere to FMCSA regulations. Regulators and law enforcement use it to identify your company and review your safety record, inspections, and compliance history. It’s also essential for conducting business, as many modern load boards and freight brokers require an active USDOT number before assigning loads, making it essential for legal operation and day-to-day freight access.
Benefits of having a USDOT number
A USDOT number does more than satisfy a federal requirement. It creates a verified record of your business that supports safe operations, enables regulatory compliance, and helps you operate legitimately in the commercial transportation space.
- Ensures road safety: Your USDOT number allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track your safety performance over time. This includes inspections, compliance reviews, crash records, and required programs such as drug and alcohol testing. That ongoing visibility helps regulators identify unsafe practices and enforce corrective action when needed.
- Builds credibility and legitimacy: An active USDOT number shows that your operation is registered with the FMCSA and subject to federal oversight. Shippers, brokers, and drivers often check USDOT records to verify that a carrier is real, compliant, and authorized to operate, making the number a basic credibility signal in the industry.
- Facilitates commercial and interstate operations: Many commercial transportation activities, especially interstate hauling require a USDOT number before you can legally operate. Without one, you risk fines, out-of-service orders, and lost business opportunities tied to non-compliance.
- Simplifies vehicle identification and enforcement: During roadside inspections, audits, or crash investigations, enforcement officers use your USDOT number to quickly identify your vehicles and link them to your company’s compliance history. This improves accountability and ensures consistent enforcement across states.
What is DOT certification?
A DOT certification is different from a DOT number. While a DOT number identifies a motor carrier or transportation company, a DOT certification applies to individual drivers rather than carriers or fleets. Unlike a DOT number which identifies a motor carrier, DOT medical certification focuses solely on driver health.
This certification confirms that a commercial driver has the skills, qualifications, and physical fitness to safely operate commercial vehicles in the United States. This certification confirms that a driver meets the physical and medical standards required to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Most CDL drivers and some non-CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles must maintain a valid DOT medical certificate to remain legally qualified to drive. In many cases, obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) also requires that the driver has already met DOT certification requirements.
Because medical fitness can change over time, drivers are generally required to renew their DOT medical certification every two years, or sooner if the medical examiner issues a shorter certification period. Driving without a valid medical certificate can result in disqualification and out-of-service orders.
Who needs a USDOT number?
You need a USDOT number if you operate a commercial motor vehicle that meets requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The number allows regulators to monitor safety compliance, track operations, and enforce federal transportation rules.
A DOT number is required if your company or vehicle engages in interstate commerce (crossing state lines or participating in trade affecting multiple states) and meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more (GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW)
- Transports 9–15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Carries hazardous materials requiring placarding or a federal safety permit
In addition, some states require a DOT number for intrastate commerce, meaning that even if you operate solely within one state, you may still need to register depending on local regulations.
Before operating commercially, you should determine whether your vehicles or business activities require registration with the FMCSA for a USDOT number. It is ultimately the responsibility of the motor carrier or operator to understand and comply with these requirements.
Who is exempt from a DOT number?
While most commercial carriers must obtain a DOT number, some operations fall under exemption rules. These cases are limited, so it’s important to verify eligibility rather than assume you qualify.
You may be exempt from DOT registration if:
- You transport goods for non-commercial purposes, such as moving personal belongings or hauling items without selling, delivering, or offering transportation services for compensation.
- You operate solely within a state that does not require DOT numbers for intrastate commerce.
A small number of states do not mandate DOT registration for businesses that conduct all operations within state lines. If your business is based in one of these states and never engages in interstate commerce, you may be exempt.
Am I exempt from a DOT number?
Requirements for a DOT number
If you’re applying for a USDOT number for the first time, you’ll need to complete the process through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS). To avoid delays, make sure you gather the necessary business and operational information before starting the application.
To register for a DOT number, you must provide:
- Business details, including name, address, and physical business address
- Primary contact information for FMCSA communications
- Operation classification, based on how and where your business operates ((interstate or intrastate, carrier type, and authority status)
- Cargo or passenger classification, including whether you transport goods, people, or hazardous materials
- Vehicle information, such as the number, size, and ownership status (owned, leased, or trip leased)
- Driver information, including total number of drivers, CDL status, and whether they operate interstate or intrastate
- A valid mailing address, which the FMCSA verifies through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
USDOT number requirements: Size and display rules
How to apply for a USDOT number?
Obtaining a USDOT number is an essential step for commercial carriers and motor carriers operating in the United States. New applicants must register online through the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS), as paper forms are no longer accepted for first-time applications.
Before applying, confirm that your fleet or vehicle requires a USDOT number based on federal and state regulations. Certain states also mandate USDOT registration for intrastate operations, so check your state requirements to ensure compliance.
To apply for a USDOT number, select the correct application form:
- MCS-150 – Standard form for most carriers
- MCS-150B – For carriers transporting hazardous materials that require a federal safety permit
- MCS-150C – For intermodal equipment providers
Complete the online application by providing details about your business, fleet, operations, and cargo or passenger classifications. Once your application is approved, your USDOT number is issued immediately, allowing you to legally operate your fleet.
Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a USDOT Number
After your application is complete, you can verify your USDOT number status on the SAFER website to confirm that your registration is active and ready for operations.
Check the status of the USDOT number
Challenges in getting a USDOT Number
Determining whether your business needs a USDOT number is generally straightforward, but there are a few challenges that applicants may encounter during the process.
- Timeframe for approval: A USDOT number is issued immediately after you successfully submit your application through the Unified Registration System (URS). There is no approval waiting period for the number itself. However, many applicants assume that receiving a USDOT number automatically means they are cleared to operate. Errors made during the application—such as incorrect operation type, carrier classification, or missing authority can still prevent lawful operation even after the number is issued.
How long does it take to get a USDOT number?
- Confusion between USDOT registration and MC operating authority: USDOT numbers and MC operating authority serve different purposes, but they are frequently confused by first-time applicants. A USDOT number registers your business for safety and compliance tracking, while operating authority determines whether you are legally allowed to haul certain types of freight. Misunderstanding which registration is required—especially for intrastate operations—can result in incorrect filings or delays at the state level.
- Overlooking compliance implications at the time of registration: While the application itself is completed online, the information you provide establishes how your operation will be regulated. Selecting the wrong classifications or failing to understand the compliance obligations tied to your registration can create issues later, including enforcement actions or required corrections by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How much does a USDOT number cost?
Obtaining a DOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is completely free. There is no charge to register your business or receive the DOT number itself. However, while the DOT number allows your company to be identified and tracked for safety compliance, it does not authorize operations.
Factors that affect the cost of a DOT number
To legally transport goods or passengers for compensation across state lines, you must also obtain operating authority, commonly known as an MC (Motor Carrier) number. Applying for an MC number requires a one-time filing fee of $300 per operations classification. Some businesses may only need a single classification—such as a small tour company transporting passengers in a van—while larger carriers may require multiple classifications depending on the types of goods or services they provide.
What is an MC number?
An MC number, or Motor Carrier number, is an operating authority identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that authorizes certain for-hire motor carriers to transport regulated goods or passengers across state lines. While a USDOT number is used to track a carrier’s safety and compliance, an MC number determines whether a business is legally allowed to operate in interstate commerce for compensation
You generally need an MC number if your business does any of the following for hire:
- Transports goods belonging to third parties across state lines
- Hauls federally regulated commodities in interstate commerce
Provides passenger transportation services that cross state boundaries
MC number vs DOT number: What’s the difference?
Not all carriers operating across state lines need an MC number—requirements depend on how you operate and what you transport. Private carriers transporting their own goods, or carriers operating solely under exemptions, may not need MC operating authority even if they cross state lines.
Ensuring compliance and safety with a USDOT number
Obtaining a USDOT number is more than just a regulatory formality—it’s a vital step for any business operating commercial vehicles in the United States. This unique identifier allows the FMCSA to track safety compliance, conduct inspections, and monitor accident and operational history, ensuring that your company meets federal and state standards. Whether your vehicles transport cargo, passengers, or hazardous materials, securing a DOT number is essential to operate legally and safely.
Before starting your transportation business, confirm whether your operations require a DOT number and, if applicable, an MC number for interstate commerce. Following the proper registration process helps prevent fines, penalties, and operational delays while establishing your business as a reliable and compliant carrier.
Frequently asked question about USDOT Number
1. Are there different types of DOT numbers?
No, there is only one type of DOT number. However, the specific rules, requirements, and regulations linked to it may vary depending on the type of commercial transportation your business conducts, such as passenger transport, cargo hauling, or hazardous materials.
2. What happens if you operate without a DOT number?
Operating a commercial vehicle without a required DOT number can lead to serious consequences. This includes fines, legal penalties, suspension of operations, and potential restrictions on your business activities until compliance is established.
3. Do you need both a DOT and an MC number?
Whether you need both depends on the nature of your operations. A DOT number is required for safety compliance, while an MC (Motor Carrier) number is necessary if you transport regulated goods or passengers across state lines for compensation. Not all carriers require both.
4. Do all states require a USDOT number?
No, not every state mandates a DOT number for intrastate operations. Currently, 39 states require commercial vehicles to have a DOT number, even if they do not cross state lines. Always check with your state’s Department of Transportation to confirm local requirements.
5. Does a USDOT number expire?
Technically, USDOT numbers do not expire. However, companies must update their registration information with the FMCSA every two years. If a business ceases operations, you will have to deactivate your DOT number.
6. Can you get a DOT number without owning a truck?
Yes, you can apply for a DOT and MC number without having a truck on hand. For MC numbers, activation requires proof of insurance. This allows new operators to secure the necessary registrations while preparing their fleet.
7. How to find the USDOT number?
You can find your USDOT number on your vehicle’s license plate, or by checking with your local DMV office. It’s also accessible online through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, where you can search by company name, DOT number, or MC number.
8. Can you transfer a DOT number?
No, a DOT number is non-transferable. Once it is issued to a specific individual, company, or entity, it remains tied to that owner. Even if the business changes ownership, merges, or restructures, the DOT number cannot be reassigned and must remain with the original registrant.
