USDOT number is a unique identification number for your company if it involves commercial vehicles or transportation and is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The USDOT number allows for instant access to your company’s safety information during various checkups. These might include events such as inspections, audits, accident investigations, compliance reviews, etc. If your company uses commercial vehicles to either transport passengers or move cargo, you need this number displayed on every vehicle!
Does my company need a DOT number?
DOT numbers are required in specific states for certain business types. You need a DOT number if you have a commercial vehicle that is designed to carry 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation. If it is used to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver), but not for compensation
- has a gross weight or gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or higher is used for the transportation of materials classified as hazardous and/or requires a safety permit, according to the Secretary of Transportation
You need a DOT number if your commercial vehicle is used for trade or transport:
- between two places located in one state, but through another state (or through a location outside of the US)
- between two places located within one state as part of a trade, traffic or transportation with the original location or destination located outside of the US
- between a state and another state, or a state and a location outside of the US
How to get a DOT Number?
To get a USDOT number, new applicants must register online via the Unified Registration System. As of December 12, 2015, paper registration forms are no longer being accepted for initial applications, only for updates to existing registrations.
Until URS is fully implemented, there is no charge for a USDOT number. However, if you also want to apply for operating authority (MC/FF/docket numbers), the cost is $300 per authority. For more information about operating authority, please see “What is Operating Authority (MC number) and who needs it?”
For more information about registering with the FMCSA, please see our “Getting Started with Registration” web page.
To find the status of an existing company/USDOT#, click here for the SAFER Company Snapshot page.
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