What Is a DOT Number and How Do You Get One?

Last Updated August 19, 2024

One of the most important parts of becoming an owner-operator and starting your own trucking company is obtaining a DOT number for your business. But what is a DOT number on a truck, and what is required to get a DOT number in the first place?

By understanding how to get a DOT number and why it matters for your trucking business, you can ensure that you are compliant with important industry regulations and that you’re ready to run your business successfully.

What Is a DOT Number in Trucking?

If you’re new to the process of applying for a truck DOT number, it may be helpful to first understand, what does DOT mean in trucking?

DOT is the acronym for the Department of Transportation, an executive department of the federal government that oversees transportation policies and manages a variety of related agencies.

As part of this, the DOT issues motor carrier DOT numbers for commercial vehicles. These numbers serve as an identification number for the carrier, which is used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to monitor a trucking company’s safety records and other important information.

When Is a DOT Number Required and Who Has to Have One?

Generally speaking, USDOT number regulations require that commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce that weigh 10,001 pounds or more, or are used to transport hazardous material, or are designed to carry more than 8 passengers for compensation or more than 15 passengers (regardless of compensation) must obtain a DOT number.

However, determining who has to have a DOT number can vary by state, as many states require commercial vehicles to obtain a DOT number regardless of whether they participate in interstate or intrastate commerce.

Who Is Exempt From Needing a DOT Number?

The FMCSA’s DOT number exemptions include private carriers who only transport their own goods and don’t hire other drivers, local businesses that only participate in intrastate commerce (regardless of vehicle size), nonprofits, farmers who transport supplies and products within 150 miles of their farm, and household goods carriers moving personal possessions in a residential relocation.

Why Do You Need a DOT Number?

Answering the question “What is a DOT number used for?” can help you better understand why you need a DOT number. For many commercial motor carriers, obtaining a DOT number is required by law. This number makes it easier for the FMCSA to track your safety record, including compliance issues, crash investigations, and even alcohol and drug testing.

This helps ensure the safety of the roadways. For your own business, checking roadside inspection results, crash data, and other information tracked with your DOT number can help you know if you’ll be likely to undergo a safety investigation so you can make needed improvements.

In addition to fulfilling these legal requirements, obtaining a USDOT number gives your business greater legitimacy. It shows customers and others that you prioritize safety and that you are striving to deliver reliable service, which can help you grow your business.

DOT Number Requirements: What You Need to Get One

Figuring out how to acquire a DOT number can be intimidating at first, but the requirements to obtain one are actually quite straightforward. If you have never applied for a DOT number before, you will need to provide information about your business as well as the operation classification you hope to obtain. This typically includes information on any vehicles you have (as well as whether you own or lease them) and information on your drivers and their CDL status. You will also need to provide information on whether you plan to transport cargo or people, as well as your business’s insurance policy. You’ll also need to fill out a BOC-3 form.

As long as you meet these requirements and can provide a valid address for your business and personal contact information, you can obtain a DOT number.

And if you’re wondering, “Do I need a truck to get a DOT number?”, the answer is actually no! You can get a DOT number before you acquire a truck for your business.

How to Get a DOT Number

Applying for a DOT number is a relatively straightforward process. Without further ado, here’s how to apply for a DOT number.

Review the FMCSA’s Registration Requirements

Before you begin, it can be helpful to review what is needed to get a DOT number. Make sure you’ve gathered all necessary information related to your business, such as its name, address, and the type of cargo you plan to transport, as well as the operation classification(s) you want to obtain and a valid business insurance policy.

Head to the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS)

Once you have the necessary information in place, go to the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS). This is where you can create a new application or manage your account if you’re already registered with the FMCSA.

Create an FMCSA User Account

If you don’t already have a USDOT number, you’ll need to create an FMCSA user account within the Unified Registration System. This is done through the government’s login.gov service, which is used to authenticate your user information.

Complete the USDOT Number Application

Once you’ve created your user account, you can proceed with the USDOT number application. Fill out all relevant information for your business and double-check that it is accurate.

Apply for Other Registrations, Permits, or Authorities, If Necessary

In addition to applying for a USDOT number, you may also wish to obtain a motor carrier (MC) number so you can obtain trucking authority. In addition to applying for a relevant operating classification and MC number, you may need to complete the BOC-3 form, obtain insurance, pay your HVUT, register with the IRP, get an IFTA account, or get a UCR permit.

Complete the Registration and Wait for Your DOT Number to Arrive

By completing your registration online, you can actually get your DOT number the same day you complete your registration. However, it generally takes up to four weeks to be issued operating authority.

Display Your DOT Number on Your Truck

DOT number placement requirements state that your DOT number must be displayed on both sides of your truck. Letters must be at least 2 inches tall so they can be viewed 50 feet away. Most often, the numbers are applied on the truck cab doors.

And if you’re wondering, “Can I use the same DOT number for multiple trucks?”, the answer is yes—as long as the trucks are part of the same carrier business. You only need separate DOT numbers if the trucks are part of completely separate businesses.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a DOT Number?

Amid the many other costs of starting a trucking company, it’s perfectly normal to wonder just what is the cost for a DOT number?

The good news is that there is no DOT number cost—obtaining the DOT number itself is free. However, registering for operating authority for a particular operating class (which is usually completed alongside the DOT number application) costs $300 per operating class. This is why you must carefully determine which classifications you need before starting your DOT number application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a DOT Number?

As noted earlier, getting a DOT number is actually quite quick when you do an online application. You should generally be able to get a DOT number the same day (or within 24 hours) of when you apply for a DOT number. However, obtaining the operating authority that goes along with being an owner-operator can take longer—often up to four weeks.

Because of this, even when you get your DOT number right away, you may not be able to begin operating with it. This is especially true if your state has additional requirements that you need to complete, such as driver medical exams.

In-Summary: What Is a DOT Number and How Do You Get One?

There’s a lot of planning that goes into starting a trucking business. Along with putting together a driver qualification file for yourself and any other drivers you employ, you need to get a DOT number and apply for all other relevant registrations, permits, and authorities. If you’ll be operating as an interstate carrier, a DOT number is legally required—and many states also require it for intrastate commerce.

By gathering basic information for your business and registering with the FMCSA’s Unified Registration System (URS), you can get one step closer to getting your trucking business on the road.

USDOT Number FAQs

Is a DOT number free?

How much is a DOT number? The good news is that you can obtain a free DOT number simply by completing the registration process. However, you will need to pay $300 to register for authority for each operating class.

Can I get a DOT number without insurance?

Even if you don’t have a truck, you still need insurance for your business to have its DOT authority activated by the FMCSA.

Which states require a USDOT number?

Most states and territories have their own USDOT number requirements. The following states and territories require intrastate commercial vehicles to obtain a DOT number: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How do I find my DOT number?

If you need to find your DOT number and its status after registering, you can find it online by searching on the SAFER website or by submitting a question via the FMCSA website. You can also call the FMCSA at (800) 832-5660.

What vehicles require a DOT number?

If you operate a commercial vehicle to haul passengers or cargo for interstate commerce, you will need to obtain a DOT number if the vehicle’s gross weight rating is 10,0001 pounds or more, or if you transport more than 8 passengers for compensation or transport more than 15 passengers (regardless of compensation), or if you transport hazardous materials that require a safety permit. Many states have additional requirements for a DOT number, even if you only participate in intrastate commerce.

What size truck requires a DOT number?

DOT number size requirements entail that a truck with a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight (or gross vehicle weight rating/gross combination weight rating) of 10,001 pounds or more must obtain a DOT number if it is used for interstate commerce.

What is the fine for not having a DOT number?

A DOT number is required by law for many vehicles. Fines for operating your truck with an out of service violation can reach $32,208. Falsifying any DOT-related records can result in fines exceeding $14,960.

What is the biennial update for a DOT number?

The FMCSA requires that carriers update their MCS-150 Form (Motor Carrier Identification Report) every two years as part of their registration renewal. This form should be updated even if your business information has remained the same.

Do I need a DOT number or MC number?

In addition to knowing how to obtain a USDOT number, many carriers must also obtain an MC number. A USDOT number identifies that the carrier operates in interstate commerce. MC numbers are required for moving companies that transport customers out of state, companies that transport passengers out of their home state, and companies that transport “federally regulated goods or commodities” that belong to a third party.

You can apply for an MC number at the same time you apply for a DOT number. However, if you only operate within a “commercial zone” where interstate authority rules don’t apply (such as the greater Washington, D.C. area), you are exempt from MC number requirements.