Last Updated June 9, 2025
There’s plenty of paperwork and legal requirements to check off before trucking businesses can haul cargo across state lines. One of the most common steps when it comes to opening a trucking business is obtaining a DOT number.
A DOT number is typically a must-have for trucking companies. Assigned by the Department of Transportation (DOT), this number helps the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) monitor your truck and your company’s safety records.
However, not every trucking company actually needs to obtain one.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a DOT number depends on your vehicle, cargo, location, and business model. Check out this guide to determine when DOT numbers are required and how to apply for a DOT number if you need one.
Who Needs a DOT Number?
Not all trucking companies need a DOT number, but if your business meets one of the following criteria, you will need to get one:
- Transports passengers or cargo in interstate commerce
- Has a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more
- Transports hazardous materials that require placarding under federal regulations
- Operates a vehicle designed to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation or more than 15 passengers not for compensation
Note that there are several differences between MC numbers and DOT numbers, and you may also need an MC number. There’s a good chance you may also need to get an MC number (also known as obtaining trucking authority) in addition to a DOT number if you transport regulated commodities or passengers across state lines.
Who Is Exempt From a DOT Number?
Misunderstanding DOT requirements can result in hefty fines or delayed operations. Still, while many commercial vehicle operators must register with FMCSA, not every company falls under that umbrella. It’s just as important to understand who does not need a DOT number as it is to know who does.
First of all, you generally don’t need a DOT number if you use a vehicle for personal use. If you’re using a truck purely for personal reasons—like moving your own furniture in a rental truck or taking a recreational vehicle on a road trip—you usually don’t need a DOT number.
Here are common cases where a DOT number is not required:
- You operate only within one state, and that state doesn’t require DOT registration for intrastate carriers. (Some states do require DOT numbers for intrastate transport. Always check with your state’s Department of Transportation for intrastate rules.)
- You use your vehicle exclusively for personal use, not business
- Your vehicle is under the 10,001-lb GVWR threshold and not carrying hazardous materials
- You’re transporting fewer than 15 people for free
The key factor is whether you’re operating the vehicle for commercial purposes. Ultimately, the rule of thumb is that you likely need a DOT number if you have a commercial trucking operation.
Why Do You Need a DOT Number?
The government requires a DOT number to ensure safety, accountability, and compliance.
More specifically, the DOT uses this number to track the safety record and regulatory compliance of commercial vehicles and their operators. It also helps FMCSA monitor inspections, crash reports, and DOT audits. The ultimate goal is to ensure that truck drivers operate their vehicles safely, minimizing the risk of death or serious injury on the road.
While DOT numbers are primarily used for safety tracking, obtaining one can also benefit your business. Having one allows you to:
- Operate legally in interstate commerce
- Avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance
- Maintain transparency in safety and vehicle history
- Hire drivers with a driver qualification file
- Build credibility with clients and brokers
- Get the insurance and licensing required to operate commercially
If you want operating authority with FMCSA, proof of insurance is a key requirement. Since you need a DOT number to get insurance, you also need this number to comply with FMCSA trucking authority requirements.
It’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to be a big trucking company to need a DOT number. If you operate a truck for commercial purposes, you’ll likely need a DOT number, regardless of the size of your company. Whether you’re an independent contractor or a small fleet operator, it helps establish your legitimacy in the industry.
How to Get a DOT Number
If you’ve determined that you need a DOT number, the next step is to apply for one. Fortunately, the process is simple if you’re prepared.
- Gather information: Start by finding details about your business to speed up the application process. The DOT will need information on your business name, address, type of cargo, interstate and intrastate travel plans, vehicle details and weight class, and driver information.
- Go to FMCSA: Visit the FMCSA website to request a DOT number. Applications are submitted through the Unified Registration System (URS), where you’ll complete the MCS-150 form online.
- Verify your number: Once submitted, you’ll typically get your number immediately unless FMCSA flags your application for review. After receiving your DOT number, it’s always good to double-check that it’s in the system. Check the status of your DOT number not only now but also periodically to verify your compliance and safety record. You might not receive a notice of changes to your DOT number or status in a timely manner, and periodic checks can help you stay on top of these changes. For example, if FMCSA erroneously tied a safety issue to your truck, periodic checks will help you pinpoint these issues ASAP.
- Get insurance: Insurers require a DOT number to cover your vehicle. While it is possible to get a DOT number without a truck, you do need a vehicle to apply for insurance and receive trucking authority, so keep that in mind.
- Prepare for compliance: You’re responsible for keeping your business in good legal standing. Not only does that mean driving safely, but it also means preparing for a level 1 DOT inspection and other unannounced inspections. Failing an inspection could result in fines, a black mark on your record, or even losing your ability to operate a commercial vehicle, so be prepared at all times.
In Summary: Do You Need a DOT Number?
Getting informed is your first step, regardless of where you’re starting from. Whether you’re hauling goods across state lines or setting up your first trucking business, understanding why you need a DOT number can help you stay compliant and successful from day one.
In commercial trucking, DOT numbers tend to be the rule, not the exception.
If you’re engaged in interstate commerce, operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs., or transport passengers or hazardous materials, chances are high that you fall into the category of those who need a DOT number. This applies even to smaller operations. There are some exceptions for people operating private vehicles for personal use, vehicles under the weight threshold, and non-commercial transport. When in doubt, check with the Department of Transportation for all of the states where you plan on operating.
Do I Need a DOT Number? FAQs
What vehicles require a DOT number?
Commercial vehicles weighing over 10,001 lbs., transporting passengers, or carrying hazardous materials typically need a DOT number. This includes semi-trucks, box trucks, buses, and even cargo vans if they’re used for business purposes. The key factor is whether the vehicle is used in interstate commerce or meets FMCSA criteria.
Do I need a DOT number for hotshot trucking?
Usually, yes. If you’re operating a pickup with a trailer for hotshot trucking, especially across state lines, you likely fall into the category of those who need a DOT number. Even if you’re a solo driver, you’re still considered a commercial operator under federal law.
Do I need insurance to get a DOT number?
If you’re applying for operating authority, then yes, you’ll need to submit proof of insurance to FMCSA. For basic DOT registration alone, insurance isn’t always required upfront, but it is a must before you begin operating legally.
Do I need an LLC to get a DOT number?
No, an LLC is not required. You can apply as a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation. However, many operators choose to form an LLC to streamline tax filing and protect their personal finances from liability.
Jennifer Fink is the Freight Factoring Operations Manager at altLINE, the factoring division of The Southern Bank Company. Jennifer joined altLINE to spearhead the launch of the company’s new freight factoring program, bringing with her eight years of experience in the factoring industry and 18 years in the general trucking industry. Her firsthand experience working closely with drivers over the years has allowed her to carefully evaluate situations from a carrier’s point of view and navigate challenges effectively.
