A USDOT number is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that every qualified motor carrier must obtain to legally operate commercial vehicles on U.S. highways. This unique identifier connects your company to every roadside inspection, crash report, and safety audit, and it is how regulators track your safety performance and CSA score. Because it affects your ability to stay on the road and win freight, it is important to understand who needs a USDOT number and why many carriers choose to get guidance instead of guessing through the process.
Who is required to have a USDOT number
The eligibility requirements to apply for a USDOT number are clearly defined by federal regulations. If your company operates commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce, you must register and obtain a USDOT number. However, the requirements extend beyond just crossing state lines.
- The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or actual weight of 10,001 pounds or more
- The vehicle is designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers, including the driver, for compensation
- The vehicle is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, whether or not you are paid
- The vehicle transports hazardous materials in quantities that require placards
Many carriers are surprised to find out that they are in interstate commerce even when they never cross a state line. If the freight you haul comes from or is going to another state or another country, your trip is often treated as part of an interstate move. That is why local delivery fleets, drayage operations, and hot shot carriers frequently need a USDOT number even with short routes.
On top of the federal rule, many states require a USDOT number for intrastate carriers based on state weight thresholds. That means a landscaper, construction company, or plumber with a heavy pickup and trailer may need a USDOT number for local work, not just over the road trucking.
Information you need before you apply
The application for a USDOT number is a legal document, so you should be prepared with accurate information before you begin. At a minimum you will need:
- Legal business name and any doing business as (DBA) name
- Business structure, such as LLC, corporation, or sole proprietor
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number for sole owners
- Type of operation, such as for hire carrier, private carrier, or exempt for hire
- Where you operate, interstate, intrastate, or both
- Types of cargo you haul, such as general freight, vehicles, refrigerated products, or hazardous materials
- Number of vehicles and drivers, including how many require a CDL
The USDOT number itself does not have a filing fee, but the details you report will be used later in audits and compliance reviews. Working with professional compliance services or trucking compliance services can help you avoid errors that cause delays or trigger unwanted attention from regulators.
How to get and maintain your USDOT number
To get your USDOT number you complete the registration online through the federal Unified Registration System. New carriers often apply for their USDOT and operating authority at the same time, but it is important to understand that the USDOT number is your safety identifier while operating authority, sometimes called an MC number, is what allows you to haul freight for hire.
Once your USDOT number is issued, you must:
- Mark your legal or DBA name and the letters USDOT followed by your number on both sides of the power unit in a contrasting color that is readable from 50 feet
- Keep your company profile current by filing the required biennial update based on the schedule tied to your USDOT number
- Build and maintain the core safety systems that will be reviewed during your new entrant safety audit, such as driver qualification files, hours of service records, vehicle maintenance files, and a drug and alcohol program if required
Every roadside inspection, violation, and crash is linked to your USDOT number and feeds into your CSA score. Carriers who ask how to check my CSA score are really asking how to monitor the safety data tied to that number. Because the stakes are high and the rules are detailed, many new and growing fleets choose to work with experienced USDOT compliance partners instead of taking chances on guesswork. Having expert guidance from day one can keep you legal, protect your reputation, and help you focus on running your business instead of fighting avoidable compliance problems.
Summary of Key Information of the USDOT Number
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
What it is | Unique 6-8 digit identifier issued by FMCSA |
Who needs it | Interstate commercial carriers or those with vehicles over 10,001 lbs |
Cost | Free; MC number costs $300 |
Application time | Immediate issuance; 20 days to activate |
Where to apply | FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS) |
