You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that: Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).
Intrastate means that the motor carrier does trade or transportation ONLY in their home state. Interstate means that the motor carrier does trade or transportation that meets one of the following criteria: From somewhere in one state to somewhere in a different state (including places outside the United States)
If you use the trailer for personal reasons and it falls under the 10,000-pound threshold, you will not need to file for a DOT number. If, however, you use that same trailer/truck combination for commercial purposes, you will need to file for a DOT number if such requirements exist in your state.
How to Get Operating Authority
- Form Your Company. Before you start filing paperwork to get authority, you need to form your company, get your EIN number, and other business basics.
- Apply for Authority with the FMCSA.
- Get Insurance.
- Register for UCR.
- Register for IRP.
- Register for IFTA.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT)
A US DOT number identifies carriers operating in interstate commerce while an MC number identifies a carrier who transports regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. Generally, items that have been changed from their natural state are regulated commodities requiring an MC number.
A DOT number is a number that is assigned to you by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA in order to register your commercial vehicles. All the commercial vehicles that weigh beyond the given limit must pay more than the other vehicles.
Can I request a copy? To check whether your operating authority has been issued (granted), go to the Licensing and Insurance website. If you have received a certificate of authority and/or your authority is listed as transed in L&I, you are approved to operate.
A: Actually, if you don't want to get a CDL and you don't want to own or lease a truck, you can make application for the authority. There are no regulations that say you must own a truck in order to get your authority. After you get your authority, you will use owner-operators that will lease to your authority.
Where do I start?
- Figure out what kind of authority you need.
- Decide on a name for your business.
- Decide on a business structure.
- Get an EIN.
- Get preapproved for primary liability and cargo insurance.
- Get an MC number.
- You need to know where your freight is coming from so you have something to move.
MC Number/USDOT Number – $499There is a $300 FMCSA filing fee to get your MC Number/USDOT Number.
If you lease to someone who has authority, you can operate under their authority. Whomever has the authority is the one responsible for carrying the insurance. You can have your own IFTA account, even if you lease to another carrier.
You can determine the status of your USDOT number in these ways:
- Online: Go to the SAFER website and search by name, USDOT number or MC number.
- By email: You can submit your question via our web form (you will receive a tracking number)
- Phone: Call 800-832-5660 to speak to FMCSA Customer Service.
No, USDOT Numbers are not transferable. Operating authorities (MC numbers) are transferable.
Existing CarriersCarriers who are already registered with the FMCSA and/or carriers who want to add another MC authority type, can apply online and pay the appropriate fees using the FMCSA Legacy Registration System. Note that existing companies must have a PIN to apply electronically.
An Inactive USDOT Number status means the number has been suspended or deactivated.
If you see the status as “Not Authorized,” this means your Operating Authority (MC/FF#) is not active and you are not authorized to operate as for hire in interstate commerce.
Company safety ratings can be viewed on the SAFER website. You can view the safety rating of any motor carrier with an active US DOT number. Click on "Company Snapshot" and search for a carrier by USDOT Number, MC Number or name.
The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form filed to obtain and update your USDOT number. This allows the FMCSA to verify that the information associated with your DOT number is correct. Any motor carrier with a DOT Number is required to file a biennial MCS-150 update.
to transport passengers or property when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or. to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation; or.
Here's why: Regardless of their applications, if your CMVs are used in interstate commerce, as defined under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) §390.5, they must display US DOT numbers. Remember, if it crosses state lines for any reason, even if rarely, it must display a US DOT number.
It is not uncommon to see “Not For Hire” graphics on trucks and horse trailers. The idea behind this is to avoid certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Nor will it protect you if you are driving a vehicle and trailer that requires a commercial license.
How do I get a USDOT number?
- To get a USDOT number, new applicants must register online via the Unified Registration System.
- Until URS is fully implemented, there is no charge for a USDOT number.
- For more information about registering with the FMCSA, please see our "Getting Started with Registration" web page.
Not for hire simply means that they do not have (and cannot obtain) an ICC/DOT number. Ie: the vehicle is NOT used for any commercial purpose, EVER. There are tons of folks that place this on their vehicles in an attempt to skirt the law, they all get caught eventually.
