US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Numbers
Who must obtain a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number? Intrastatefor-hire motor carriers and intrastate private carriers must obtain and display a USDOT number. For-hire and private motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must have a USDOT number.
How do you obtain a USDOT number? Complete regstration via this Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Form.
What is the cost? There is no cost to obtain a USDOT number. A credit card is required for identification purposes only when obtaining a USDOT number on line.
What are the updating requirements? Once a USDOT number is obtained, information pertaining to the operations conducted under the USDOT number must be updated at least once a year if interstate operations are involved or at least once every two years if only intrastate operations are involved. To learn more about the updating requirements, check this brochure.
How do you provide updates? Complete an online form.
More information To learn more about USDOT numbers for interstate purposes, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation site and choose the Step-by-Step Registration Guide.
Handling aggressive solicitations Motor carriers who obtain a USDOT number will often receive aggressive solicitations from various types of companies. FMCSA has recently made available a document concerning aggressive solicitations. Here is a link to a website that lists criminals wanted for transportation-industry related crimes.