USDOT Number Overview

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number.

Also required for:

Commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number.

Purpose of USDOT Number

The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company's safety information acquired during:

  • Audits
  • Compliance reviews
  • Crash investigations
  • Inspections

New-Entrant Program

All first-time carrier applicants for a USDOT Number will be automatically enrolled in the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.

Program Requirements:

New entrants must pass a safety audit and maintain acceptable roadside safety performance over an initial 18-month period before they are given permanent registration status.

Exemptions

In most cases, companies operating exclusively as brokers or non-vehicle-operating shippers or freight forwarders do not need to obtain a USDOT Number.

State-Specific Requirements

In select states, all registrants of commercial motor vehicles, even intrastate and non-Motor Carrier registrants, are required to obtain a USDOT Number as a necessary condition for commercial vehicle registration.

States Requiring USDOT Numbers (24 States):

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Who Needs a USDOT Number?

✅ Required For:

  • Companies operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce (passengers or cargo)
  • Intrastate hazardous materials carriers requiring a safety permit
  • All commercial motor vehicle registrants in the 24 required states (even intrastate)

❌ Generally NOT Required For:

  • •Companies operating exclusively as brokers
  • •Non-vehicle-operating shippers
  • •Freight forwarders (without vehicles)

Key Points to Remember

USDOT Number is a unique identifier for safety monitoring
Required for interstate commerce and certain intrastate operations
New entrants automatically enrolled in 18-month safety assurance program
24 states require USDOT Numbers for all commercial vehicle registrations
Brokers and non-vehicle operators generally exempt

Need Help with DOT Compliance?

Expert guidance on USDOT Number requirements and registration

Call (248) 478-8382

24175 Industrial Park Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335