How to Get Your DOT Number: Complete Registration Guide for New Motor Carriers

The USDOT number is the unique identifier FMCSA uses to track every commercial motor carrier in the country. Crashes, inspections, audits, and safety ratings all hang off your USDOT number. Getting one is straightforward, but the moment it issues you are on the clock -- the New Entrant Program starts immediately and your first audit can arrive in as little as a few months. Here is what to file, in what order, and what to do the day the number activates.

When you need a USDOT number

Federal law requires a USDOT number for any vehicle that meets at least one of these tests:

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, used in interstate commerce
• Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
• Transports hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards

Many states also require intrastate carriers to obtain a USDOT number, so check the state's motor carrier office if you operate only within one state.

DOT number vs MC number -- the distinction

A USDOT number identifies the carrier. An MC number (also called operating authority) is the permission to operate as a for-hire interstate carrier. Private carriers (companies hauling their own freight across state lines) need only the DOT number. For-hire interstate carriers need both. Intrastate-only carriers usually need only the DOT number when their state participates.

Step one -- file the MCS-150

The MCS-150 is the form that creates the USDOT number. It is free to file. You complete it through the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). Information required includes:

• Legal name and DBA
• Principal place of business address
• Mailing address if different
• EIN or SSN
• Type of operation (for-hire, private, etc.)
• Commodity types hauled
• Number of power units and drivers
• Out-of-service classification

Once submitted, the DOT number is typically issued within 1 to 2 business days.

Step two -- apply for operating authority (for-hire only)

File form OP-1 through the URS at the same time as the MCS-150 if you are a for-hire interstate carrier. The fee is $300 per authority type. Most common types:

• Motor carrier of property -- general freight
• Motor carrier of household goods
• Motor passenger carrier
• Broker of property or household goods

After OP-1 is filed, FMCSA publishes the application in the FMCSA Register and a 10-day protest period begins. Authority activates 21 days after publication, provided insurance and BOC-3 are on file.

Step three -- get insurance and file BMC-91

Liability insurance with the minimum required limits ($750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on commodity) must be in place before authority can activate. Your insurer files form BMC-91 (or BMC-91X for multiple insurers) electronically with FMCSA. Cargo insurance under form BMC-34 is required only for household goods carriers.

Step four -- file BOC-3 process agent designation

A BOC-3 designates a process agent in every state in which you can be served legal papers. Most carriers use a national BOC-3 service for $20 to $50 per year. Without a BOC-3 on file, your operating authority will not activate.

Step five -- pay UCR

The Unified Carrier Registration program collects an annual fee from interstate carriers. File for the current year through the UCR system.

Step six -- prepare for the New Entrant Program from day one

The day your USDOT number issues, the New Entrant Program clock starts. You have a 12-month window for the New Entrant Safety Audit. Build these systems before your first load:

1. Driver qualification files

   Application, MVR, road test, medical card, prior employer verification, drug test, Clearinghouse query.

2. Drug and alcohol program

   Join a consortium, register with the Clearinghouse, adopt written policies, get driver acknowledgments.

3. ELD and HOS program

   Buy a registered ELD, train drivers on rules, set up log review procedure.

4. Vehicle maintenance

   Annual inspection, DVIRs, per-vehicle maintenance file, written maintenance program.

5. Accident register

   Open the register at zero accidents -- the document itself must exist.

Common mistakes new applicants make

• Applying for MC authority before insurance is ready -- the application sits in suspension until insurance posts
• Choosing the wrong operation type, which forces a refile
• Skipping the BOC-3 because the cost is small and forgetting it later
• Forgetting biennial MCS-150 updates after the number activates -- missed updates can suspend the authority