What Is a USDOT Number? A Guide to Registration

If you operate commercial vehicles in the United States, you have likely heard the term USDOT number. But what is a USDOT number, who needs one, and how does it actually work?

This guide explains everything you need to know in clear, simple terms.

What Is a USDOT Number?

A USDOT number is a unique identification number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its agency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

It is used to identify and track a company’s safety information, including:

Vehicle inspections
Crash investigations
Compliance reviews
Safety audits

In short, a USDOT number allows the government to monitor commercial motor carriers operating on public roads.

What Does a USDOT Number Look Like?

A USDOT number is a series of digits, usually displayed on both sides of a commercial vehicle, for example:

USDOT 1234567

This number must be clearly visible and readable from 50 feet away during daylight hours.

Who Needs a USDOT Number?

You generally need a USDOT number if you operate a commercial vehicle that:

Transports passengers or cargo across state lines
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
Transports hazardous materials requiring placards
Carries 9 or more passengers for interstate travel or 16 or more passengers for intrastate travel

Some states also require USDOT numbers for intrastate-only operations, even if you never cross state lines.

Do You Need a USDOT Number for Intrastate Commerce?

It depends on the state.

Many states require intrastate carriers to register for a USDOT number to track safety data at the state level. Examples include Texas, California, Florida, and New York.

If you only operate within one state, check your state’s motor carrier regulations or FMCSA guidance to confirm.

What Is the Difference Between a USDOT Number and an MC Number?

This is a common point of confusion.

USDOT Number:

Identifies the carrier
Tracks safety and compliance data
Required for most commercial carriers

MC Number:

Grants operating authority
Required for carriers that transport regulated goods or passengers for hire across state lines

Read more about MC numbers in our article here.

Many carriers need both, but not all.

How Do You Get a USDOT Number?

Getting a USDOT number is free and done online through the FMCSA.

You will need to provide:

Legal business name and address
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)
Type of operation, such as private carrier or for-hire
Vehicle information
Cargo classification

Once approved, your USDOT number is issued immediately in most cases.

Where Must the USDOT Number Be Displayed?

Your USDOT number must be displayed on:

Both sides of the vehicle
The power unit, such as a truck or tractor
In a contrasting color
With letters at least 2 inches tall

Failure to display it properly can result in fines during roadside inspections.

How Much Does a USDOT Number Cost?

Applying for a USDOT number is free.

However, there may be costs associated with:

Insurance filings
State registration fees
Compliance services
Biennial updates and audits

Be cautious of third-party services charging high fees for something you can do yourself.

Do USDOT Numbers Expire?

A USDOT number does not expire, but you are required to:

Update your information every two years through the biennial update
Update immediately if your business details change, such as address, vehicles, or operation type

Failure to update can lead to deactivation or penalties.

How to Check a USDOT Number

You can look up any USDOT number using the FMCSA’s public Safety and Fitness Electronic Records system.

This allows you to verify:

Company name and operating status
Inspection history
Crash records
Insurance filings

This is commonly used by shippers, brokers, and compliance teams.

Why USDOT Numbers Matter

USDOT numbers are critical because they:

Improve road safety
Enable compliance enforcement
Increase transparency in the trucking industry
Help shippers verify legitimate carriers

Operating without a required USDOT number can result in serious fines and out-of-service orders.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a USDOT number? It is the foundation of commercial vehicle compliance in the United States.

If you operate commercial vehicles, understanding whether you need a USDOT number and keeping it up to date is essential for staying legal, avoiding fines, and building trust with partners and regulators.

Check USDOT Company Snapshots Online

If you want to quickly review carrier details, safety records, and registration data, you can check company snapshots by searching with a USDOT number at usdotdata.com. This makes it easy to look up businesses, verify carrier information, and understand a company’s compliance profile using their DOT number.

What Is a USDOT Number? Everything You Need to Know