Who Is Required to Have a DOT Number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Numbers. DOT numbers are unique identifiers that assist in the collecting and monitoring of safety information of surface transportation, pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) that govern interstate, and some intrastate, commerce.

In General

FMCSA issues USDOT numbers to all companies falling under its jurisdiction that are involved in interstate commerce and headquartered in the United States and Canada. FMCSA also issues DOT numbers to companies that haul hazardous materials with a safety permit, regardless of whether it is interstate or intrastate.

Interstate vs. Intrastate Commerce

Interstate commerce is transportation, traffic and/or trade involving cargo, passengers and/or vehicles that either cross or intend to cross, state lines between two or more states. Intrastate commerce is transportation, traffic and/or trade that remains wholly within one state. FMCSA has jurisdiction over all surface interstate commerce and all surface hazardous material transportation. FMCSA also has jurisdiction over all surface intrastate commerce in states that participate in its Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program.

PRISM States

PRISM states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Regular Registration

There are a few ways to register for a DOT number for those who are required to have one. The FMCSA allows registration either online, via mail or via fax. There is a very helpful and user-friendly Online Registration and Compliance Assistant for those who choose to register online.

New Entrant Registration

Companies that are required to obtain a DOT number and are doing so for the very first time are required to be automatically enrolled in the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Assurance Program. Participants in this program are given a temporary USDOT number. If they successfully operate for an 18-month period while passing all required safety audits and maintaining acceptable roadside safety performance, they are given a permanent number.

References

• What Is a USDOT Number?
• New Entrant Program FAQ