How to Get a Texas DOT Number

Motor carriers across the country must have a valid license, current vehicle registration and insurance coverage to operate a commercial vehicle. In the Lone Star State, operators must also register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle's Motor Carrier Division to operate a larger commercial vehicle on roads and highways in the state. This is known as a TxDMV number.

INTRAstate commercial motor vehicle operators in Texas must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Motor Carrier Division to get a motor carrier registration number. Motor carriers in the Lone Star State are required to register if they:

• Operate commercial motor vehicles having a registered weight, gross weight or gross-weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.
• Move hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.
• Operate farm vehicles with a registered weight, gross weight or gross-weight rating of at least 48,000 pounds.
• Operate vehicles used for transporting at least 15 people, including the driver.
  
• Operate commercial school buses.
• Transport household goods for pay.

TxDMV numbers are valid for seven days, 90 days, one year, or two years and are not transferable between motor carriers that are registered as sole proprietors.

Before registering for a TxDMV number, applicants must possess a current USDOT number. Those applying for operating authority in the state for the first time do so through the TxDMV’s registration portal. Click "Start New Application" at the top of the page and check the box that says "Apply for a TxDMV Number."

Once the DMV receives the application, its review takes up to 48 business hours. For carriers with previous authority/certificates, or who have been linked to another authority/certificate, the DMV needs an additional seven business days for review.

When the application is approved, the applicant gets an email with a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) to send to their insurance company when filing for insurance. This is a requirement for their certificate.

After filing with the insurance company, the applicant will get a second email requesting that they login to the Texas Motor Carrying Credentialing System (MCCS) to pay the requisite fees to complete the application process.

When payment is made, the DMV changes the motor carrier’s UIN to a TxDMV certificate number. Applicants can check their application status by calling 800-299-1700 and dialing option 3-4-3. The DMV will not process an application if an applicant misrepresents, misstates or omits information.

After the application process and receipt of their TxDMV certificate number, registrants should print out their cab card and certificate. A copy of the valid cab card must be in the vehicle at all times and available to show law enforcement should they request to see it. In this instance, it can be either a paper or an electronic copy.

The fees for motor TxDMV registration are as:

Motor carrier registration fees are payable by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.) There is a fee of 25 cents, plus 2.25 percent for service charges. Personal checks, business checks, cashier's checks and money orders are also accepted and should made payable to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Fees cannot be refunded.

A motor carrier’s insurance must remain current in the Motor Carrying Credentialing System while a motor carrier operates in the state of Texas. The state requires INTRAstate carriers to send evidence of their valid insurance policy or financial responsibility to the DMV.

Failure to show evidence of a current insurance policy can result not only in penalties or sanctions, but also can result in the revocation of the operator’s certificate.

If an operator’s insurance is canceled by their insurance company, the operator will get an email notice 30 days before the cancellation. The operator’s insurance company must submit proof of insurance or insurance cancellation to the DMV on the proper form. The insurance company will provide the forms, which must be filed by the appropriate underwriter:

• Proof of liability insurance: Form E.
• Proof of cargo insurance: Form H & I.
• Liability cancellation: Form K.

While it is the operator’s insurance company's responsibility to provide evidence to the DMV, it is the operator’s responsibility to make sure that their insurance filing remains current in order to keep their TxDMV number active.

All DMV-registered motor carriers must provide evidence that they have complied with the drug testing requirements of the USDOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and give the name of the drug testing facility or consortium that conducts the testing to the DMV.

Motor carriers must report their test results to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). For information regarding these requirements, operators should call DPS at 512-424-2052.

Renewal notices are sent to certificate holders about 60 before they expire. Applicants renew their certificates through the MCCS system. The cost to renew is $10 per vehicle for one year and $20 per vehicle for two years.

Even if an operator does not receive notice of expiration, they are still responsible for renewing the registration before it expires. Only one- and two-year certificates can be renewed.