US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Numbers

Who must obtain a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number? Intrastate for-hire motor carriers and intrastate private carriers must obtain and display a USDOT number. For-hire and private motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must have a USDOT number.

How do you obtain a USDOT number? There are three options. Choose the one that works best for you.

  • Complete a form on line.
  • Complete an MCS-150 and mail it to FMCSA or to the Commission for processing.
  • If you are an intrastate-only carrier, complete the Commission's TDF19 and mail it to the Commission for processing.

What is the cost? There is no cost to obtain a USDOT number. A credit card is required for identification purposes only when obtaining a USDOT number on line.

What are the updating requirements? Once a USDOT number is obtained, information pertaining to the operations conducted under the USDOT number must be updated at least once a year if interstate operations are involved or at least once every two years if only intrastate operations are involved.

How do you provide updates? There are three options. Choose the one that works best for you.

  • Complete a form on line.
  • Complete an MCS-150 and mail it to FMCSA or to Commission for processing.
  • If you are an intrastate-only carrier, you may complete the Commission's TDF19 and mail it to the Commission for processing.

More information To find out more about USDOT numbers for interstate purposes, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation site and choose the Step-by-Step Registration Guide.