To get a DOT (Department of Transportation) number, follow these steps:
- Review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration requirements to ensure your business needs a DOT number. This usually applies to interstate carriers operating commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds, transporting 9-15 passengers for compensation or more than 16 passengers without compensation, or transporting hazardous materials.
- Gather necessary information about your business, including name, address, type of cargo, operation classification, vehicle information, and insurance details.
- Go to the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS) online platform.
- Create an FMCSA user account through the government’s login.gov service if you do not already have one.
- Fill out the DOT number application (form MCS-150 or other relevant forms based on your operation).
- Submit your application online. The DOT number is free, but additional registrations like operating authority may have fees.
- You should receive your DOT number the same day or within 24 hours of application. Operating authority and full activation may take longer.
- After receiving the DOT number, regularly check its status on the FMCSA website to ensure it remains active.
This process is primarily online and streamlined to provide almost immediate issuance of a DOT number upon completion.
