Free USDOT Number

A USDOT number is required for anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle for profit. According to the FMCSA: u0022A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as any motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
• Is single or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
• Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or more than 15 passengers if not receiving compensation for the transportation.
• Any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials that require federal placardingu0022

No, you don’t need to own a business to get your DOT Number, you can act as an individual under a sole proprietorship or DBA. You do have the choice of creating a business entity, however, which can be an LLC or Corporation.

In order to get a USDOT number you’ll want to have this information available:
• Your company’s Employer Identification (EIN and tax identification number if you already created a company), or your Social Security number would be needed if you are acting as an individual.
• Your name or company name.
• The principal address associated with your business
• Company phone number and email address

This could be:
• Authorize For Hire
• Exempt For Hire
• Private (property)
• Private Passenger (business or non-business)
• Federal, State, Local Government, or Indian Nation

After successfully filing for a USDOT number you’ll be subject to a mandatory safety audit. The safety audit consists of a DOT official going over all of your companies legal documents, compliances and registrations, ensuring that you’re business is official to legally operate. You will also need to get a medical DOT card and have your work vehicle undergo a mechanical safety inspection by a certified DOT mechanic. You’ll also need to make sure that your insurance has been filed.

No. Every commercial motor vehicle operator is also required to have a Driver Qualification File, which is a legal document that contains:
• Driver’s Motor Vehicle Record
• Driver’s Road Test Certificate or Equivalent
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Inquiry about Drug and Alcohol Tests

No. A USDOT Number only authorizes a commercial motor vehicle operator to conduct business in the state that it was filed in. In order to operate interstate you’ll need to file for a Motor Carrier Authority (MC#).