The purpose of this data...

Our mission with DOT&GO is to make sure that people have the correct data and resources to do their own research and make their own choice. We are family-owned, and we want to educate and make the process really simple and honest.

What is a USDOT number?

A USDOT is required for any vehicle over 10,001 pounds, including combined weight. It is also required for a vehicle transporting hazardous material and for transporting more than 8 passengers for compensation.

"Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul types and quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number." https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

"You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that: Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403). OR Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; AND is involved in Interstate commerce: Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States— Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States); Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States." https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

Complying with Federal Regulations

"It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and protected property. We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways." https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

How to Comply Federally

States that Require a DOT Number

Apart from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number. These states include:

Alabama Alaska Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana New Jersey New York Nebraska Nevada North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico South Carolina Texas Utah Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

Your USDOT, Your Responsibility

Motor carriers and drivers are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable FMCSRs. The information on this website, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and roadways. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

Updating Your Registration or Authority

"Any time a carrier or other regulated entity changes its name or address, or other details in their record, they should update their US DOT and operating authority record with FMCSA in a timely manner. In addition, FMCSA requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years" https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration

Biennial Updates

"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information, has ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA. Failure to complete a Biennial Update will result in deactivation of your USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000." https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration

What is the Deadline to Update?

"Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times: Before it begins operations; and Every 24 months according to the following schedule:

If the next-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every even-numbered calendar year." https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration

Step 1 : Click "Check My USDOT", then type your usdot number into the search bar and click enter. The information the FMCSA currently has on file under your registration should pop up. Look over everything like address, power units and drivers to make sure it's all accurate and up to date.

Step 2 : Check the "form date". This lets you know the last time you filed a "biennial update". If the form date shown IS NOT within the last 24 months you're due for your biennial update (every 2 years).

Step 3 : If you see that your form date IS within the 24 month period but you notice the information on file doesn't show a change you've recently made in your business, such as adding another vehicle, updating your USDOT to reflect the accurate information is the best way to avoid any fines or citations an officer may issue you.