Obtaining and displaying a USDOT number is required for commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight over 10,000 pounds; vehicles used to transport hazardous materials in amounts requiring a placard; vehicles designed to transport 15 or more passengers; and vehicles used to transport eight or more passengers for hire.

The MSP began implementing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards that allow all commercial motor vehicles to obtain a USDOT number in March 2007, as part of a continued effort to reduce traffic crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. This new requirement was phased in over a two-year period to allow operators time to comply.

To obtain a free USDOT number, motor carrier companies must register with the FMCSA. The online application is available at www.safersys.org under the FMCSA Registration and Updates link.