Motor Carrier

Required State License(s):

Intrastate vehicles are licensed through Motor Carrier Division, Public Service Commission, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs at (517) 241-6030.

Intrastate trucks with more than two axles should have a diesel fuel tax decal from the Department of Treasury, Motor Fuel, IFTA/Motor Carrier, Tobacco Taxes and Registration Division; (517) 636-4700.  

Inter-State vehicles are licensed and insured with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; (202) 358-7028 OR (202) 358-7029. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was abolished January 1, 1996!

Inter-state diesel fuel tax decals are registered with the Department of Treasury; Motor Fuel, IFTA/Motor Carrier, Tobacco Taxes and Registration Division by "gross vehicle weight;" (517) 636-4730.  

Trucks weighing over 55,000 pounds may be liable for a federal highway use tax. Use IRS Form 2290.  

Drivers of trucks of over 26,000 pounds g.v.w. must obtain a Commercial Drivers License. Contact the Secretary of State's Office for information at 1-888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).  

Any person who is employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle; and who drives a motor vehicle while it is in use as a public or common carrier of persons or property, must be certified by the carrier as provided for by the Motor Carrier Safety Rules administered by the Michigan State Police, Motor Carrier Division at (517) 336-6195.  

Motor carrier drivers who are self-employed must also be certified.  

Information about a vehicle that is over 50, in length or 8' in width, contact the Department of Transportation (517) 373-2120.  

Depending on the type of substance being trucked, permit(s) may be required from Treasury, State Police, Liquor Control, Agriculture, Environmental Quality or the Secretary of State.  

Call or write Secretary of State, IRP unit at (517) 322-1097, for IRP license plates. This takes the place of a commercial plate for interstate trucks if vehicle weight is over 26,000 pounds.  

Other Possible License(s):  

No license is required. A Truck Broker matches companies with goods to haul with truckers to haul them; A Freight Forwarder assembles small shipments to go to a different location in larger shipments. Vehicles are licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (202) 358-7028 or (202) 358-7029.  

Further Information:

To obtain a copy of the "Trucker's Guide," contact the Michigan State Police at (517) 373-3700; the Michigan Trucking Safety Commission at (517) 321-1955.  

For DOT Physical Forms (medical card) contact the Michigan Trucking Association at (517) 321-1951.  

Revised: 5/2005