What is a USDOT Number & How to Look it Up
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to commercial vehicles. It helps track safety records, monitors performance, and ensures companies operate legally.
To check a moving company’s USDOT number, you can use the FMCSA’s website for free. You can also do a quick search to view their safety ratings, insurance coverage, and operational status, ensuring you hire a legitimate and reliable mover.
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This number is your go-to reference for checking a moving company’s legitimacy before you trust them with your belongings.
Who needs a USDOT number?
The rules around USDOT numbers can be confusing, so here’s how they break down at the federal and state levels.
Federal requirements
Any company operating commercial vehicles that transport passengers or cargo across state lines needs a USDOT number. This includes moving companies, freight carriers, and bus operators. You’ll need a USDOT number if your vehicle meets any of these criteria:
- GVWR or GCWR over 10,000 lbs: Most moving trucks qualify, and crossing state lines with them triggers federal oversight.
- Transports 8+ passengers (including the driver) for compensation: Applies to paid shuttle and transport services.
- Transports 15+ passengers (including the driver) not for compensation: Covers group transport like church or school buses.
State-specific requirements
Over 30 states require USDOT numbers for certain intrastate (in-state only) operations. Even if you never cross state lines, you might need a USDOT number depending on local regulations.
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Intrastate carriers |
| Alaska | Intrastate carriers |
| Arizona | Intrastate carriers |
| California | Intrastate carriers |
| Colorado | Intrastate carriers |
| Connecticut | Intrastate carriers |
| Delaware | Intrastate carriers |
| Florida | Intrastate carriers |
| Georgia | Intrastate carriers |
| Hawaii | Intrastate carriers |
| Idaho | Intrastate carriers |
| Indiana | Intrastate carriers |
| Iowa | Intrastate carriers |
| Kansas | Intrastate carriers |
| Kentucky | Intrastate carriers |
| Maine | Intrastate carriers |
| Maryland | Intrastate carriers |
| Massachusetts | Intrastate carriers |
| Michigan | Intrastate carriers |
| Minnesota | Intrastate carriers |
| Missouri | Intrastate carriers |
| Montana | Intrastate carriers |
| Nebraska | Intrastate carriers |
| New Jersey | Intrastate carriers |
| New York | Intrastate carriers |
| Nevada | Intrastate carriers |
| North Carolina | Intrastate carriers |
| Ohio | Intrastate carriers |
| Oklahoma | Intrastate carriers |
| Oregon | Intrastate carriers |
| Pennsylvania | Intrastate carriers |
| South Carolina | Intrastate carriers |
| Texas | Intrastate carriers |
| Utah | Intrastate carriers |
| Washington | Intrastate carriers |
| West Virginia | Intrastate carriers |
| Wisconsin | Intrastate carriers |
| Wyoming | Intrastate carriers |
Regulations can change. Always check your state’s DOT website for the most up-to-date requirements.
Business types that need a USDOT number
Businesses that transport goods or passengers may need a USDOT number. Here are the most common business types that do. If you use any of these services, look into their USDOT certification:
- Household goods movers: Required for interstate moves and many intrastate moves in states that mandate USDOT for local carriers.
- Freight carriers: Any business hauling cargo in vehicles meeting federal thresholds.
- Bus & passenger transport: Paid shuttle, charter, and group transport operations.
- Owner-operators: Independent drivers using qualifying commercial vehicles.
- Other commercial fleets above thresholds: Even non-movers may be covered if vehicles meet size/passenger rules.
How to lookup or verify a USDOT number
It’s smart to check a moving company’s credentials before you book. Here’s how:
- Visit the FMCSA Company Snapshot lookup tool.
- Enter the USDOT number, company name, or MC number.
- Click “Search.”
The company profile includes details you can compare against your estimate and contract:
- Legal name & contact info: Confirm that the name and contact information matches what the mover provided.
- Operating status: Look for an “Active” status, not out-of-service or unauthorized.
- Safety and crash history: Review inspection results and recent incidents for red flags.
- Insurance and licensing: Verify coverage is current and appropriate for your move.
This tool is your best friend for avoiding scams. If anything looks off, keep shopping for a different mover.
How to check for crashes and inspections
To find crash and inspection information, you can either scroll down to the section with the heading “Inspections/Crashes in the US” or click the link with the same name in the upper left-hand corner of the search results screen.
Records include reports from states for the previous two years. They also show how the carrier compares to national averages in each category, like Inspection and Out of Service violations for vehicles and drivers.
How to check the company’s safety rating
A company’s safety rating is important because it clearly indicates whether it operates according to DOT and FMCSA regulations. You can check by clicking the link at the top of the search results page, scrolling to the Safety Rating page, or clicking the Safety Rating link at the right side of each heading (next to Inspections/Crashes in Canada).
Moving companies can be rated in three ways:
- Satisfactory: This is the highest rating possible and means the company is in good standing with the DOT and FMCSA.
- Conditional: With a conditional rating, a company may be out of compliance with one or more regulations that aren’t serious enough to warrant disqualifying them as a motor carrier.
- Unsatisfactory: This is the lowest rating and means that there are substantial compliance issues.
How to check insurance
Information about a motor carrier’s insurance can be accessed through the FMCSA’s website. You’ll be taken to a Licensing and Insurance Public page by clicking the links indicated by the red arrows below.
You can search there using DOT, MC numbers, or company names. While it’s worth checking out, searches will only tell you whether the company’s insurance is up to date, has been revoked, or if any actions are pending.
How to check for complaints
It’s important to note that the DOT and FMCSA’s primary focuses are compliance and public safety. As a result, they’re not the watchdog organizations most people think they are, especially when it comes to complaints made against carriers.
When vetting moving companies, ask for personal references from friends, family, and coworkers, and spend ample time online checking out websites with verified customer reviews like Google and Yelp rather than just results from DOT compliance reviews.
How to check for fraud
Though there’s no “Fraud” section, you can determine whether a company is on the up and up by comparing the information on their paperwork and website with what’s in the FMCSA’s database.
Suppose their DOT or MC numbers aren’t the same. If they have an unsatisfactory safety rating or their insurance has been revoked, you’re better off dismissing them and moving on to other companies.
Why USDOT numbers matter
USDOT numbers are about more than just legal compliance. They protect you as a consumer in several ways:
- Safety monitoring: Regulators track inspections, violations, and crash data tied to each USDOT number.
- Insurance verification: You can confirm a mover has active coverage that protects your shipment.
- Scam prevention: Fake or missing numbers are a major red flag for moving scams. Walk away if anything seems off when you research a mover’s USDOT number.
- Dispute resolution: Agencies use USDOT numbers to locate records when investigating complaints or claims.
Choosing a mover with a valid USDOT number is one of the best ways to avoid shady operators. For vetted options, see our guide to the best interstate moving companies.
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Legal requirements and compliance
Federal law requires qualifying carriers to obtain and display a USDOT number on commercial vehicles. Many states add their own requirements. Skipping this step can lead to fines, out-of-service orders, or even business closure.
The USDOT number must be visible on both sides of each qualifying vehicle. Carriers must also keep their company registration and safety records up to date.
- Fines: Violations can run into thousands of dollars per offense, especially for repeat non-compliance.
- Out-of-service orders: Fleets may be grounded until issues are corrected.
- Insurance & authority risks: Non-compliance can jeopardize a company’s insurance and operating authority.
- Public safety record: Poor scores and violations are red flags that damage movers’ reputation with customers and signal moving scams.
How to get a USDOT number
The application process is straightforward, but accuracy is critical. Here’s what businesses have to do to get a USDOT number:
- Gather personal info: Business name, structure, EIN/SSN, address, contact info, vehicle details (VIN, weight, type), and required insurance.
- Create an FMCSA portal account: Register through the FMCSA Registration Portal.
- Complete the online application: Fill out the MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) accurately.
- Submit the application: Double-check entries, then submit. Simple applications are often processed instantly.
- Receive a USDOT number: USDOT numbers are issued in the online portal and by email, then printed and displayed on vehicles as required.
For full step-by-step guidance, see the FMCSA’s official registration guide.
Cost of obtaining and maintaining a USDOT number
There’s no fee to apply for a new USDOT number. However, staying compliant comes with ongoing costs that movers should budget for.
- Registration: $0 (as of 2025). Applying for a USDOT number itself is free.
- Updates: No annual renewal fee, but you must file a biennial update (even if nothing changes).
- Compliance costs: Required insurance, record keeping, driver qualification files, safety audits, and potential MC authority fees for for-hire carriers.
Ignoring compliance can get expensive pretty quickly as fines for operating without proper registration add up.
Which vehicles and trucks require a USDOT number?
Not sure which vehicles require a USDOT number? Use this quick reference for common vehicle types and requirements:
| Vehicle type | Weight/capacity | USDOT number required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box truck/moving van | Over 10,000 lbs GVWR | Yes (interstate; intrastate in many states) | Most moving trucks qualify |
| 12-passenger van | 8+ passengers incl. driver (for compensation) | Yes | Shuttle and transport services |
| Bus / large van | 15+ passengers (not for compensation) | Yes | Includes church and school buses |
| Pickup truck | Under 10,000 lbs GVWR | No* | *Unless carrying hazardous materials or required by your state |
| Commercial vehicle with hazardous materials | Any weight | Yes | Special placarding & regulations apply |
If you’re unsure, use the FMCSA “Do I Need a USDOT Number?” tool to check your requirements.
USDOT number vs. MC number: What’s the difference?
If you’re analyzing moving companies, you may come across a USDOT number and an MC number. Both numbers are important, but they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare:
| USDOT number | MC number | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Unique ID for regulated carriers (safety & compliance) | Operating authority for “for-hire” interstate carriers |
| Who needs it? | Most interstate movers; many intrastate movers (state-dependent) | For-hire carriers transporting regulated commodities or passengers across state lines |
| Issued by | FMCSA | FMCSA |
| How to check | FMCSA Company Snapshot | FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I) System |
In short, USDOT numbers are your “license plate” for compliance. MC numbers are your “permission slip” to operate for-hire. Some movers need both.
State vs. federal requirements
Federal law sets the baseline. Crossing state lines or meeting certain vehicle thresholds requires a USDOT number. But many states (see table above) require USDOT numbers for local operations as well.
Check with your state’s Department of Transportation for the latest intrastate rules. Enforcement and requirements can vary by state.
FAQs
Do movers need a USDOT number if they only operate locally?
Maybe. More than 30 states require USDOT numbers for intrastate operations. Check your state’s rules before you roll since requirements and enforcement vary.
What if I have a fleet of small vans?
If your vans are under 10,001 pounds GVWR and you don’t carry hazardous materials or large groups of passengers, you may not need a USDOT number federally. Still, verify any state-specific rules that could apply.
How do I transfer my USDOT number to a new business name or address?
Update your records through the FMCSA portal. Major changes to business structure or operations may require additional filings or new authority.
Move forward with confidence
A USDOT number is one of your best protections against moving fraud. It’s your key to a legal, safe, and stress-free move. Always verify every mover’s USDOT number before you book.
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