If you operate a commercial vehicle, you may be required to have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Learn the requirements in Washington, if your activities are considered “Interstate Commerce,” and how to apply for a USDOT number.
What is interstate commerce?
Interstate commerce is when you use a commercial driver license to drive a commercial motor vehicle:
- From one state to another state or a foreign country.
- Between 2 places within a state, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another state or foreign country.
- Between 2 places within a state, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another state or foreign country.
You must have a USDOT number
If you participate in interstate commerce, you must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. A USDOT number provides you with a unique identifier that is used when monitoring and collecting a company's safety information during audits, crash investigations, compliance reviews, and inspections. Learn more about USDOT numbers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How to apply for a USDOT number
To get a free USDOT number, you must apply online using FMCSA's Unified Registration System.
If you need more help determining whether or not you need a USDOT number, use FMCSA's "Do I Need a USDOT Number?" tool.