DOT Registration
DOT Registration
Let DAT Authority handle your DOT registration, freeing you to focus on your business.
Your time should be just that — yours. But carriers launching their trucking business must undergo the necessary but time-consuming DOT registration process. This means meeting several requirements and submitting a number of tedious forms. Let the experts at DAT Authority handle your application paperwork — from USDOT registration to IFTA permits — for you.
- DOT registration without the stress.
- The easy way to get and stay compliant.
- DAT’s experts are here to support you at every step.
DOT registration without the stress.
Take back your time and let DAT Authority handle your DOT registration.
Applying for your DOT number can be overwhelming, and you already have enough on your plate. Save valuable time and energy with help from the experts at DAT Authority. We’ll take the hassle of seemingly endless paperwork off your hands and steer your business clear of DOT registration delays, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to your carrier or owner-operator venture.
The easy way to get and stay compliant.
Meet federal and state requirements effortlessly with DAT Authority’s guidance.
Becoming a carrier can be a long process, but DAT Authority can help. Our expert guidance goes beyond just assisting with your DOT registration and MC number — we’ll look into other federal and state regulations for you and let you know which might impact your business.
We’ll also keep you informed about any shifts in federal, state, and industry laws that could affect your business, so you’ll never have to worry whether you’re compliant.
DAT’s experts are here to support you at every step.
No need to master all the federal and state requirements with DAT’s expert guidance.
Becoming a successful carrier involves more than just DOT registration — and paperwork should be the least of your worries when you’re starting your business. With DAT Authority, our experts support you in every step of the process. Whether you’re applying for your MC number or need clarification on state requirements, we’re here to help.
And our commitment doesn’t stop once your business is up and running — our support is here for the long haul.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the diffiult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right food. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
A DOT number is an identification number for carriers administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Department of Transportation uses this identifier to monitor carriers, their trucks and drivers, and their overall safety rating and operations. For example, they might collect and track the safety information about your company through audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and crash investigations.
Essentially, a USDOT registration is a seal of approval showing that a carrier is qualified to operate commercial vehicles.
All carriers transporting goods across state lines and who have vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds — as well as those that haul hazardous materials — must register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number.
However, you’ll need to do your research if you register on your own, because some states require a carrier to have a DOT even if their operations are inside of state boundaries.
While DOT numbers and MC numbers are both official identifiers for carriers, they are not the same thing. DOT numbers, issued by the Department of Transportation, identify carriers engaged in interstate commerce. MC numbers, granted by the FMCSA, allow carriers to cross state lines for hire with regulated commodities.
All carriers and owner-operators that transport cargo across state lines must obtain a DOT number, but only some will need an MC number. Carriers transporting regulated commodities across state lines will need both an MC number and a DOT number.
To start your carrier business, you’ll need CDL and IFTA credentials in addition to your DOT number and MC number. Make sure you file your BOC-3 form and obtain primary liability, cargo, physical damage and per-load insurance. For any truck exceeding 55,000 pounds, you’ll also need to pay a Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.
You should also give your business a solid foundation by deciding on its structure, crafting a business plan, and setting up your operations. A quality TMS, fuel card, and load board are also smart investments for your business that will set you up to thrive.
While you’ll encounter multiple fees on the way to launching your carrier business, the DOT registration cost is not one of them — applying for a DOT number is free. Do your DOT registration online to receive your DOT number immediately or apply by mail and allow for six weeks’ processing time.
If you need an MC number, be prepared to pay a filing fee of $300 for each type of authority your business will need.
At DAT, we understand that every carrier works with a different budget — and as you set up your business, USDOT registration is one of the only requirements that comes with no fee. To save you time and peace of mind, we offer three DAT Authority packages starting at just $549 per year. All three options include your federal fees, your BOC-3 form, your DOT registration, and your MC number cost. Plus, enjoy a bonus month of access to the DAT load board, on us.
Make your life easier and choose DAT for DOT registration.
Because it comes with heavy paperwork but no fees, the DOT number cost is your time and energy rather than your money. When you use DAT Authority, you can relax and let us handle filing your applications for everything from USDOT registration to your IFTA permit.
DAT Copilot™
Authority Bundle
- Federal MC Authority ($300)
- BOC-3 MC Authority ($30)
- 50% off DAT One for 6 months (from $150)
- The DAT One Fuel Card with a $60 rebate and $100 preloaded
- Discounted factoring rate from OTR Solutions
- Free commercial trucking insurance quote from Marquee Insurance Group