Get Your DOT Number and Start Your Trucking Business
Get Your DOT Number and Start Your Trucking Business
Get a DOT number and set your business up for success
The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program enables carriers and owner-operators to operate independently and make the most out of hauling loads. By showing how to get a DOT number, an MC number, and taking care of all the permits and paperwork, DAT allows carriers to earn the highest rates and grow their business for the long run.
- Learn how to get MC number and complete the USDOT number application.
- Let DAT handle your DOT number application and other paperwork.
- Keep up-to-date with compliance and keep on trucking.


Learn how to get MC number and complete the USDOT number application.
DAT makes sure your trucking business starts off on the right foot.
Becoming an independent carrier or owner-operator is a profitable career path, but how do you get started? The DAT Copilot™ Authority Program helps truckers jumpstart their business by collecting all the paperwork you need in one place — from the DOT number application requirements, MC number, IFTA and IRP permits, and everything else in-between!
Let DAT handle your DOT number application and other paperwork.
With the DAT Copilotâ„¢ Authority Program, you can say goodbye to delays and setbacks.
Not only does DAT provide you with all the paperwork, permits, and compliance materials you need to get your authority, we’ll also file it for you so you don’t have to waste time dealing with government agencies. DAT helps carriers and owner-operators get DOT and MC numbers with ease and as quickly as possible.


Keep up-to-date with compliance and keep on trucking.
Rely on DAT’s experts for an easy and accurate authority process.
Once you get DOT and MC numbers and earn your authority, there is still more to do to keep your business running smoothly. With the DAT Copilotâ„¢ Authority Program, carriers and owner-operators gain access to our experts and their regulatory insight, ensuring that they stay in compliance for the long-term and bringing greater efficiency to their business.
"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 difficult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right foot. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a USDOT number, the short and sweet answer is: not long at all! Submitting a USDOT number application by mail will take 4-6 weeks, but online registration is processed right away. With the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program to guide you through the process, truck drivers can learn how to get a DOT number quickly and easily.
A carrier’s DOT number is a unique identifier given by the FMCSA to collect and monitor safety information. It’s required that all vehicles above a particular weight or carrying a certain amount of passengers have a DOT number. Carriers need a DOT number regardless of whether they’ll be hauling interstate or intrastate loads.
There are no fees to get a DOT number! That said, it’s important to recognize that there’s more to earning your motor carrier authority than just figuring out how to get a DOT number. You’ll also need an MC number and to register for each operations class you plan to utilize, which carriers should be prepared to pay for.
Figuring out how to get MC numbers is a cinch. While you can get DOT and MC numbers at the same time, the FMCSA requires a 21-day vetting period before the MC number can become active. Carriers and owner-operators should also be aware that in the process of getting DOT and MC numbers, the registration fee for each operations class is $300 apiece, so be sure you know exactly which types of freight your business will be hauling.
A DOT number is needed for both interstate and intrastate travel by carriers and owner-operators. It also has another function, providing the FMCSA with information to measure how safely carriers are driving.
On the other hand, an MC number is an identifier assigned to commercial motor vehicles that transport cargo both in and out of the state they are based in. While you can get away with only using a DOT number if you are an intrastate carrier, interstate carriers are required to get DOT and MC numbers.
In total, the process for earning your trucking authority can take 4-6 weeks. However, if forms aren’t filled out properly, fees aren’t paid, or other mixups occur, that time can extend drastically and prevent you from getting out on the road and earning money.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking how long does it take to get MC authority, the DAT Copilot™ Authority Program will help through the regulatory process. And with our experts providing valuable insight, you can make sure that getting your trucking authority is as quick and painless as possible.
Let DAT help you get a DOT number and more!
Carriers who use the DAT Copilotâ„¢ Authority Program have access to our robust team of experts, who can help you get DOT and MC numbers, stay compliant, and grow your business for the long haul. Find out more today!
DAT Copilotâ„¢
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