Do I Need a DOT Number for Personal Use?

Do I need a DOT number for personal use if I have one for business purposes? If you’re in the trucking business, you are already familiar with DOT numbers and how they influence a carrier’s ability to find work and keep moving. You may even have submitted a USDOT number application online, but would it cover your trucking skills in nonprofessional settings? 

Here, Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings examines whether you can use a DOT number in your personal endeavors and how the process works.

What Is a DOT Number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a DOT number to any trucking company that meets the prerequisites to have one. Each truck designed or used to transport goods across state lines will feature the company’s number for all to see. People can access public information about the carrier, like in-depth safety information, by identifying it via the DOT number.  

Who Needs a DOT Number?

Any trucker or company involved in interstate commerce via commercial vehicles needs a DOT number. However, DOT certification may extend beyond cargo transportation to include the following: 

● Any commercial vehicle performing a company operation on interstate routes

● Vehicles transport hazardous materials like gas

● Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more

● Passenger vehicles transporting more than 9 people for compensation

● Passenger vehicles transporting 16 passengers or more, even without compensation

How Do DOT Numbers Work?

Anyone can obtain a DOT number by filling out one of three MCS-150 forms. Each form applies to different cargo types as follows:

● MCS-150: Applies to most carriers. 

● MCS-150B: Applies if you transport hazardous materials. 

● MCS150C: Applies if you transport intermodal equipment like closed shipping containers. 

Completing and submitting your form digitally will reduce your wait time. The United States Department of Transport will process it as soon as the agency you’re working through receives your application. Mail-in applications may take more than a month to process.

The USDOT should accept your form unless the agent couldn’t read your handwriting, or you happen to have an egregious safety rating on record. 

DOT Number vs. DOT Certification

DOT numbers and DOT certifications aren’t the same thing. The number identifies the company and links that number to publicly accessible information about the organization’s vehicles and so on. 

However, a certification pertains to drivers. Particularly, a certification indicates the driver’s skill level. The DOT will print this certification seal on the commercial driver’s license after they obtain their certification by completing the following:

● Undergo a physical examination by a medical professional

● Pass numerous tests demonstrating driving safety

● Reapply every two years

So, if I carry certification and a company number, do I need a DOT number for personal use too?

Do I Need a DOT Number for Personal Use?

No. In most cases, you do not need a DOT number for personal use because most personal use vehicles can’t carry nine or more passengers or tow or transport 10,000 pounds of cargo. 

However, there are some vehicles that don’t fall under the semi-truck category but still require a DOT number, such as:

● Gooseneck trailers: If you haul a gooseneck trailer that weighs 10,000 pounds, you will need a DOT number regardless of the load’s commercial value. Some people use these trailers for moving belongings and hauling equipment. 

● Vans: If you plan to transport nine or more passengers, you should look into obtaining a DOT number. Churches, nonprofits, and local clubs may transport people regularly. 

● Farming vehicles and equipment: Some states require a DOT number to operate various types of farming equipment, while others do not. Check your state’s laws before operating any heavy-duty farm equipment.

● Transportation of landscaping equipment: Lawn care equipment for businesses falls under the commercial category. You may need a DOT number if your state laws stipulate it. 

The above examples may fall under personal use. And even if you aren’t planning to travel across state lines, you should always check your municipal and state laws before operating these vehicles. 

Who Doesn’t Need a DOT Number?

You likely don’t need a DOT number for vehicles and transport activities relegated to personal use. If your personal vehicles transport people and cargo free of charge, you can operate the vehicles without filling out any MCS-150 forms. However, it’s best to use caution when operating personal vehicles for profit.

For example, you must acquire a DOT number when transporting livestock to a sale or auction. Since these events provide a payout when you complete the sale, you profit from transporting goods. Prize money is the only exception. 

Do I need a DOT number for personal use if I’m transporting groups of people? Check with FMCA Filings to simplify the process. If you do need a DOT identifier, submitting forms through FMCA Filings greatly reduces how long it takes to get a DOT number and provides you with support along the way.