by 
The Curious Bag
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DOT numbers are required on commercial vehicles that meet certain requirements. If you or your company have any vehicle used in the business, it may require a DOT number.
Identification
Commercial vehicles that transport goods or people between states require a DOT number. Vehicles that transport hazardous cargo in or out of state require one. Some 28 states require a DOT number for any commercial vehicle registration.
Administration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminstration--FMCSA--division of the Department of Transportation--DOT--issues DOT numbers. The purpose of FMCSA is to reduce crashes and injuries from large vehicles.
Application
Application for a DOT number can be done directly with FMCSA. There is no charge for a number, and a company will use a single number for all of its commercial vehicles.
Considerations
New applicants for a DOT number are required to complete a safety audit. New DOT number holders must show an acceptable roadside safety record for 18 months before receiving a permanent FMCSA registration.
Warning
Commercial vehicles and companies that transport between states "for hire" or charge for the transport are also required to obtain and operating authority permit.
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