Interstate commercial vehicles

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 two places within a state, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another state or foreign country.
  • Between two 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.

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3900
(TTY: Call 711)
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