If you operate a commercial motor vehicle, you may need to display a USDOT number on your vehicle. Understanding where and how your USDOT number must be displayed can help you keep your truck properly marked and ready for inspections.

In this guide, we'll cover USDOT decal requirements, who needs a USDOT number, where the number should be displayed, visibility requirements, customization options, and how to order USDOT decals for your truck.

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What Is a USDOT Number?

A USDOT number is a unique identification number assigned to certain motor carriers by the FMCSA. The number is used to identify a company's safety information, including information associated with inspections, audits, crash investigations, and compliance reviews.

For carriers subject to the federal marking requirements, the USDOT number must be displayed on the vehicle along with the required carrier name or trade name.

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Who Needs a USDOT Number?

Federal requirements generally apply to companies operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce when the applicable vehicle or passenger thresholds are met.

According to FMCSA, this includes vehicles that meet criteria such as:

• A gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is applicable;
• Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers for compensation; or
• Vehicles designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, when used to transport passengers for compensation.

Certain intrastate hazardous-material operations can also require a USDOT number. Additionally, numerous states require USDOT numbers for certain intrastate commercial operations.

Because requirements depend on the type of operation and vehicle, check with FMCSA and your state transportation agency to determine whether your business needs a USDOT number.

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What Information Must Be Displayed?

Under 49 CFR § 390.21, covered commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce generally must display specific identifying information.

The required markings include:

1. Legal or Single Trade Name

The vehicle must display the motor carrier's legal name or a single trade name as listed in the applicable FMCSA registration information.

2. USDOT Number

The motor carrier's identification number must be displayed with the letters:

USDOT

For example:

USDOT 1234567

3. Visible and Legible Markings

The markings must contrast sharply with the background and be legible during daylight from a distance of 50 feet.

This is why choosing an appropriate decal color and size is important when lettering your truck.

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Where Does the USDOT Number Go?

For the federal marking requirements, the required markings are generally displayed on both sides of the self-propelled commercial motor vehicle.

Many operators place their company information and USDOT number together on the truck door or cab area where the information can be clearly seen.

Your specific vehicle and operation may have additional requirements, so verify the requirements applicable to your situation before ordering or installing your decals.

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How Large Should USDOT Numbers Be?

A common misconception is that federal regulations simply specify one universal font size for every USDOT decal.

The federal rule cited above focuses on the markings being clearly visible, sharply contrasting, and legible from 50 feet during daylight hours.

The appropriate size for your decal can depend on your vehicle, placement, background color, and overall design.

When choosing your decal, consider:

• Available door or cab space
• Background color
• Letter and number visibility
• Distance from which the markings need to be readable
• Other required vehicle markings

If you're unsure which size to order, contact us before placing your order.

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