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Texas DOT Demystified!

What is a TXDOT/TXDMV Number?

Does your motor carrier business operate intrastate on Texas roads and highways? If so, and you have already registered with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), you may also be required to obtain Texas intrastate authority by registering for a TxDOT Number (also known as a Texas DOT Number or TxDMV Number).

A TxDOT Number is issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and is required for commercial vehicles operating only within the state. Before applying, you must meet the insurance minimums, and your coverage must remain active in the MCCS system for the duration of your operations in Texas.

Registration is available for one or two years, depending on your needs. Your TxDOT Number is non‑transferable and must be displayed visibly on your commercial vehicle(s).

At DOT Number Texas, we can help you with:

  • Applying for a DOT Number in Texas
  • DOT registration Texas requirements
  • Updating carrier information
  • TxDOT Number renewal
  • Obtaining Texas cab cards
  • And more

Requirements to Register for a TXDOT Number

  • A valid USDOT Number before applying for a Texas DOT Number.
  • Involved in intrastate commerce in Texas (within state boundaries).
  • Commercial vehicle or combination gross weight, registered weight or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs.
  • Transporting household goods for compensation, regardless of vehicle weight.
  • Transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding in Texas.
  • Operating a vehicle designed to transport 15 or more passengers (including the driver).
  • Minimum insurance requirements for your vehicle type and an active coverage in the MCCS system while operating in Texas.
  • Operating a commercial school bus.
  • Operating a commercial vehicle in Texas as a non-U.S. citizen.

If you fail to register when required, you may be subject to significant penalties, up to several thousand dollars per violation.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

  • Transporters of Hazardous Materials $5,000,000

    Carriers who transport hazardous substances in cargo tanks, portable tanks or hopper-type vehicles with capacities exceeding 3,500 liquid gallons

  • Transporters of Non-Hazardous Materials $1,000,000

    Motor carriers based outside of the U.S.A. who transport non-hazardous cargo

  • Foreign Carriers $750,000

    Motor carriers based outside of the U.S.A. who wish to do business in Texas.

  • Household Goods Movers $300,000

    Those who transport household goods with a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating of less than 26,000 pounds

  • Commercial School Bus Operators $500,000

    For-hire school bus drivers who transport students of all ages to a residence or public or private educational facility

  • Small Bus Operators $500,000

    Operators of vehicles with the capacity to transport more than 15 but less than 26 passengers

  • Large Bus Operators $5,000,000

    Operators of vehicles with the capacity to transport more than 26 passengers

  • Other Carriers $500,000

    Any private or for-hire motor carriers operating vehicles with a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds

What You Need to Know About Insurance Requirements

Before you register for a TxDOT Number, your commercial vehicle must meet Texas insurance requirements. This means:

  • Having the minimum required coverage based on your vehicle type
  • Ensuring your policy is active and filed with the state while you are operating in Texas.

If you are an intrastate motor carrier, you are legally required to provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility. If your insurance documents are not registered with the state, you may face fines, penalties or administrative sanctions.
Even if your insurance provider cancels your policy, you are still responsible for staying compliant. Texas gives you a 30-day grace period, during which your provider must notify you of the cancellation. Thus, you have enough time to get new coverage and file updated documents with the state.
You need to submit proof of both liability and cargo insurance. At DOT Number Texas, we make this easy. Our streamlined system helps:

  • Register your TxDOT Number
  • Ensure your insurance is properly filed with the TxDMV
  • Connect you with trusted insurance providers if you need a policy.

Don’t have insurance yet? No problem. We work with top-rated providers to help you get the coverage you need at affordable rates.

Drug-Testing Certification

Another important requirement is that all intrastate motor carriers in Texas must also comply with drug testing regulations.

As part of the TxDOT Number registration process, you need to:

  • Certify participation in a drug-testing program
  • Provide the name and contact information of the testing company administering the program
  • Ensure that all Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program drivers are subject to random, pre-employment, post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing, required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Failure to comply with drug testing regulations can result in rejection or suspension of your TxDOT registration, civil penalties and fines, and disqualification of drivers.

Drug test

Our Trucking Experts Are Here to Help

At DOTNumberTexas.com, we help you file the complicated paperwork associated with TxDOT numbers. We work directly with the Texas DMV to ensure that your process of applying for a TxDOT number is as easy as possible.

Our team of permitting and regulation experts will take your information and deal with all the paperwork for you, allowing you to get out on the road as soon as possible and with minimal stress. For nearly two decades, our team has helped truckers all over Texas. We have proven that we are the best in the business. If you are looking for a team that truly understands the trucking industry, you’ve come to the right place.

Get your registration done in 3 simple steps

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

How Long Are Texas DOT (TxDOT) Numbers Good For?

There are two main length options when you obtain a TxDOT number. You can choose between one that is good for one year or one that is good for two years. However, temporary permits are available as well for 7 days or 90 days.

Do I Need a TxDOT Number?

Not every motor carrier is required to have a TxDOT Number. However, if you operate intrastate (within Texas only) and meet any of the following criteria, you must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for a Texas DOT Number:

  • You operate a commercial motor vehicle or a combination of vehicles with a gross weight, registered weight or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds
  • You transport hazardous materials that require placarding.
  • You operate a farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating that is over 48,000 pounds.
  • You operate a vehicle designed to transport 15 or more passengers, including the driver.
  • You operate a commercial school bus.
  • You transport household goods for pay, regardless of your vehicle’s weight.

Do I Need a TxDOT Number if I Already Have a USDOT Number?

If you are an intrastate motor carrier who operates in Texas, you will need the TxDOT in addition to the USDOT. Furthermore, if you are a motor carrier based in Texas that already has a TxDOT number, you should also obtain a USDOT number. Make sure you’re registered as intrastate with the USDOT, because Texas-based motor carriers are the only ones that qualify for TxDOT numbers.

Do I Need to Get a TxDOT Number if I’m not based in Texas?

No. TxDOT numbers are for Texas intrastate carriers only. Interstate carriers only need to have a USDOT number to operate in Texas.

What Do I Need to Provide to Get My TxDOT Number?

In order to get your TxDOT number, you will need to provide similar information to what you provided for the USDOT number. This includes your name, your company’s name, contact information, and your USDOT number. Then, we’ll need your Texas Tax ID Number (we may also need your Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN), a picture of a photo ID, and information about the owner of your company (even if it’s you). Finally, we’ll need information about the type of cargo you’re hauling and the vehicles you want to register. After that, we’ll do the work to file for you! For more detailed information on the steps you’ll need to take to get your TxDOT number, check out our handy step-by-step guide!

What Happens if I Don’t Get a TxDOT Number?

If you meet the requirements for the TxDOT number but you do not get one, you could face some very serious fines. Each violation of the statute that establishes TxDOT numbers carries a penalty of up to $5,000, and the penalty amount can go as high as $30,000. You can avoid these penalties easily by filing for a TxDOT number with us today!

Can I Renew My TxDOT Number Once I Have One?

You may renew your annual or biennial certificates once they expire. The Texas DMV sends renewal notices out to motor carriers around 60 days before the old registration expires. This process is easy; simply let us know you already have a TxDOT on file with the Texas DMV that you are looking to renew. It is important to note that the temporary 7 day and 90 day permits cannot be renewed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a TxDOT Number?

Processing for a new application for a TxDOT number takes 24 to 48 business hours for your pre-approval. Once that is granted, your insurance company must submit your application number (VOID NUMBER) to the DMV. Once the DMV receives this information, final approval can take up to one week.

What Will I Receive as Proof of My TxDOT Registration?

When you purchase a TxDOT number, you’ll receive two pieces of identifying information. These are your cab card and certificate. Both need to be available (in your vehicle) to be presented to law enforcement at any time. The cab cards can be paper or electronic, but the certificate should be printed out as a hard copy.

Are There Any Other Requirements for Getting a TxDOT Number?

There is one other requirement for getting your TxDOT number. You must comply with FMCSA drug-testing requirements. If you meet these additional requirements, you will be ready for your TxDOT number.

Can I Change My Information Once I Have a TxDOT Number?

You can change quite a lot of information associated with your TxDOT number with ease. Here’s what you can do with us instantly:

  • Update the type of cargo you carry.
  • Update your motor carrier name, address, and/or legal agent for service of process.
  • Update your drug-testing consortium status.
  • Cancel your registration.
  • Update the principal officers or titles within a corporation.
  • Re-register a revoked or cancelled certificate of registration number.

Making other changes may mean you’ll need to contact the Texas DMV directly. This includes if you need to:

  • File a corporate conversion: Registered corporations must have the conversion approved by the Texas Secretary of State before contacting the TxDMV.
  • Request your PIN
  • Request a Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) conversion- This conversion identifies a motor carrier as having current registration within the National Registration System (NRS) under the Unified Carrier Registration System.

Can I Add Vehicles to My TxDOT Number?

Yes! Adding vehicles to your existing TxDOT number is easy. Just tell us your new vehicle’s information (VIN, Owner Name, Year, Make, Model, etc.) and we’ll file the paperwork for you to add the vehicle.

Are There Any Other Filings That I Need to Operate Legally in Texas?

Getting your TxDOT number is a huge step towards becoming a legal carrier in the state of Texas. If you want to operate within the state of Texas alone, then you will also likely just need the USDOT to be able to legally operate.

However, interstate carriers require more registrations and pieces of information to operate legally. For example, all motor carriers that weigh more than 26,000 lbs. gross must either register with IRP and IFTA or purchase temporary trip and fuel permits to legally conduct their business. If you cross the border into New Mexico, then you’ll need to set up a New Mexico Weight Distance account as well.

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