As a commercial driver, you should be familiar with DOT number and their functions. You may question if you can have several DOT numbers because the Department of Transportation (DOT) utilizes numbers to monitor different vehicles. Numbers are useful in commercial transportation since they assist keep track of different vehicles.
DOT numbers can be used by the same person. Numbers are assigned to commercial vehicles registered in the United States by the Department of Transportation. As a result, someone who owns two commercial vehicles will have two DOT identification numbers.
The registration process for two different commercial vehicles is required to obtain two DOT numbers. You can operate a commercial vehicle in states that require you to have a DOT number. Even though a DOT number isn’t required in your home state, it’s a good idea to have one just in case.
All about the Automobile
For a long time, it was assumed that DOT numbers would be assigned in a one-and-done
fashion. That’s not the case at all. Vehicles are assigned numbers by the Department of Transportation, not drivers.
- Of course, if you just use one commercial vehicle, you only need a single DOT number.
However, if you operate more than one commercial vehicle, the DOT will require a unique
identification number for each vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of how it all works. - A DOT number is required for a vehicle that will be used for commercial purposes in
numerous states. The truck’s license plate number must be prominently displayed once it has been assigned. - It is unclear how much weight a carrier vehicle must have before it is subject to this rule.
- A DOT number is required for any vehicles that are used to transport paying customers.
Unfortunately, no one knows how many people will be travelling. - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that a vehicle be
registered before it may receive a DOT number (FMCSA). - Every registered commercial vehicle that needs a DOT number will be given a unique
number by the FMCSA.
Are You Required to Have a DOT Number?
In most cases, commercial vehicles must have a DOT number, although that isn’t the case in all cases. The first step in getting a phone number is to determine whether or not you actually require one. There is a lot of work involved even though numbers are free.
A DOT number is required in a variety of situations, however, it is not always obligatory. A DOT number is required if your company utilizes commercial vehicles for the transportation of passengers or the transportation of goods in interstate commerce.
Even if you just transport hazardous chemicals inside a single state, you’ll still need a DOT number if your vehicle is used to transport hazardous goods that require specific authorization. If compensation is involved, a DOT number is also required for vehicles with a capacity of eight or more passengers.
DOT registration is required if the vehicle can carry more than fifteen passengers and is not used for compensation. A vehicle must be registered and assigned a unique identification number if it is over 10,001 pounds in weight. A vehicle must also be registered with the DOT even if it only conducts business in one state, as long as it goes outside that state for any reason at all.
Are You Required to Have Two DOT Numbers?
The first step is to determine whether or not you require a DOT number. If you have two
independent firms or entities that run commercial cars, you will require separate license plates. In some cases, it may be difficult to obtain a second DOT number, depending on the method you use to obtain the first one.
To avoid confusion, keep the two companies distinct. You may not be able to get a second
number if you have two businesses but run them both as sole proprietorships.
Each company that needs a DOT number should have a unique tax ID. That way, when you apply for the second one, there won’t be any overlap.
If you are unable to obtain a unique tax identification number, you can ask someone else to do so on your behalf. You can be working with a business partner or a driver in this case. To ensure a smooth application process, make sure the applicant is confident in providing their social security number.
There’s no need to have more DOT numbers than you actually need. In addition to keeping others from receiving a number, it can jam up your paperwork and office space to account for everything. No matter how many commercial vehicles you operate, getting a DOT number isn’t always a wise decision.
Conclusions
Although it is feasible for one person to have two DOT numbers, it is usually not required. Only if you run two different commercial driving businesses would you require two license numbers. As long as you follow the required requirements, you can lawfully operate your vehicle with either one or two license plates.
