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CDL HOLDERS:  Beginning June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate.  Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV.  Learn more here. 

 

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations. 

 

REGISTRATION SERVICES: We offer appointments to reduce in-office wait times. Residents with an immediate need to register a vehicle may visit any office location, except for Cheshire, Putnam and Stamford. Residents without an appointment may experience longer wait times, as those with appointments will receive priority service. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. (HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./Thursday - 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)  Before visiting DMV: Select this link to verify that services are available at your desired location.

Get or update a DOT number

Learn more about Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers for commercial vehicles

Get or update a DOT number

Learn more about Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers for commercial vehicles

DOT number overview

The DOT number—sometimes stylized as USDOT or U.S. DOT number—is an identification number issued to motor carriers and shippers by the US Department of Transportation.

 

You need an intrastate DOT number if you operate any motor vehicle that is:

  • engaged in intrastate commerce and has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 18,001 or more pounds; or,
  • used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding; or,
  • designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation, or is designed or used to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.

You need an interstate DOT number if you operate any motor vehicle that is:

  • engaged in interstate commerce and has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 or more pounds; or,
  • used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding; or,
  • designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation, or is designed or used to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.

Be aware that all interstate motor carriers are subject to a required safety audit. For more information regarding the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program and the safety audit, please visit the website.

Any company revoked as an interstate motor carrier is not eligible to become an intrastate motor carrier until the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has lifted the revoked status.

Any company revoked as an interstate motor carrier is not eligible to become an intrastate motor carrier until the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has lifted the revoked status.

 

Laws on motor carrier safety standards

C.G.S. 14-163c lists the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations adopted by the State. Both Interstate and Intrastate motor carriers are subject to these laws, and it is your responsibility to comply with all state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles in intrastate or interstate commerce.

Registering in the International Registration Plan (IRP)
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DOT FAQs