New York State DOT Number Requirements* According to the New York State Department of Transportation website, If you operate a truck for business purposes with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a truck and trailer with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, you need a USDOT number. Note: Trucks used strictly for personal (non-business) or recreational use do not require a USDOT Number. GVWR or GCWR? It is important to remember that your vehicle may or may not be registered with the same weight as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Computing The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) On trucks, the GVWR is normally printed inside the door jam, behind the driver's seat, or in the glove box. On trailers, you will normally find the GVWR on the tongue. In order to compute the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), simply add the GVWR of the truck to the GVWR of the trailer. The total is the GCWR. This is the maximum weight that the manufacturer rates for the vehicles, including the weight of the vehicles, and the maximum load weight. The Application Process and Displaying a USDOT Number Regulations require you to display a USDOT number whether you operate wholly within New York (intrastate) or across state lines (interstate). Remember, even if you operate more than one vehicle, you only need one USDOT number. The number is used to identify your business and is required to be on each commercial motor vehicle operated. You can receive your USDOT number immediately, by registering online with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Unified Registration System . You will need a valid credit card. There is no charge for an 'Intrastate' number. The card serves as an electronic signature. Vehicle Marking The vehicle must be marked on both sides with the legal business name or DBA as it appears on the USDOT number registration. Lettering must be a contrasting color with the background color of your vehicle and be readable from 50 feet (minimum of 2 inches high recommended). Refer to the example below: ABC LAWN CARE SERVICE USDOT 123456 Note that there are additional marking requirements for vehicles operating in New York City (see our blog post) *Source-NY State Department of Transportation Website