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How Much Is a Texas DOT Number? 2026 Cost, Requirements, and How to Apply

Reviewed by Austin Park, founder of ICR Filings · Updated October 21, 2026

The short answer
  • A Texas DOT number is TxDMV intrastate operating authority. It is separate from your federal USDOT number, which you need first.
  • TxDMV fees: $100 application, $10 per vehicle for 1 year ($20 for 2 years), and $100 for the insurance filing. About $210 for one truck for one year.
  • Your insurer must file Form E with TxDMV before the certificate is granted.
  • Run both intrastate and interstate? You need both kinds of authority.

What people call a "Texas DOT number" is Texas intrastate operating authority: a certificate from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), formerly known as a TxDOT number. It is separate from your federal USDOT number, and you need the USDOT number first.

Who needs a Texas DOT number

Carriers operating commercial vehicles on Texas roads in intrastate commerce, including:

  • Vehicles or combinations over 26,000 lbs gross, registered, or rated weight
  • Carriers hauling hazardous materials that require placards
  • Farm vehicles rated at 48,000 lbs or more
  • Vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including the driver
  • Household goods movers hauling for pay, at any weight

Intrastate, interstate, or both?

TxDMV puts it simply: if you do both kinds of work, you need both kinds of authority, and one does not cover the other. Staying inside Texas takes the TxDMV certificate. Crossing state lines for hire takes federal operating authority (an MC number).

How much does a Texas DOT number cost?

TxDMV fee1-year2-year
Application (one time)$100$100
Per vehicle$10$20
Insurance filing (Form E)$100$100

So a one-truck carrier registering for one year pays TxDMV about $210, plus the cost of the insurance itself.

Texas DOT number fee estimator

TxDMV fees: $210.00 ($100 application + 1 x $10.00 per vehicle + $100 insurance filing).

State fees only, from TxDMV. The insurance policy itself is separate.

Insurance has to be filed, not just bought

TxDMV must receive your insurance filing (Form E) electronically from your insurer before it grants your application. Household goods movers also need cargo insurance filed (Form H and I). Under state law, keeping that filing in place is your responsibility, not your insurer's, so use an email address you actually check: TxDMV emails you if a filing is removed. When you switch insurers, make sure the new Form E is filed before the old one expires. Once you are registered, each truck needs a current TxDMV insurance cab card on board.

How to apply

  1. Get your USDOT number first.
  2. Create an account in TxMCCS (the Texas Motor Carrier Credentialing System), which replaced the old MCCS and eLINC systems in 2026.
  3. Apply for intrastate operating authority, list your vehicles, and pay the fees.
  4. Have your insurer file Form E. TxDMV grants the certificate once it is on file.

If you use a licensing agent like us, you create your own TxMCCS account first and authorize the agent in it. Agents cannot reach a company that has not done that step.

Taking a break or leasing on

The certificate belongs to you, not the truck. If you keep it active, you have to keep insurance filed, and TxDMV can fine you for holding authority without insurance even when you are not running. So if you stop operating, cancel the certificate in TxMCCS first, then cancel the insurance. You can re-register later. If you lease onto another carrier and run under its authority and insurance, that carrier's certificate covers you.

Common questions

How much is a Texas DOT number?

TxDMV charges a $100 application fee, $10 per vehicle for a 1-year registration or $20 for 2 years, and $100 for the insurance filing. One truck for one year is about $210 in state fees, plus the insurance itself.

Who needs a Texas DOT number?

Intrastate carriers on Texas roads with vehicles or combinations over 26,000 lbs, placarded hazmat, farm vehicles rated at 48,000 lbs or more, vehicles designed for more than 15 passengers, and household goods movers hauling for pay at any weight.

Does my USDOT number cover Texas intrastate work?

No. TxDMV says if you do both intrastate and interstate work, you need both kinds of authority, and one does not cover the other.

Where do I apply?

In TxMCCS, the Texas Motor Carrier Credentialing System, which replaced MCCS and eLINC in 2026. Get your USDOT number first.

What if I stop running for a while?

Cancel the certificate in TxMCCS first, then the insurance. TxDMV can fine you for holding authority without insurance on file even when you are not running.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you file.

Related guides

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