Find My DOT Number: How to Look Up a USDOT Number You Forgot

Search SAFER by legal name and DBA

On SAFER, search by company name. Try the exact legal name, the DBA, and different spellings. If the business started as a sole proprietorship, try the owner's personal name too, since that is the legal name on the record.

What this usually involves 4 steps

Search SAFER by your company's legal name
Check that the address and details match your company
Check past FMCSA letters and filings for the number
Claim your existing USDOT number in Motus, using the same Login.gov email you used in the FMCSA Portal

From SAFER help: status definitions, FMCSA: Move into Motus.

Rather not deal with this? Hand it to a Personal Compliance Specialist.

Consult with a Compliance Specialist

Check Motus if you can sign in

When you sign in to Motus, you can claim an existing USDOT number. FMCSA says to use the same Login.gov email that was used for the company in the FMCSA Portal; that is what links the existing record. Sources: Move into Motus; Claim a USDOT Number in Motus Job Aid. Motus also has a public search by USDOT number, legal name or DBA.

Paperwork helps, but confirm the number is yours

Old FMCSA letters, insurance certificates, cab cards and truck markings can point you to a number. Before you use it, confirm on SAFER that the legal name matches your business. FMCSA says a USDOT number belongs to the same legal person forever and may not be sold, transferred, rented or leased, and that it will inactivate numbers used by anyone other than the assigned legal person. Source: DO NOT Sell, Purchase, or Lease a USDOT or MC Number.

One number, two numbers, or none

One number: use it, and check its status.
Two numbers: see duplicatedot.com before you file anything.
None: only then consider that you may need to apply; see howtogetadotnumber.com.

Want a second set of eyes?

If the search results are confusing, send us the legal name and what you found using the form on this page. We look at public records only and cannot make up a number that is not there.

Common mistakes that cause delays

Opening a second number. FMCSA says each company should have only one active census number. (SAFER help: status definitions)

Do it yourself

Free to file in Motus
You set up Login.gov and verify your identity
You work out which form or request fits your record
You match names, addresses and filings exactly
You follow up until the change shows on SAFER

Have a specialist handle it

A Personal Compliance Specialist reads your public record first
You get a plain list of what is outstanding
We prepare the filings with you and check they post
You still complete Login.gov identity verification yourself
Paid service. Any government fee is separate

Prefer to hand it off? A Personal Compliance Specialist can take it from here.

Talk to a Personal Compliance Specialist

Common questions

Can I look up my DOT number without logging in?

Yes. SAFER lets anyone search by company name or USDOT number without an account.

The number on my truck might not be mine. What then?

Do not keep using a number that belongs to another legal person. FMCSA says a USDOT number belongs to the same legal person forever and will be inactivated if used by anyone else. Check SAFER to confirm the legal name.

Is there a fee to look it up?

No. SAFER lookups are free.

Can you tell me my number from this website?

Not from a public page. We can help you search public records, but we cannot invent a number.

I need a document that shows my number.

That is a request for a copy of your record, not a new application. Contact FMCSA through its registration contact options.

Still unsure after the questions above? Ask a Personal Compliance Specialist.