TxDMV Number: Requirements, Rules, & Registration
If you plan on operating a commercial vehicle in Texas, or you’re already on the road, you’re likely familiar with certain requirements like the USDOT number. But what about state-level rules? For many carriers, Texas requires an additional registration known as the TxDMV Number.
Formerly the “TxDOT” or “Texas DOT Number”, the TxDMV Number is a critical requirements for carriers who plan on operating certain types of commercial motor vehicles within the state of Texas. Keep in mind, this isn’t an “either or” scenario where you don’t need it if you have a USDOT number - the TxDMV Number is required in addition to a USDOT number, not in place of one.
Who Needs a TxDMV Number?
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) has thankfully put together a very clear list of vehicles that are required to obtain the TxDMV number registration:
Your vehicle (or combination of vehicles) has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating over 26,000 pounds.
You transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding.
You operate a farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more.
Your vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
You operate a commercial school bus.
You transport household goods for compensation, regardless of the vehicle's weight.
If your vehicle meets any of the conditions listed above & is used for intrastate commerce - the TxDMV Number is required. To clarify, intrastate commerce is defined as performing trips within Texas where the origin and destination of the load are both within the state and the vehicle does not cross outside of the state during transit.
In short:
If you are hauling exclusively intrastate, the TxDMV is required.
If you are hauling exclusively Interstate, you will likely need an Operating Authority from the FMCSA.
If you’re doing both, you need both.
How to Apply for Your TxDMV Number
The application process is handled online and follows a clear set of steps.
Get Your USDOT Number: Before you begin, you must have an active USDOT Number from the FMCSA.
Enroll into Drug and Alcohol Testing: Texas DMV requires proof of enrollment into a Random Drug & Alcohol Testing plan if the driver of the vehicle is subject to FMCSA testing requirements.
Obtain Insurance: Before Texas will approve your TxDMV Number registration, you will be provided with a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) which must be provided to your insurance agent for them to attach an insurance policy that meets or exceeds their minimum requirement based on your type of operation.
Complete Application & Submit: After obtaining all necessary prerequisites, the process can finally begin. You can file online through Texas’ website here, or, we can file your TxDMV number. By using TIPS, we ensure all requirements are met (helping fill in the gaps if any are found) and complete your application to guarantee you obtain your TxDMV number as quickly as possible, without errors that may cause delays in your operation.
Next Steps
Securing your TxDMV Number isn't the end of the process. Once your application is approved and your certificate is active, you must maintain it.
This includes keeping your proof of insurance active with the TxDMV at all times and ensuring a current Insurance Cab Card is in every vehicle. Any lapse in coverage or failure to produce the correct documents during a roadside inspection can cause serious issues.
The application itself is a chain of dependencies. A mistake on your USDOT registration, a delay from your insurance agent, or an error in your drug and alcohol testing enrollment can stop the entire process, leaving your trucks parked while you scramble to get through the red tape.
Your job is to move freight. Our job is to clear the way.
At TIPS, we don't just file a form, we manage the entire sequence. From verifying everything is in place before we begin to coordinating directly with your insurance provider, we do everything we can to eliminate errors and get your TxDMV number activated faster.
If you're ready to get your TxDMV Number started so you can hit the highways, contact us today.