Product Image - CA Number.png
Product Image - CA Number.png

California Number (CA #)

$110.00

Get your California Number from the California Highway Patrol. The CA Number is California's safety tracking registration, required for any motor carrier operating commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs point-to-point in California, and for all for-hire operations regardless of weight.

It applies to out-of-state carriers too: if you haul between two California points, the CHP expects a CA Number on your trucks alongside your USDOT number.

We file your application with the CHP and deliver your assigned number. If you're for-hire, you'll also need a California Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV, and the CA Number is the prerequisite for it, so this is the place to start.

Get your California Number from the California Highway Patrol. The CA Number is California's safety tracking registration, required for any motor carrier operating commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs point-to-point in California, and for all for-hire operations regardless of weight.

It applies to out-of-state carriers too: if you haul between two California points, the CHP expects a CA Number on your trucks alongside your USDOT number.

We file your application with the CHP and deliver your assigned number. If you're for-hire, you'll also need a California Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV, and the CA Number is the prerequisite for it, so this is the place to start.

What's Included

  • CHP Application: We file your CA Number application with the California Highway Patrol.
  • CA Number Assignment: Your California carrier identification number.

Who Needs a CA Number?

You need a California Number if you operate in California with a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR, operate for-hire regardless of weight, transport hazardous materials, or run a bus or passenger vehicle. This applies even if you are based out of state and perform point-to-point trips within California.

The CA Number is the CHP's safety tracking registration. If you're for-hire, California also requires a separate Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV, and the CA Number comes first.

What Happens After I Order?

We collect your company and vehicle details, file your application with the California Highway Patrol, and deliver your assigned CA Number. If your operation also needs the Motor Carrier Permit, we handle that next, since the DMV requires your CA Number on the MCP application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CA Number the same as the Motor Carrier Permit?+

No. The CA Number is issued by CHP for safety tracking. The Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) is issued by the California DMV for insurance verification. For-hire carriers generally need both.

Do I need a CA Number if I have a USDOT number?+

Yes. The CA Number is a California state requirement separate from your federal DOT number. Both must be displayed on your vehicles when operating in California.

What is the BIT program?+

The Basic Inspection of Terminals program requires certain carriers to have their vehicles inspected periodically. California-based carriers must enroll. Out-of-state carriers with 20 or more vehicles operating in California may also need to enroll.

I'm based out of state. Does this apply to me?+

If you perform point-to-point operations within California, yes, even with an out-of-state base. Passing through the state on an interstate load is different from hauling between two California points.

What order do I do this in?+

CA Number from CHP first, then the Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV if you're for-hire. We can file both in sequence so nothing stalls waiting on the other.

Related Services

California Motor Carrier Permit The DMV permit for-hire carriers need after their CA Number. View service → UCR Filing Interstate into California? Your annual UCR has to be current too. View service → Free USDOT Number Application California requires a DOT number for its carriers. We file it free. View service →

Keep Learning

Article Intrastate DOT Requirements by State How state rules like California's stack on the federal ones. Read article → Article Intrastate DOT Numbers Explained When in-state operations still trigger registration requirements. Read article → Article What Trucking Regulations Apply to My Business? Sort out which federal requirements apply to your operation. Read article →

Questions before you order? Call (208) 278-6722 Text (208) 398-0635 info@tiproservices.com