USDOT numbers for in-state trucks, state by state

The federal rule is simple: a truck of 10,001 lb or more in interstate commerce needs a USDOT number. What surprises people is that most states also require one for trucks that never leave the state — each with its own weight line, exemptions and agency.

Pick your state. Each page gives the rule, the statute or regulation behind it with the words it rests on, the agency to ask, and what else applies to in-state trucks.

  • Alabama — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Alaska — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Arizona — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Arkansas — Not for in-state work alone
  • California — Yes — over 10,000 lb; any weight for hire
  • Colorado — Yes — 16,001 lb and over
  • Connecticut — Yes — 18,001 lb and over
  • Delaware — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • District of Columbia — Not for in-state work alone
  • Florida — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Georgia — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Hawaii — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Idaho — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Illinois — No — except hazmat permit carriers
  • Indiana — Yes — for hire from 10,001 lb; own goods over 26,000 lb
  • Iowa — Yes for hire — own goods unconfirmed
  • Kansas — Yes — for hire from 10,001 lb; own goods over 26,000 lb
  • Kentucky — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Louisiana — Unconfirmed — ask the state
  • Maine — Yes — above 26,000 lb (sources differ)
  • Maryland — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Massachusetts — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Michigan — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Minnesota — Yes — over 10,000 lb; any weight for hire
  • Mississippi — Unconfirmed — ask the state
  • Missouri — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Montana — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • Nebraska — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Nevada — Unclear — sources conflict
  • New Hampshire — Not for in-state work alone
  • New Jersey — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • New Mexico — Unconfirmed — ask the state
  • New York — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • North Carolina — Yes — 26,001 lb and over
  • North Dakota — No — except hazmat permit carriers
  • Ohio — Yes for hire — own goods unconfirmed
  • Oklahoma — Yes — own goods over 26,000 lb; for hire, no floor stated
  • Oregon — Yes — for hire; own goods over 26,000 lb
  • Pennsylvania — Yes — 17,001 lb and over
  • Rhode Island — Unconfirmed — ask the state
  • South Carolina — Yes — weight line unconfirmed
  • South Dakota — Not for in-state work alone
  • Tennessee — Not for in-state work alone
  • Texas — Yes — over 26,000 lb; movers at any weight
  • Utah — Yes — 26,001 lb (the statute's line)
  • Vermont — Not for in-state work alone
  • Virginia — Not for in-state work alone
  • Washington — Yes — agencies differ (10,001 to 26,001 lb)
  • West Virginia — Yes — 10,001 lb; any weight for hire
  • Wisconsin — Yes — 10,001 lb and over
  • Wyoming — Yes — 26,001 lb and over

The federal rule: the USDOT guide. Your own truck and trailer: the weight check.