- Carriers operating certain commercial vehicles in Texas intrastate commerce must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and display a TxDMV number.
- Registration generally applies to vehicles over 26,000 pounds, vehicles carrying hazardous materials that need placards, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver, and household goods movers.
- Interstate carriers need a USDOT number and, if for-hire, federal operating authority (an MC number) from FMCSA. Texas intrastate registration is separate.
Who needs Texas intrastate authority
TxDMV's motor carrier registration rules are in Transportation Code Chapter 643. A carrier generally needs to register if it operates in Texas intrastate commerce with a commercial motor vehicle that:
- has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating over 26,000 pounds;
- carries hazardous materials in a type or quantity that requires placards;
- is designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver; or
- transports household goods for compensation, whatever its size.
Some operations are exempt, including certain farm vehicles and government vehicles. Check TxDMV's current guidance for your situation.
TxDMV number vs USDOT number vs MC number
| Number | Issued by | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| TxDMV number | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | Intrastate carriers meeting the thresholds above |
| USDOT number | FMCSA | Interstate carriers with CMVs; Texas intrastate carriers are generally required to have one too |
| MC (operating authority) number | FMCSA | For-hire carriers and brokers in interstate commerce |
Insurance filing
TxDMV registration requires proof of liability insurance, filed by the insurer, kept in force for as long as the registration is active. If coverage lapses, the registration can be suspended. Interstate carriers file insurance with FMCSA instead. See truck insurance minimums.
Safety rules for intrastate carriers
Texas applies most federal safety regulations to intrastate carriers through the Texas Department of Public Safety, with some state-specific differences, most notably in hours of service.
Looking up a carrier
For carriers with a USDOT number, use our trucking company safety lookup. TxDMV also offers a public lookup of registered intrastate carriers on its website.