If any of the following conditions apply to your vehicle, you are required to obtain a USDOT number:

• It is used to transport hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (refer to 49 CFR 385.403).
• It has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater.
• It is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
• It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used for compensation.

Additionally, if your vehicle is involved in interstate commerce, defined as trade, traffic, or transportation:

• Between a place in a state and a place outside of such state.
• Between two places in a state through another state or a place outside of the United States.
• Between two places in a state as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the state or the United States.