How Much Does It Cost to Deactivate a DOT Number?

As a transportation & logistics professional, one of the most challenging issues to comprehend is how to handle your Department of Transportation number, including how much does it cost to deactivate? If you are a transportation company owner, a driver, or any other specialist working in the FMCSA-regulated industry, you may undoubtedly understand the answer to the following question. How much does it cost to deactivate a DOT number?

Understanding DOT Number Deactivation

A DOT number is a unique identifier necessary for certain commercial vehicles to lawfully operate in the United States. It’s one of the many requirements for FMCSA compliance . Experts may add that there are many reasons a person might desire to deactivate their DOT number – other than the standard “going out of business” rationalization. While there are no restrictions, some of the said reasons might include the business ceasing activity, selling the business, or switching operations to non-commercial vehicles .

The Deactivation Process

What is a DOT number? In the simplest terms, a DOT number is a unique identifier that allows certain commercial vehicles to operate in the United States legally. It’s also a vital part of the requirements for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance. While professionals will be quick to note that there are many reasons why someone would want to deactivate their DOT number,

some examples include: closing your business permanently, selling it, transitioning to non-CMVs, and so on. DOT number deactivation is formally telling the FMCSA Registration process that you wish to end using your DOT number and that about any remaining requirements that you have to come into compliance. You must formally end all use of your DOT number or risk allowing it to become ‘active’ with confused paperwork and other continued liabilities as your old DOT number.

Associated Costs

Alright, but how much does it cost to deactivate a DOT number exactly? To begin with, the FMCSA, in fact, doesn’t set payment for the deactivation of the DOT number. This doesn’t mean the procedure in question is completely free to execute. However, let’s suppose that you won’t delegate the deactivation of the DOT number to anyone else. In that case, your biggest cost will be the direct time and effort associated with guaranteeing that all forms and follow-up compliance is conducted congruently.

Nonetheless, not everyone’s a fan of pouring through the FMCSA regulations and dealing with the deactivation process. Therefore, professional services that render the deactivation of your DOT number on your behalf are utilized. Just like those stated above, professional services can come with a variety of costs, depending upon your specific circumstances and the provider you choose to work with.

 

While the FMCSA does not require a charge to deactivate a DOT number at all, the actual costs may be reflected in your time or the fees you are going to pay to an expert service provider to perform the deactivation routine for you. With this in mind, professionals in the transportation and logistics field should consider certain factors when looking for the proper deactivation of their DOT number. In this way, they could transfer it compliantly and without any obstacles that the FMCSA will enforce.