Are divisions and subsidiaries of a corporate entity allowed to have separate US DOT numbers?

Each legal entity needs to have its own USDOT number. The number cannot be shared among related separate entities.

The FMCSA will consider requests for assignment of individual USDOT numbers to corporate divisions on a case-by-case basis.

The FMCSA has provided this information for guidance.

Should each terminal operation or branch of a corporation register for a USDOT number?

A USDOT number usually applies to the company, not a particular branch office or vehicle. Generally the corporate office or headquarters should register the company, and should inform its branches of the USDOT number. For companies with multiple branches, maintaining proper registration with the FMCSA requires good communication between the corporate headquarters and the terminal offices. The company's headquarters then can then interact with the FMCSA to ensure that all of its branches are properly accounted for.

Contact your local DOT Field Office for guidance concerning multiple DOT numbers.