Texas
Running trucks in Texas
Updated
Haul freight across state lines and you need a USDOT number and MC authority from FMCSA. Run inside Texas with a vehicle or combination over 26,000 pounds and you also register with TxDMV, using a USDOT number marked intrastate. Carriers that run both kinds of loads keep both sets of registrations.
At a glance
- Texas liability minimum, in-state vehicles over 26,000 lb
- $500,000
- Federal liability minimum, interstate for-hire general freight at 10,001 lb or more
- $750,000
- TxDMV number, annual
- $100 plus $10 a vehicle
- MC authority, per authority type
- $300
- UCR 2027, one or two trucks
- $55
What you need, by how you run
| How you run | What you need | Government cost |
|---|---|---|
| Across state lines, hauling for hire | USDOT number, MC authority, BOC-3, a liability filing ($750,000 at 10,001 lb or more) and UCR | USDOT $0. MC $300. UCR $55 for one or two trucks in 2027 |
| Only inside Texas, with a vehicle or combination over 26,000 lb, placarded hazmat or household goods for hire | USDOT number marked intrastate, TxDMV number and a Form E filed by your insurer | $100 application, $10 a vehicle and $100 for Form E. Household goods movers have their own fee table and add $100 for Forms H and I |
| Across state lines with a vehicle or combination over 26,000 lb, or three or more axles | Apportioned plates (IRP) from TxDMV and an IFTA license from the Texas Comptroller | The Comptroller charges nothing for the IFTA license or decals. IRP depends on your miles by state |
TxDMV exempts carriers that run only interstate and are registered with UCR. Once you also haul in-state loads with a vehicle that meets a Texas trigger, you need the TxDMV number too.
Interstate depends on the freight's whole trip. Freight that started outside Texas or the United States, or is headed there, makes even a Texas-only haul interstate commerce.
The TxDMV number and its fees
Texas calls it a certificate of registration, and you apply through TxDMV (opens in a new tab) in TxMCCS. The system replaced MCCS and eLINC, and TxDMV set its launch for August 3, 2026. Every user has to create a new account, including carriers that already hold a certificate.
Your insurer proves your liability coverage to TxDMV on Form E, and if that filing lapses, TxDMV can revoke your certificate.
| TxDMV fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application, annual or biennial | $100 |
| Each vehicle, annual | $10 |
| Each vehicle, biennial | $20 |
| Form E insurance filing | $100 |
| Short-term 7-day or 90-day application | $5 or $25 |
Hazmat and household goods carriers can't use the seven-day or 90-day terms.
Ready for Loads isn't affiliated with TxDMV, FMCSA or the State of Texas.
Insurance minimums in Texas
- In-state, over 26,000 pounds: $500,000 in liability, for hire or hauling your own goods.
- Across state lines, general freight: $750,000, the federal minimum.
- Broker freight: 20 of the 21 brokers that publish a liability minimum on their own carrier pages ask for $1 million or more, and 21 of the 22 that publish a cargo minimum want at least $100,000 in cargo (October 2026).
- Hazmat inside Texas: $1 million for oil and listed hazardous materials, $5 million for bulk or high-hazard loads.
Test your Texas policy against broker minimums. Run the load-ready check on your DOT or MC number to see which brokers your current limits clear and what coverage would open the rest. Load-ready check
Plates and fuel tax for interstate trucks
A Texas-based truck that crosses state lines needs apportioned plates and an IFTA license once it weighs over 26,000 pounds, runs as a combination over 26,000 pounds or has three or more axles. Plates come from TxDMV through TxFLEET. The IFTA license comes from the Comptroller.
How to choose
Each Texas guide covers one step. Start with the one that matches where you are.
- Starting out: Starting a trucking company in Texas puts the filings in order with their costs.
- Getting your number: Texas DOT number covers who needs one and how to apply.
- Running only inside Texas: Texas intrastate authority covers the TxDMV number, Form E and fees.
- Buying coverage: Texas truck insurance covers the minimums, broker limits and Texas owner reports.
- Crossing state lines: Texas IRP covers apportioned plates and how the fee is figured, and Texas IFTA covers the license, decals and quarterly returns.
- Hauling wide or heavy loads: Texas oversize permits covers legal limits, permit fees and escort rules.
- Checking another carrier: Texas trucking companies shows how to look up a Texas carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TxDMV number if I only haul interstate?
No. TxDMV exempts carriers that run only interstate and are registered with UCR. Once you also haul in-state loads with a vehicle that meets a Texas trigger, you need the TxDMV number too.
How much does a TxDMV number cost?
An annual or biennial application is $100, plus $10 a vehicle on an annual term or $20 on a biennial one. Your insurer's Form E filing adds $100.
What insurance does Texas require for trucks?
Texas requires $500,000 in liability for in-state vehicles over 26,000 pounds, for hire or hauling your own goods. Interstate general freight needs the federal minimum of $750,000, and 20 of the 21 brokers that publish a liability minimum ask for $1 million or more.
Is a load that stays in Texas always intrastate?
No. Your Texas-only leg is interstate commerce whenever the freight's trip began or ends outside Texas or the United States.
Who issues IRP plates and IFTA licenses in Texas?
TxDMV issues apportioned plates through TxFLEET, and the Texas Comptroller issues the IFTA license. The Comptroller charges nothing for the IFTA license or decals.