Trucking licenses, tags & permits.

Texas DPS

CDL, learner permit & skills test

Start with your license class and endorsement. Use the city guide for nearby driver license office and CDL skills-test addresses. Follow the exact site on your appointment confirmation.

Texas DPS

Passenger, school bus, tanker & doubles/triples

Check the endorsement for the vehicle and cargo you will operate. DPS lists endorsement codes, restrictions and additional tests.

FMCSA National Registry

DOT medical exam

Use the FMCSA search to find a certified medical examiner and practice address near you. Confirm the appointment, fee and documents directly with the examiner.

County tax assessor-collector

Truck and trailer titles & license plates

For a title transfer, registration, regular commercial tags or renewal, start with the tax office for your county. Ask which service counter handles heavy trucks and trailers.

County tax office and TxDMV

Combination plates & token trailer plates

For a Texas truck or truck-tractor pulling a semitrailer, ask about combination registration for the power unit and the correct trailer plate. Have both VINs, the configuration and proposed registered combined weight ready.

TxDMV · TxFLEET

Apportioned plates, cab card & IRP

Qualifying interstate carriers can obtain apportioned registration through the International Registration Plan. Open a new motor carrier account online in TxFLEET. Regional service centers help with credentials and temporary operating authority for established accounts.

TxDMV or county tax office

Temporary 72-hour or 144-hour registration

Check the vehicle, load, dates and states on your route. Texas lists online purchase, county tax offices and regional service centers for these short-term registration permits.

TxDMV · TxMCCS

Texas intrastate authority / TxDMV number

Check whether your operation needs a Texas motor carrier certificate. For covered intrastate operations, obtain your USDOT number, then apply through TxMCCS and arrange the required insurance filing. TxDMV assistance: 800-299-1700.

FMCSA · Motus

USDOT number & interstate operating authority

Use FMCSA to determine whether you need a USDOT number and whether your for-hire operation also needs federal operating authority. The federal registration system handles applications and updates.

National UCR filing system

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) in Texas

If UCR applies to your interstate or international operation, register for the applicable year and pay the appropriate fee through the national system. Texas directs carriers to file online.

TxDMV · TxPROS

Oversize / overweight load & route permits

Have the load dimensions, axle weights and route ready. Use the TxPROS Permit Wizard to identify the appropriate permit before travel. The TxDMV permits office can help at 800-299-1700.

Texas Comptroller · Webfile

IFTA fuel tax license & decals

Qualifying vehicles operating across jurisdictions may need an International Fuel Tax Agreement license and fuel decals. Apply in Webfile or mail Form AP-178 to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 111 E. 17th St., Austin, TX 78774-0100. This is the paper application mailing address.

Texas Comptroller

Temporary fuel trip permit

For occasional Texas trips, check whether your qualified vehicle and number of entries allow a fuel trip permit. Review fuel-tax and vehicle-registration requirements separately when planning the route.

Internal Revenue Service

Heavy highway vehicle use tax / Form 2290

Check IRS filing requirements for your taxable vehicle. The IRS trucking tax center explains how to file Form 2290 and get a receipted Schedule 1 for registration.

Texas DPS

Commercial vehicle inspection stations

Search by ZIP code for an inspection station and confirm that it offers the commercial inspection your truck or trailer needs before you travel.

Texas DPS · IdentoGO · TSA

HazMat endorsement fingerprinting

1. Complete your HazMat endorsement application at a Texas DPS driver license office. DPS gives you the service code to use for fingerprinting.
2. Enter that code on IdentoGO to choose a Texas location and appointment. You can also schedule by calling 888-467-2080.
3. Bring your Texas CDL. IdentoGO takes your digital fingerprints and photo. Keep the tracking number while TSA conducts its security threat assessment.

TSA enrollment · IDEMIA

TWIC fingerprinting for port & refinery work

1. Choose TWIC on the TSA enrollment site. Use “Find an Enrollment Center” to locate a participating office and schedule your first enrollment visit. For help, call 855-347-8371.
2. Bring the identity documents listed for your TWIC application. At the center, staff verify your documents, collect fingerprints and take your photo.
3. Check the gate rules with dispatch before a pickup. Port Houston requires TWIC for unescorted access to its restricted areas. At ExxonMobil’s Baytown refinery dock, contractors need a TWIC or an authorized escort under the site’s rules.