Commercial Vehicle Registration

Commercial  Vehicle  Registration

Getting a truck registered can be a long drawn out process. Part of the problem is that there are federal laws and there are also state laws. Many states including California, New York and Florida have very special regulations that must be followed before a commercial truck is registered.

In general, there are two main types of semi truck registration; if you are going out of state you will need to fulfill interstate registration requirements. If you are only going to use your truck inside your state lines you will be operating intrastate and will have to get the truck registered according to Intrastate protocol.

Usually, intrastate truck registration is easier than interstate because you are only dealing with one single state. Each state has their own way of doing things and it is crucial that you find out in advance what your state requirements are.

For instance, in the state of New York you will have to get something known as tmt-1 This is a tax form and you will have to get it before you can progress in the registration process. Once you have this form and your dot number you are almost home. New York is very strict about commercial motor vehicles so it is important to comply with all of the regulations.

California also has some idiosyncrasies. In addition to getting a tax form known as a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) you will also have to submit proof that a you are participating in the BIT program. The BIT program is an inspection program for commercial vehicles. You will have to have your Carrier Identification Number (CA number) before you can enroll in the Bit program.

Florida has some if its commercial vehicle registration requirements online but you will also have to make a trip to your local tax accessor's office.

Illinois also has some of its truck registration requirements online but not all of them so that you will probably have to make a trip down to the secretary of states office especially if you only want partial year registration.