What Are the Motor Vehicle Decal Requirements for My Commercial Motor Vehicle?

Every commercial motor vehicle operating under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must meet specific decal and labeling requirements to stay legal. These include:

• Company name and home city/state
  
  
• USDOT number display and MC number
  
  
• Unique unit or truck number
  
  
• Annual inspection sticker (rear of cab)
  
  
• IFTA license decals (both doors)
  
  

All commercial truck decals must be at least two inches tall, in a contrasting color, and clearly visible in daylight from 50 feet.

If you’re renting a vehicle for more than 30 days or leasing to a carrier, you're still required to display the appropriate information, including the leasing carrier's name and DOT number, not just your own.

At Authority Express, our all‑in‑one authority setup means you get clear pricing, expert FMCSA help, and fast turnaround—without the confusion.

IFTA License Decals: Who Needs Them and What They Mean for Compliance

If you operate across state or provincial lines, chances are your vehicle qualifies under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)—and that means displaying valid IFTA decals isn’t optional.

IFTA stands for the International Fuel Tax Agreement, a multi-jurisdictional agreement that simplifies fuel tax reporting for motor carriers operating across state or provincial lines.

Your base jurisdiction is responsible for issuing these decals and tracking your reporting obligations throughout the year. If you’re not staying on top of fuel use and mileage records, that gap can quickly lead to reporting errors, tax penalties, or even an audit.

Each IFTA member jurisdiction sets its own fuel tax rate, so your IFTA license and the accuracy of your filings directly affect your bottom line. While your home state handles the licensing and distribution of stickers, you are responsible for submitting timely, accurate fuel tax reports.

Do you need IFTA stickers? If your commercial motor vehicle meets any of the following criteria, then you're operating a qualified vehicle and you must comply with IFTA rules:

• Has three or more axles, or
  
  
• Exceeds a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds
  
  

Whether you're an independent carrier or managing a fleet, keeping those decals current is more than just meeting a requirement, it’s protecting your business from costly disruptions.

Staying compliant with IFTA license decals, USDOT number display, and fuel use reporting requirements ensures your operations stay uninterrupted and audit-free.

Know your jurisdiction. Know your vehicle. Keep your IFTA decals updated. Staying ahead of compliance is always better than scrambling to fix mistakes during tax season. Staying compliant with IFTA license decals, USDOT number display, and fuel use reporting requirements ensures your operations stay uninterrupted and audit-free.

Get Your Trucking Authority with Authority Express

We’ve helped thousands of carriers go from setup to success with expert support on everything from commercial truck decals to IFTA license decals and USDOT compliance. Connect with us to get started.