CA Number for Trucks: Who Needs One and Where It Goes

The CA number for trucks is California's carrier identification number. The California Highway Patrol issues it, and the DMV uses it as the Motor Carrier Permit number (DMV). A carrier that must hold the permit has to display the CA number on its vehicles, and may show a valid USDOT, PUC or Cal-T number in its place (CHP). Carriers that only operate between states are not subject to the permit.

Who needs a CA number for a truck

California's Motor Carrier Permit program covers motortrucks with two or more axles and a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and any vehicle used to haul property for compensation, but carriers that operate only in interstate commerce are not subject to it (CHP FAQ). The CHP counts a pickup as a motortruck.

The DMV states the weight line as a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more, and adds that anyone paid to transport property needs a permit regardless of vehicle size, type or weight (DMV). The CHP's definition also reaches truck tractors, vehicles carrying hazardous material and some vehicles towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds GVWR. An interstate carrier that wants to haul loads inside California must get a permit as well.

Where the CA number goes

The CA number must be displayed on both sides of each covered vehicle, or on both sides of at least one vehicle in a combination (Caltrans). The rule is Vehicle Code 34507.5, which covers the vehicles listed in section 34500, any motortruck of two or more axles over 10,000 pounds GVWR, and any other truck or vehicle used to haul property for compensation (34507.5).

The statute describes the look with two tests: sharp contrast with the background, and a size, shape and color readable in daylight from 50 feet. It gives no height in inches and does not spell out a format such as a prefix. Treat any exact height you see quoted online with caution until you find it in the statute, and write the number the way the CHP issued it. A solid background color with contrasting lettering is the simplest way to get strong contrast.

When a USDOT number can stand in

The CHP says a motor carrier of property may display its valid USDOT, PUC or Cal-T number in place of the CA number, and that an interstate carrier must display a USDOT number. The statute adds that the both-sides CA number rule does not apply to a vehicle that displays a valid USDOT number (statute text).

So a truck already lettered with its name and USDOT number may not need a second number. Confirm with the CHP before you leave the CA number off. The statute lists other exceptions too, among them historical vehicles, implements of husbandry, federal government vehicles, and pickups or two-axle daily rental trucks under 26,001 pounds GVWR in noncommercial use.

Three California markings people mix up

• CA number: the carrier ID described above, issued by the CHP.
• DMV weight decal: California commercial vehicles registered under the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act must display the DMV's CVRA weight decals on the right and left sides of the vehicle (DMV). It shows your declared weight and is not a carrier number. Our weight sticker guide covers it.
• Company name: Vehicle Code 27900 requires the name or trademark of the operating person on both sides of vehicles that haul property for hire, trucks with three or more axles and other commercial motor vehicles (Caltrans). Section 27902 exempts vehicles with an unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less (27902). That is a name-rule exemption, not a weight you must display.

Ordering a CA number decal

Our CA number decal prints the number you type on a rectangle in the background color you choose. If you want USDOT, MC, CA and a weight line together, the USDOT / MC / CA / GVW four-line decal holds all four. Decals are priced per decal, so order 2 for both sides.

You are responsible for the numbers you enter, so copy them exactly from your CHP and FMCSA records. The federal name and USDOT rule is 49 CFR 390.21, and our display rules page puts it in plain words. For sizing, see how big USDOT numbers need to be, and for other states, USDOT number requirements by state.