Vehicle Registration Guidelines for Ministries

Do you use commercial vehicles that transport more than 15 passengers or carry cargo from one state to another as part of your ministry? If so, you are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number. This allows the USDOT to monitor the safety and management practices of the organization through safety audits, compliance reviews, and roadside inspections.

Brotherhood Mutual offers additional risk management information regarding ministry vehicles:

When a ministry needs a larger vehicle to do its work—a van, truck, or bus—along with the greater capacity comes greater registration responsibilities and insurance coverage requirements.

Any organization operating a commercial vehicle that transports passengers or carries cargo, including hazardous materials, must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. This unique identifier allows the USDOT to monitor the safety and management practices of the organization through safety audits, compliance reviews, and roadside inspections. Organizations that offer “for hire” transport of passengers or cargo across state lines need a Motor Carrier (MC) number.

When is a USDOT Number Needed?

A USDOT number is needed if the ministry owns a vehicle that will be used to travel across state lines and has at least one of the following characteristics:

  • The gross vehicle weight rating is greater than 10,000 pounds. This information can usually be found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
  • The vehicle is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation.
  • The vehicle is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
  • The vehicle is used to transport hazardous material.

Some states require commercial vehicles to have a USDOT number regardless of whether or not they cross state lines. Learn more about the requirements for a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or contact your state department of motor vehicles for more information. To obtain a USDOT number, visit the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and complete form MCS-150.

When is an MC Number Needed?

An MC number is required on vehicles operated as “for hire” carriers. A “for hire” carrier transports goods or passengers for compensation or for the benefit of a commercial enterprise. For churches, this most likely does not include transporting individuals who contribute money to defer the cost of transportation.

An MC number is obtained by registering a form OP-1 with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Proof of Liability Coverage for USDOT and MC Numbers

Most states require vehicle operators to provide proof of financial responsibility. Typically, the proof of coverage cards received in an insurance policy satisfy this requirement.

Organizations with vehicles that have an MC number are also required to keep a form MCS-90 in the vehicle. This form is issued by the insurance company. Brotherhood Mutual can provide assistance to any policyholder who needs a copy.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or requirements for ministry vehicles, please feel free to contact us or reach out to your local agent directly.

November 7, 2023
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic

Water and the damage it brings can be one of the most devastating property claims a ministry or organization can experience. Fortunately, there's a solution that identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute. It's called FloLogic.

Tags: plumbing, prevention, water leak, water damage
September 7, 2023
Increasing Donor Trust
Increasing Donor Trust

The ability to inspire others to give is a blessing. Because fundraising can be both exciting and challenging, there are some important details to consider that can help your donors, and organization, have a smooth and successful experience.

Tags: insurance, ministry, donors
July 31, 2023
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle

Has your church or school ever been asked to loan or rent one of your vans or buses to another ministry? Rather than running the risk of loaning or renting your own vehicle, you could consider aiding them financially in renting or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency.

Tags: insurance, car insurance, renting, safety, travel, ministry
May 9, 2023
Save Money with One Change
Save Money with One Change

A periodic review of your insurance policy is a good way to make sure your ministry is protected for its most current needs, but it also may offer the opportunity to find some significant savings.

Tags: risk, insurance
January 26, 2023
Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant
Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant

For the second year, the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation is offering the Kingdom Advancing Grant to innovative Christian church programs that are transforming local communities through ministry.

Tags: ministry, operations, foundation, grant, brotherhood mutual foundation
January 26, 2023
Responding to Mission Issues
Responding to Mission Issues

Having insurance coverage specifically designed for long-term international missions helps protect your people and organization from the financial impact caused by injuries, lawsuits, property damage, and more.

Tags: mission travel, protection, risk, volunteers, kidnapping, insurance
January 9, 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Tags: ministry, insurance, operations, legal assist
November 10, 2022
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s wise for ministries to evaluate their fire safety plan. Whether your ministry is hosting a holiday party, prepping treats for charity, or running a community kitchen, make sure you’re well-prepared with these tips.

Tags: ministry, insurance, emergency, fire safety, volunteers
September 9, 2022
School is Back in Session
School is Back in Session

As school is back in session, it’s important to make sure your school is equipped with the correct safety procedures. Thinking about your school’s physical security as a series of layers can help you find gaps in your plan. Transportation and volunteers are just two important aspects of your school safety plan to think about.

Tags: ministry, protection, insurance, christian schools, volunteer safety, child safety, transportation
July 15, 2022
Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change
Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change

Anyone who turns on the news, flips through a magazine, or browses the web can see that American society and culture are experiencing rapid transitions. Some ministries have valid concerns that issues surrounding societal shifts may expose them to negative publicity, governmental scrutiny, or litigation.

Tags: ministry, protection, religious freedom, insurance
May 12, 2022
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers

Cyber security is increasingly crucial in our technologically advanced world. Scammers use many schemes when attempting to steal your data, but you can outsmart them by understanding their methods.

Tags: ministry, cyber security, technology, data, protection
March 1, 2022
Resolving Conflict in the Church
Resolving Conflict in the Church

When conflict occurs in the church, it can threaten the unity of a congregation. Experts say the only way to heal conflict is to acknowledge and address it. But how?

Tags: ministry, peacemaking, conflict, mediation, safety
January 25, 2022
Keep Your Ministry's Money Safe
Keep You Ministry's Money Safe with Organizational Optional Theft Coverage

Theft isn’t just an issue for banks and large companies. Sometimes the kind and caring nature of your ministry is exactly what makes you a target. Organizational Optional Theft Coverage helps to assure that, if a thief takes advantage of your institution, what’s lost can be restored.

Tags: protection, ministry, theft, cybersecurity
September 1, 2021
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Earthquake Season
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Earthquake Season

Earthquakes are starting to rumble the earth again. An earthquake’s impact can range from being a minor annoyance to causing a major disaster. The safety planning you do now can help your ministry protect its people and property.

Tags: earthquake, property, protection, weather, damage
July 22, 2021
Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit
Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit

Most ministry leaders don’t realize there is funding available to non-profit employers including churches, schools, colleges, and camps. This post includes some highlights about the credit and guidance on where to start to see if your ministry is eligible.

Tags: ERC, tax credit, payroll
June 17, 2021
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and weather experts say this season is likely to produce above-normal activity. Take action to prepare your ministry to withstand a hurricane now, so you’re not scrambling when a watch or warning is posted.

Tags: hurricane, weather, weather emergency, safety, damage, prevent damage, protect
April 19, 2021
Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan
Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Though child abuse may not be something you could ever imagine happening within your ministry, sexual abuse of a minor is one of the top five reasons churches end up in court, according to Church Law & Tax. Studies also show that a child is much more likely to be sexually abused by a trusted adult than a stranger.

Tags: protect, risk management, child care, youth, child safety
March 16, 2021
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now

When severe storms strike, they can produce high winds and tornadoes. Damaging winds can wreak havoc on your ministry’s property and to buildings. A high wind event can crash debris through your windows, strip your siding, down trees on your parking lot, peel shingles off your roof, and fling back the flashing.

Tags: weather emergency, lightning, storms, safety, protect
February 25, 2021
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles

Thieves are taking advantage of soaring precious metal prices. Take steps to protect your ministry’s vehicles and property.

Tags: protect, theft, vehicles, vehicle
November 23, 2020
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season

Preparing for this Christmas season may require additional creativity, due to the uncertainty of what COVID-19 may bring in our local community.

Tags: COVID-19, health, health safety, protect, coronavirus, Christmas, risk management