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1. Decide whether your business will be interstate (crossing state lines) or intrastate (within one state)

2. Obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) from your state's Department of Transportation

• Department of Transportation
• Commercial Drivers License Program (CDL)

3. Obtain an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) License — this allows a trucker to obtain a single fuel tax license for operation in 58 states and provinces.

• IFTA Application
• Additional IFTA Decals

4. Obtain an International Registration Plan (IRP) License — a single license plate that allows operation of the vehicle in 59 states and provinces. Complete and submit the following forms:

• IRP Form 1
• IRP Form 2
• FMCSA New Entrant Form

5. If you have employees, you’ll need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

• Federal Employer ID Number Instructions
• Federal Employer ID Number Application Form

6. Operating Authority and Insurance

7. Safety

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

8. Finding loads and working with brokers