How to Check a Charter Bus Company Before You Book (5-Minute Safety Checklist)
Verify the USDOT and MC number, passenger authority, insurance and safety rating of any bus or limo company — free, using official FMCSA records.
Updated October 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Checking a bus company takes about five minutes and uses free, official FMCSA records. Here’s how.
1. Look up the USDOT number
Ask the company for its USDOT number (it must also be painted on the bus). Search it on FMCSA SAFER or on bus.broker. The name and city should match the company you are talking to, and the status should be Active.
2. Check passenger authority
If your trip crosses a state line, the company needs active interstate passenger authority — an MC number. Our profiles show whether it is active. Read more: USDOT vs MC number.
3. Ask for insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your group or event. For buses with 16+ seats on interstate trips, the federal minimum is $5 million in liability coverage.
4. Review the safety record
- Safety rating — Satisfactory is best. Avoid Unsatisfactory; ask questions about Conditional. Most carriers are unrated, which is normal.
- Inspections and crashes — FMCSA’s SMS website shows roadside inspection results and out-of-service rates for the last two years.
- Out-of-service orders — never book a company under one.
5. Get it in writing
Get a written contract with pickup times and addresses, the vehicle type and seat count, total price with every fee, cancellation policy and the company’s USDOT number.
Ready to compare? Browse charter bus, school bus or limo & minibus companies by state.
Find a bus company near you
Every company in our directory is an active FMCSA-registered passenger carrier. Browse by state and city, compare fleets and safety records and contact companies directly.
- Active FMCSA-registered passenger carriers
- USDOT, MC and safety rating shown
- Free to use, no sign-up
Check a bus company before you book
Look up any USDOT or MC number to see fleet, authority and safety rating on record.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Authorized for Passenger” mean on SAFER?
It means FMCSA has granted the company operating authority to carry passengers for hire across state lines. A company without it may only run trips inside its own state.
What insurance must a bus company have?
Federal rules require interstate for-hire carriers to carry at least $5 million liability for vehicles with 16+ seats and $1.5 million for 15 or fewer seats. States set their own minimums for intrastate trips.
What is an out-of-service order?
FMCSA can order a carrier to stop operating because of serious safety problems. Never book a company under an out-of-service order — SAFER shows it on the carrier snapshot.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Charter Bus Cost? Pricing by Bus Type (2026 Guide)
- Bus Types and Sizes: Motorcoach, Minibus, School Bus, Party Bus and Limo Compared
- USDOT Number vs MC Number for Bus Companies: What Each One Means
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change — confirm requirements with FMCSA or your state before you book.