TJ Jacques, Compliance Specialist, Port Colborne ON · Last verified: 2026-10-10
What Is a CVOR Number?
A CVOR number is your Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration certificate number, issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, Section 16.
Subject to applicable exemptions, trucks, mobile equipment and truck chassis over 4,500 kg gross weight or registered gross weight need a CVOR; buses and tow trucks are covered regardless of weight under O. Reg. 419/15 s. 3. The CVOR number follows a standard format: XX-XXX-XXX (two digits, three digits, three digits). This number identifies your carrier profile in MTO's safety monitoring system.
How to Find Your CVOR Number
Check Your CVOR Certificate
Your CVOR number appears on the original certificate issued by MTO. HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle. The number is in XX-XXX-XXX format at the top of the certificate.
Contact the CVOR Office
Call the CVOR office at 416-246-7166 or 1-800-387-7736 (within Ontario), or email CVOR@ontario.ca. Order an abstract online for a fee.
Ontario.ca Online
Use the free MTO Carrier CVOR Number Search by carrier name. Ontario.ca also lists free online review of your CVOR record, carrier safety rating enquiry, and lists of excellent and unsatisfactory or cancelled carriers. A CVOR abstract is ordered online for a fee.
Check Your Vehicle Documents
Check the certificate copy carried in your vehicle for the number. HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle.
CVOR Number Decals
See current price — Ships 1-2 business days
CVOR Certificate & Fleet ID Lettering
HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle. HTA s. 103(1) requires the owner name in a clearly visible position on both sides; that provision sets no fixed letter height. The exterior CVOR number is optional fleet ID. O. Reg. 424/97 has no exterior CVOR display rule. Our 75 mm (3 inch) lettering height is a readability recommendation, not Ontario law. For covered U.S. operations, USDOT markings must meet 49 CFR 390.21, including both-side placement, sharp colour contrast and daylight legibility from 50 feet.
| Topic | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Find a carrier's CVOR number | Free online Carrier CVOR Number Search by carrier nameOntario — Anyone checking a carrier | Source: MTO: Carrier CVOR Number SearchSource: ontario.ca: CVOR page, 'Order a CVOR abstract and other products' and 'Contact the CVOR office' |
| Check a carrier's safety rating | Free online carrier safety rating enquiry, plus public lists of excellent and unsatisfactory or cancelled carriersOntario — Anyone checking a carrier | Source: ontario.ca: CVOR page, 'Order a CVOR abstract and other products' and 'Contact the CVOR office' |
| See your own CVOR record | Free online review of your CVOR record; a CVOR abstract (collisions, convictions, inspections) can be ordered online for a feeOntario — The certificate holder | Source: ontario.ca: CVOR page, 'Order a CVOR abstract and other products' and 'Contact the CVOR office' |
| Copy of a CVOR record | $5.00 uncertified, $10.00 certified, as set in the regulationOntario — Copies ordered from the Ministry | Source: O. Reg. 424/97, s. 4 |
| Where the certificate lives | The driver carries the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate (or the lease) in the vehicleOntario — Every vehicle that needs a CVOR | Source: Highway Traffic Act, s. 16(2) and 16(3)(a) |
| What goes on the truck | The owner's name on both sides is required; the CVOR number itself is optional fleet IDOntario — Every commercial motor vehicle | Source: Highway Traffic Act, s. 103(1) |
Last verified 2026-10-10 against the primary sources linked.
Common Questions About CVOR Numbers
Can I look up a CVOR number online?
Use the free MTO Carrier CVOR Number Search by carrier name. Ontario.ca also lists free online review of your CVOR record, carrier safety rating enquiry, and lists of excellent and unsatisfactory or cancelled carriers. A CVOR abstract is ordered online for a fee.
Where does the CVOR number go on a truck?
HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle. HTA s. 103(1) requires the owner name in a clearly visible position on both sides; that provision sets no fixed letter height. The exterior CVOR number is optional fleet ID.
Is the CVOR number the same as the carrier profile number?
Yes. Your CVOR certificate number and your MTO carrier profile number are the same. This number tracks your safety record, inspections, collisions, and convictions in MTO's system.
Do I need a CVOR for a pickup truck?
Subject to applicable exemptions, trucks, mobile equipment and truck chassis over 4,500 kg gross weight or registered gross weight need a CVOR; buses and tow trucks are covered regardless of weight under O. Reg. 419/15 s. 3.
How long does a CVOR last?
Check your certificate expiry date and MTO renewal instructions. Keep your operator information current and review your record using the official online services.
CVOR Certificate and Marking Checks
Check your record, documents and applicable markings before dispatch:
- ✓HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle.
- ✓Use the free MTO Carrier CVOR Number Search by carrier name. Ontario.ca also lists free online review of your CVOR record, carrier safety rating enquiry, and lists of excellent and unsatisfactory or cancelled carriers. A CVOR abstract is ordered online for a fee.
- ✓HTA s. 103(1) requires the owner name in a clearly visible position on both sides; that provision sets no fixed letter height. The exterior CVOR number is optional fleet ID.
- ✓Keep operator information current with MTO.
- ✓Check your certificate expiry date and renewal instructions.
- ✓For covered U.S. operations, check USDOT markings against 49 CFR 390.21.
Related Compliance Guides
Quick Reference Checklist
Verify these items before every trip:
- HTA s. 16(3)(a) requires the driver to carry the original or a copy of the CVOR certificate, or the original or a copy of the lease for a leased vehicle.
- If you display the CVOR number on the vehicle, it matches your current certificate
- Any exterior lettering is clean, legible, and not faded or peeling
- Contrasting colour to the vehicle body for readability
- HTA s. 103(1) requires the owner name in a clearly visible position on both sides; that provision sets no fixed letter height. The exterior CVOR number is optional fleet ID.
- Owner-name lettering identifies the owner; any optional CVOR reference matches the operator certificate
- Check separate weight-marking requirements that apply to your vehicle
- US-bound carriers: USDOT marking legible from 50 feet per 49 CFR 390.21
CVOR Number Decals
See current price — Ships 1-2 business days
Choose Owner-Name Lettering and CVOR Decals
Choose owner-name lettering for both sides and add your confirmed CVOR number as optional fleet ID. Review the proof before production; ships across Canada.