View source for Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS)

<div class="bc-wrap">

<div class="bc-article-hero">
<h1>DTOPS Guide: Understanding US Customs Transponders</h1>
<p>Everything carriers need to know about the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) and the Annual User Fee.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-id-card"></i> Type: Compliance Guide</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck"></i> System: CBP DTOPS</span>
</div>
</div>

<div class="bc-card">

<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
[[File:DTOPS-Login-Screen.png|800px|thumb|right|Official DTOPS Login Portal]]
<p><strong>DTOPS</strong> (Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System) is the official online portal operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is the exclusive system used to pay the <strong>Annual User Fee</strong> required for all commercial vehicles entering the United States.</p>

<p>Paying this fee allows a vehicle to cross the border an unlimited number of times within a calendar year without stopping to pay for each individual crossing. Once paid, CBP issues a physical <strong>RFID Transponder</strong> (for commercial trucks) or a <strong>Decal</strong> (for aircraft/vessels) which acts as proof of payment.</p>

<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>BorderConnect vs. DTOPS:</strong><br>
<strong>BorderConnect</strong> transmits your digital paperwork (eManifest). The <strong>DTOPS Transponder</strong> is the physical "key" on your windshield that allows the border reader to pull up that paperwork automatically.
</div>

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
</div>

<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">User Fees & Costs (FY 2025/2026)</h2>

<div class="bc-card">
<p>Fees are adjusted annually for inflation. While replacement fees are lower, the <strong>Annual User Fee</strong> is a significant operating cost that covers unlimited crossings for the calendar year.</p>

<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 30%;">Fee Type</th>
<th>Cost (USD)</th>
<th>Details</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Annual Transponder Fee</strong></td>
<td><strong>~$418.27 - $942.53*</strong></td>
<td>Covers unlimited crossings for the calendar year. Includes both CBP and APHIS fees. <em>*Note: Subject to fiscal year adjustments.</em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Single Crossing Fee</strong></td>
<td><strong>~$20.80</strong></td>
<td>The cost per-crossing if a transponder is not purchased (Includes ~$7.35 CBP + ~$13.45 APHIS).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Replacement / Transfer</strong></td>
<td><strong>~$13.05 - $25.00</strong></td>
<td>Administrative fee to replace a damaged transponder or transfer an unexpired fee to a new VIN.</td>
</tr>
</table>

<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Important Deadline:</strong> All DTOPS User Fees expire on <strong>December 31st</strong>. The renewal period typically opens on October 1st.
</div>
</div>

<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">How to Register & Order</h2>

<div class="bc-card">
[[File:DTOPS-Add-Vehicle.png|800px|thumb|center|Adding a Conveyance in DTOPS]]
<p>If you are a new carrier or adding a new truck to your fleet, follow these steps to register via the [https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov Official DTOPS Dashboard].</p>

<h3>1. Create a Profile</h3>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Go to <strong>dtops.cbp.dhs.gov</strong>.
* Click <strong>"Sign In"</strong>. CBP uses <strong>Login.gov</strong> for authentication, so you may need to create a secure account there first.
</div>

<h3>2. Add Conveyance (Truck)</h3>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Select <strong>"Manage Conveyance Inventory"</strong> or <strong>"Add New Conveyance"</strong>.
* Choose <strong>Commercial Vehicle</strong>.
* Enter the <strong>VIN</strong>, Make, Model, Year, and License Plate.
* <em>Tip: Ensure the VIN matches your registration exactly to avoid border delays.</em>
</div>

<h3>3. Checkout & Receipt</h3>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* Select the vehicles to pay for and proceed to checkout (Credit Card or ACH).
* <strong>Print your receipt immediately.</strong> This receipt acts as temporary proof of payment while you wait 7-10 business days for the physical transponder.
</div>
</div>

<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Transponder Placement Guide</h2>

<div class="bc-card">
[[File:Transponder-Placement-Diagram.png|800px|thumb|center|Proper Transponder Placement]]
<p>Proper placement is critical. If the RFID reader cannot detect your transponder, the officer cannot automatically pull up your BorderConnect eManifest.</p>

<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 25%;">Position</th>
<th>Requirement</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Location</strong></td>
<td>Inside the windshield, lower left corner (driver's side).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Distance</strong></td>
<td>Approximately 3-4 inches from the bottom and left metal frame.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Adhesion</strong></td>
<td>Must be stuck directly to the glass. <strong>Do not use tape</strong>, as it interferes with the antenna.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Help & Resources</h2>

<div class="bc-card">
<p>For issues regarding failed payments, lost shipments, or technical account lockouts, contact the DTOPS help desk directly.</p>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
* <strong>DTOPS Help Desk:</strong> (317) 298-1245
* <strong>Email Support:</strong> decals@cbp.dhs.gov
* <strong>Official FAQ:</strong> [https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1733 CBP Knowledge Center]
</div>
</div>

{{Promo
| icon = 🚛
| text = '''Got your transponder?''' Now get the fastest border crossing software. BorderConnect makes ACE eManifests simple.
| link = https://www.borderconnect.com/ace-emanifest/index.htm
| button = Start Free Trial
}}

</div>

[[Category:CBP Compliance Guides]]