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Created page with "<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> Annual User Fee</span> <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck"></i> CBP Compliance</span> <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="f..."
 
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  <h1>DTOPS Guide: Understanding US Customs Transponders</h1>
<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>
<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">
<div class="bc-article-meta">
    <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-id-card"></i> Annual User Fee</span>
<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> CBP Compliance</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck"></i> System: CBP DTOPS</span>
    <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-wifi"></i> RFID Transponders</span>
</div>
  </div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="bc-grid bc-2col">
<div class="bc-card">
  <div class="bc-card">
 
    <h2>What is DTOPS?</h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Overview</h2>
    <p>
[[File:DTOPS-Login-Screen.png|800px|thumb|right|Official DTOPS Login Portal]]
      <strong>DTOPS</strong> (Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System) is the official online portal where commercial carriers pay the <strong>Annual User Fee</strong> to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
<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>
 
    <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>
      Paying this fee allows a vehicle to cross the US 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;">
  </div>
<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 class="bc-card" style="background: linear-gradient(135deg, #e3f2fd 0%, #ffffff 100%); border-left: 5px solid #2196f3;">
    <h2><i class="fas fa-link" style="color:#2196f3;"></i> The BorderConnect Connection</h2>
    <p>
      It is important to understand the difference between <strong>BorderConnect</strong> and <strong>DTOPS</strong>:
    </p>
    <ul class="bc-cleanlist">
      <li><strong>BorderConnect (The Data):</strong> We transmit your electronic paperwork (eManifest) to CBP so they know <em>what</em> is on your truck.</li>
      <li><strong>DTOPS Transponder (The Key):</strong> The physical sticker on your windshield that identifies <em>which</em> truck has arrived.</li>
    </ul>
    <p class="bc-subtle" style="margin-top:10px;">
      When you pull up to the booth, the RFID reader scans your DTOPS transponder and automatically displays the eManifest you filed via BorderConnect on the officer's screen.
    </p>
  </div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="bc-warning">
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
  <h3><i class="fas fa-calendar-times"></i> Fee Expiration & Renewals</h3>
  <p>
    All DTOPS User Fees expire on <strong>December 31st</strong> regardless of when they were purchased. The renewal period typically opens on <strong>October 1st</strong> for the following year. Carriers are strongly advised to renew early to ensure new transponders arrive before January 1st.
  </p>
</div>
</div>


<h2>User Fees & Costs (FY 2025/2026)</h2>
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">User Fees & Costs (FY 2025/2026)</h2>
<p>
 
  Fees are adjusted annually. While a "replacement" or "transfer" fee may be lower (approx. $13.05 - $25.00), the <strong>Annual User Fee</strong> required for unlimited crossing is significantly higher.
<div class="bc-card">
</p>
<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">
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
  <tr>
<tr>
    <th>Fee Type</th>
<th style="width: 30%;">Fee Type</th>
    <th>Cost (USD)</th>
<th>Cost (USD)</th>
    <th>Details</th>
<th>Details</th>
  </tr>
</tr>
  <tr>
<tr>
    <td><strong>Annual Transponder Fee</strong><br>(Commercial Truck)</td>
<td><strong>Annual Transponder Fee</strong></td>
    <td><strong>~$418.27 - $942.53*</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: Fees are subject to fiscal year inflation adjustments.</em></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>
  <tr>
<tr>
    <td><strong>Single Crossing Fee</strong><br>(Pay-per-use)</td>
<td><strong>Single Crossing Fee</strong></td>
    <td><strong>~$20.80</strong></td>
<td><strong>~$20.80</strong></td>
    <td>If you do not buy a transponder, you must pay this fee <strong>every time</strong> you cross. (Includes ~$7.35 CBP + ~$13.45 APHIS fee).</td>
<td>The cost per-crossing if a transponder is not purchased (Includes ~$7.35 CBP + ~$13.45 APHIS).</td>
  </tr>
</tr>
  <tr>
<tr>
    <td><strong>Replacement/Transfer</strong></td>
<td><strong>Replacement / Transfer</strong></td>
    <td><strong>~$13.05 - $25.00</strong></td>
<td><strong>~$13.05 - $25.00</strong></td>
    <td>Administrative fee to replace a damaged transponder or transfer an unexpired user fee to a new vehicle VIN.</td>
<td>Administrative fee to replace a damaged transponder or transfer an unexpired fee to a new VIN.</td>
  </tr>
</tr>
</table>
</table>


<h2>How to Register & Order</h2>
<div class="bc-did-you-know" style="margin-top: 15px;">
<p>If you are a new carrier or adding a new truck to your fleet, follow these steps to register.</p>
<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">
<div class="bc-card">
  <h3><span class="bc-step-circle">1</span> Create a DTOPS Profile</h3>
[[File:Transponder-Placement-Diagram.png|800px|thumb|center|Proper Transponder Placement]]
  <ul class="bc-cleanlist">
<p>Proper placement is critical. If the RFID reader cannot detect your transponder, the officer cannot automatically pull up your BorderConnect eManifest.</p>
    <li>Go to the <strong>[https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov Official DTOPS Dashboard]</strong>.</li>
 
    <li>Click <strong>"Sign In"</strong>. (Note: CBP now uses <strong>Login.gov</strong> for authentication. You will need to create a Login.gov account if you don't have one).</li>
<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
  </ul>
<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>


  <h3><span class="bc-step-circle">2</span> Add Conveyance (Truck)</h3>
<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Help & Resources</h2>
  <ul class="bc-cleanlist">
    <li>Select <strong>"Manage Conveyance Inventory"</strong> or "Add New Conveyance".</li>
    <li>Choose <strong>Commercial Vehicle</strong>.</li>
    <li>Enter the VIN, Make, Model, Year, and License Plate information.</li>
    <li><strong>Tip:</strong> Ensure the VIN matches your vehicle's registration exactly to avoid issues at the border.</li>
  </ul>


  <h3><span class="bc-step-circle">3</span> Checkout & Receipt</h3>
<div class="bc-card">
  <ul class="bc-cleanlist">
<p>For issues regarding failed payments, lost shipments, or technical account lockouts, contact the DTOPS help desk directly.</p>
    <li>Select the vehicles you wish to pay for and proceed to checkout.</li>
<div class="bc-cleanlist">
    <li>Pay via credit card or ACH.</li>
* <strong>DTOPS Help Desk:</strong> (317) 298-1245
    <li><strong>Print your receipt immediately.</strong> This receipt can often be used as temporary proof of payment if you must cross before the physical transponder arrives in the mail (usually 7-10 business days).</li>
* <strong>Email Support:</strong> decals@cbp.dhs.gov
  </ul>
* <strong>Official FAQ:</strong> [https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1733 CBP Knowledge Center]
</div>
</div>
</div>


<div class="bc-grid bc-2col">
{{Promo
  <div class="bc-card">
| icon = 🚛
    <h3><i class="fas fa-arrow-down"></i> Transponder Placement</h3>
| text = '''Got your transponder?''' Now get the fastest border crossing software. BorderConnect makes ACE eManifests simple.
    <p><strong>Commercial Trucks:</strong></p>
| link = https://www.borderconnect.com/ace-emanifest/index.htm
    <ul>
| button = Start Free Trial
      <li><strong>Location:</strong> Inside the windshield, lower left corner (driver's side).</li>
}}
      <li><strong>Distance:</strong> Approx. 3-4 inches from the bottom and left metal frame.</li>
 
      <li><strong>Orientation:</strong> Horizontal (parallel to the ground).</li>
      <li><strong>Adhesion:</strong> Must be stuck directly to the glass. Taping it is not permitted as it interferes with the antenna.</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
  <div class="bc-card">
    <h3><i class="fas fa-question-circle"></i> Need Help?</h3>
    <ul class="bc-cleanlist">
      <li><strong>DTOPS Help Desk:</strong> (317) 298-1245</li>
      <li><strong>Email:</strong> decals@cbp.dhs.gov</li>
      <li><strong>Official FAQ:</strong> [https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1733 CBP Help Center]</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>
</div>
[[Category:CBP Compliance Guides]]

Revision as of 11:25, 17 February 2026

DTOPS Guide: Understanding US Customs Transponders

Everything carriers need to know about the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) and the Annual User Fee.

Type: Compliance Guide System: CBP DTOPS

Overview

File:DTOPS-Login-Screen.png
Official DTOPS Login Portal

DTOPS (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 Annual User Fee required for all commercial vehicles entering the United States.

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 RFID Transponder (for commercial trucks) or a Decal (for aircraft/vessels) which acts as proof of payment.

BorderConnect vs. DTOPS:
BorderConnect transmits your digital paperwork (eManifest). The DTOPS Transponder is the physical "key" on your windshield that allows the border reader to pull up that paperwork automatically.

User Fees & Costs (FY 2025/2026)

Fees are adjusted annually for inflation. While replacement fees are lower, the Annual User Fee is a significant operating cost that covers unlimited crossings for the calendar year.

Fee Type Cost (USD) Details
Annual Transponder Fee ~$418.27 - $942.53* Covers unlimited crossings for the calendar year. Includes both CBP and APHIS fees. *Note: Subject to fiscal year adjustments.
Single Crossing Fee ~$20.80 The cost per-crossing if a transponder is not purchased (Includes ~$7.35 CBP + ~$13.45 APHIS).
Replacement / Transfer ~$13.05 - $25.00 Administrative fee to replace a damaged transponder or transfer an unexpired fee to a new VIN.

Important Deadline: All DTOPS User Fees expire on December 31st. The renewal period typically opens on October 1st.

How to Register & Order

File:DTOPS-Add-Vehicle.png
Adding a Conveyance in DTOPS

If you are a new carrier or adding a new truck to your fleet, follow these steps to register via the Official DTOPS Dashboard.

1. Create a Profile

  • Go to dtops.cbp.dhs.gov.
  • Click "Sign In". CBP uses Login.gov for authentication, so you may need to create a secure account there first.

2. Add Conveyance (Truck)

  • Select "Manage Conveyance Inventory" or "Add New Conveyance".
  • Choose Commercial Vehicle.
  • Enter the VIN, Make, Model, Year, and License Plate.
  • Tip: Ensure the VIN matches your registration exactly to avoid border delays.

3. Checkout & Receipt

  • Select the vehicles to pay for and proceed to checkout (Credit Card or ACH).
  • Print your receipt immediately. This receipt acts as temporary proof of payment while you wait 7-10 business days for the physical transponder.

Transponder Placement Guide

File:Transponder-Placement-Diagram.png
Proper Transponder Placement

Proper placement is critical. If the RFID reader cannot detect your transponder, the officer cannot automatically pull up your BorderConnect eManifest.

Position Requirement
Location Inside the windshield, lower left corner (driver's side).
Distance Approximately 3-4 inches from the bottom and left metal frame.
Adhesion Must be stuck directly to the glass. Do not use tape, as it interferes with the antenna.

Help & Resources

For issues regarding failed payments, lost shipments, or technical account lockouts, contact the DTOPS help desk directly.

  • DTOPS Help Desk: (317) 298-1245
  • Email Support: decals@cbp.dhs.gov
  • Official FAQ: CBP Knowledge Center


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