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.

    Annual User Fee
    CBP Compliance
    RFID Transponders

What is DTOPS?

DTOPS (Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System) is the official online portal where commercial carriers pay the Annual User Fee to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

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

The BorderConnect Connection

It is important to understand the difference between BorderConnect and DTOPS:

BorderConnect (The Data): We transmit your electronic paperwork (eManifest) to CBP so they know what is on your truck.
DTOPS Transponder (The Key): The physical sticker on your windshield that identifies which truck has arrived.

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.

Fee Expiration & Renewals

All DTOPS User Fees expire on December 31st regardless of when they were purchased. The renewal period typically opens on October 1st for the following year. Carriers are strongly advised to renew early to ensure new transponders arrive before January 1st.

User Fees & Costs (FY 2025/2026)

Fees are adjusted annually. While a "replacement" or "transfer" fee may be lower (approx. $13.05 - $25.00), the Annual User Fee required for unlimited crossing is significantly higher.

Fee Type	Cost (USD)	Details
Annual Transponder Fee (Commercial Truck)	~$418.27 - $942.53*	Covers unlimited crossings for the calendar year. Includes both CBP and APHIS fees. *Note: Fees are subject to fiscal year inflation adjustments.
Single Crossing Fee (Pay-per-use)	~$20.80	If you do not buy a transponder, you must pay this fee every time you cross. (Includes ~$7.35 CBP + ~$13.45 APHIS fee).
Replacement/Transfer	~$13.05 - $25.00	Administrative fee to replace a damaged transponder or transfer an unexpired user fee to a new vehicle VIN.

How to Register & Order

If you are a new carrier or adding a new truck to your fleet, follow these steps to register.

1 Create a DTOPS Profile

Go to the Official DTOPS Dashboard.
Click "Sign In". (Note: CBP now uses Login.gov for authentication. You will need to create a Login.gov account if you don't have one).

2 Add Conveyance (Truck)

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

3 Checkout & Receipt

Select the vehicles you wish to pay for and proceed to checkout.
Pay via credit card or ACH.
Print your receipt immediately. 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).

Transponder Placement

Commercial Trucks:

Location: Inside the windshield, lower left corner (driver's side).
Distance: Approx. 3-4 inches from the bottom and left metal frame.
Orientation: Horizontal (parallel to the ground).
Adhesion: Must be stuck directly to the glass. Taping it is not permitted as it interferes with the antenna.

Need Help?

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