Special Transportation Services (STS)

Before beginning the STS application process, the following recommendations should be considered:

• Research insurance costs. The cost of obtaining a “Form E” commercial vehicle insurance policy can be a financial barrier.
• Access state and federal STS regulations. STS businesses must understand their responsibilities and comply with state and federal regulations for the transportation of the Elderly and Disabled.
• Research requirements of an ADA compliant vehicle (if planning to transport passengers in wheelchairs and stretchers). Read the STS Wheelchair Equipment Inspection Fact Sheet for information on federal and state requirements.
• Research eligibility requirements for state or federal funding. Contact the MN Department of Human Services and managed care organizations to discuss the eligibility requirements needed to receive state or federal funding for transportation under a Special Transportation Service certificate.

Register your business with the Minnesota Secretary of State

• Register at Minnesota Secretary of State - How to register your business
  • Unless you are licensed as an ambulance service, you cannot include the words “medical”, “emergency”, “life support”, and “ambulance”. The name may use the entire phrase, “Non-Emergency Medical Transportation”, or its acronym, “NEMT”.

Apply for a USDOT number using the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website

• To apply for a USDOT number, log onto the FMCSA Registration website, call 800-832-5660 for assistance, or visit the Ask FMCSA website.
• FMCSA is a federal office. MnDOT is a state office and does not issue USDOT numbers.

NOTE: There are two types of USDOT numbers: Intrastate and Interstate.

• Intrastate means transporting within a state’s boundaries. No required fee.
• Interstate means transporting across a state boundary. A fee is required.

Refer to the Intrastate US DOT Number for STS Providers Fact Sheet for detailed information.

Complete and submit the forms in the STS Business Application Get MnDOT Number Packet which include:

• STS Business Information Form
• Data Privacy Notice (“Tennessen Warning”)
• Certificate of Compliance Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law Form

Upon approval of the above forms, you will receive an acknowledgement email and/or letter with your assigned MnDOT number (“STS number”) along with instructions about commercial vehicle insurance (“Form E”) requirements.

NOTE:  At this point in the process, you are NOT legally able to provide STS transportation services until you complete the additional actions outlined in the acknowledgement notice.

Once you have received your MnDOT Number (“STS number”), you will need to do the following:

• Review the STS insurance Fact Sheet and submit your “Form E”
• Initiate a background study with the Minnesota Department of Human Services on each person required to have one
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services for MHCP provider training
• Enroll with Minnesota Health Care Programs at the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Complete an STS vehicle inspection (see information below)
  • STS Vehicle Inspection General Information (PDF)
  • STS Vehicle Inspection Process - Guide for New Drivers (PDF)
  • STS Vehicle Signage - (Required to print out and display in your vehicle)
• Complete and submit the STS Business Application Get Certificate Packet, which includes the folowing forms:
  • Driver Information Form
  • Non-driver Information Form
  • Vehicle Information Form

Upon completion of the above, MnDOT will send your STS Certificate of Compliance (“license”) and your STS Certified Vehicle List.

Within 90 calendar days of receiving your STS Certificate of Compliance, providers must:

• Complete the “Initial STS Provider Education" course.
• Complete and return the Initial STS Provider Education Self-Certification Form.

NOTE:  Failure to complete the "Initial STS Provider Education" course and submit the self-certification form within 90 calendar days from the date on your certificate will result in cancellation.