Many individuals seek to travel privately and lawfully by using a USDOT number, believing it avoids commercial entanglement. But registering through the USDOT or DMV is a legal contract that transfers control and jurisdiction to the State or Federal Government. Once registered, the vehicle is no longer truly private—it becomes a regulated asset. This article breaks down how registration equates to the surrender of title, and what lawful alternatives exist for retaining sovereignty and the right to travel.