How to Apply USDOT Decals & Magnetic Signs

Our decals ship pre-masked — the lettering is held on one sheet of transfer tape, so everything goes on in one piece with the spacing already right. Ten minutes a door, no experience needed.

Applying a vinyl decal

• 1. Clean the door. Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner on a paper towel, then let it dry. Skip wax and tire-shine products near the area — adhesive hates them.
• 2. Position it dry. Hold the decal where you want it and tape the top edge to the door with masking tape, like a hinge. Step back and check it is level.
• 3. Peel and lay it down. Lift the decal from the bottom, peel the backing paper up to the tape hinge, then lower the decal onto the door.
• 4. Squeegee from the center out. Firm, overlapping strokes toward the edges push out the air as you go.
• 5. Peel the mask low and slow. Pull the transfer tape back against itself — flat, not straight up. If a letter lifts, lay the tape back down, squeegee that spot, try again.

Applying a magnetic sign

• Flat steel only — doors with big body lines, aluminum panels or plastic cladding will not hold a magnet safely.
• Clean both the door and the back of the magnet, and dry them fully.
• Roll it on flat from one edge — never let it snap on bent, a creased magnet never sits flush again.
• On a fresh repaint, wait about 90 days before putting a magnet over the new finish.

More USDOT guides: USDOT display requirements — size & location · Care & cleaning of USDOT decals · Requirements in every state

Martin Graphics is a sign shop, not a regulatory agency. We publish this as a courtesy and keep it as accurate as we can, but rules change and enforcement varies. You are solely responsible for confirming and meeting the requirements that apply to your vehicle or vessel.