see also: in User Fee Decals and Transponders:   Truck User Fee Proof of Payment for January 2006 publications:   Guide for Private Flyers (doc - 936 KB.) forms:   CBP Form 339A, C and V - Online User Fee Decal on the web:   Apply online for User Fee Decals and Transponders

Introduction

Transponder Information

Decal Information

Options for Applying for Decals/Transponders

Refunds

Payment

Delivery Options

Quick Service

Mailing Addresses

Inquiries

Introduction
The Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985 authorizes U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect fees on incoming commercial vehicles, private aircraft, and private vessels. You are required to pay the fee if:

• You operate a vehicle for commercial purposes that enters the United States. You may pay the per-crossing fee each time the vehicle enters, which is $5.00 if entering from Canada and $10.00 if entering from Mexico; or, you may pay the fee in the form of a transponder, which is affixed, to the vehicle. The transponder is renewed each year after the User Fee has been paid. That vehicle can then enter an unlimited number of times during the calendar year.
• You operate a private vessel that is 30 feet or more in length that enters the United States. In order to qualify as a private vessel requiring a decal, the vessel cannot carry passengers who pay a fare.
• You operate an aircraft that is non-commercial.

There is more detailed information related to the requirements of the User Fee Decal in 19 CFR 24.22. For 2006, the costs of the CBP User Fees are as follows:

• Private Aircraft Decal $25.00(U.S.) Per calendar year
• Private Vessel Decal (30 feet or more in length) $25.00(U.S.) Per calendar year
• Commercial Vehicle Decal (Canadian Border) $100.00(U.S.) Per calendar year
• Commercial Vehicle Decal (Mexican Border) $205.00(U.S.) Per calendar year

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Transponder Information
Beginning, October 3, 2005, RFID tags, also knows as transponders, will replace paper user fee decals previously issued by US Customs and Border Protection for commercial vehicles. The transponder is a sticker that contains an electronic chip, which will hold information about your vehicle and border crossing user fee payment status. The conversion from decals to transponder made renewal form changes necessary. The form changes are briefly described below.

Required Information
Commercial Vehicle: NEW for 2006 (additional required information)

As a result of 9/11, in order to improve border security, the following information is required for the purchase of a commercial vehicle transponder.

• Color of Vehicle – enter the color of the vehicle
• Cab # - enter the Cab Nbr. of the vehicle. This is a required field. If you do not have a cab number please use the last 6 digits of the VIN. The cab nbr. must be unique within your organization.
• Primary License Plate Nbr. – enter in the plate number of the vehicle (a US Plate is preferred)
• License Plate Country Code – enter the Country Code of the license plate (CAN, MEX or USA are valid)
• License Plate State/Province Code – enter the State/Province Code of the license plate
• Transponder # - enter the 16-digit transponder number (if applicable)
• SCAC Code - Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) are a 4 letter code used to identify the many shipping carriers, frequently used in EDI and other documents. SCAC, is used to identify the carrier or carrier's company name that a supplier uses for transporting its shipments to their customer.
• Manifest Issuing Carrier – Provide information for the company that is responsible for the shipment.
• Owner/Subcontractor information – Please read the following to determine if you are the owner or the subcontractor of the vehicle:
  • You are considered the OWNER if you are not a Manifest issuing Carrier for the Vehicle.
  • You are considered to be SUBCONTRACTING if you are the Manifest Issuing Carrier and are hiring the vehicle/driver. Please provide the vehicle/driver information.

A transponder will not be issued if any of the required information is missing. Please review your application carefully, and be sure that your payment is correct for the number of transponders requested. Incomplete applications or applications that do not match the amount of the payment will have to be returned to you for correction by first class mail only.

To Update/Change vehicle information throughout 2006 please follow the instructions below:
Online Customers:
Any time your vehicle information changes throughout the year you are required to notify CBP and request that the database be updated. If you are an online customer YOU MUST update the information using your online account. Log into your account, and then click Change/Update Vehicle Only. Enter the VIN number of the vehicle that needs updated. The next screen will allow changes to the Manifest Issuing Carrier, owner/subcontractor, CAB Number, Color, Primary Plate Number, Country Code, State Code or Owner Information. Please contact the CBP Help Desk at 317-298-1245 or decals@dhs.gov to make any other changes.

Paper Application Customers:
Any time your vehicle information changes throughout the year you are required to notify CBP and request the database be updated. To update the database please contact CBP’s help desk 317-298-1245 and request an Update/Change Transponder Information Sheet. Provide the most current and correct information pertaining to your vehicle associated with a transponder. Fax the sheet to 412-234-3541, after receipt of the Sheet, it will take up to 5 business days for the information to be changed in the database.

Transponder Replacements:
If the issued transponder is non-operational. Please submit the following documents:

1. A copy of the CF339 that was returned to you with the transponder number assigned.
2. A statement that the issued transponder is not operational. Include a contact name and telephone number.
3. A payment of $5.00 in U.S. funds drawn on an U.S. bank or acceptable credit card. This is a processing fee.

   Address for regular mail:
   U. S. Customs and Border Protection
   User Fee Program Administrator
   P.O. Box 382030
   Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8030

   Address for courier:
   U.S. Customs and Border Protection
   User Fee Program Administrator- 382030
   500 Ross Street, Suite 640
   Pittsburgh, PA 15250

Transponder Exchanges - The following documentation must be submitted for transponder exchanges:

1. The UNUSED transponder.
2. A new CBP vehicle information sheet for the vehicle that will be assigned the replacement transponder.
3. A payment of $5.00 in U.S. funds drawn on an U.S. bank or acceptable credit card.

* The exception to the 30-day rule: If you purchased a 2006 decal or transponder prior to January 1st, it may be exchanged through January 31st, 2005.

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Decal Information
Required Information
Vessel: Company or owner name, address, telephone number, manufacturer's name, vessel name, year, and U.S. Coast Guard documentation number. If a Coast Guard documentation number is not available, then a local registration number is required. If neither a Coast Guard number nor a local registration number is available, then the hull identification number is required.
Aircraft: Company or owner name, address, telephone number, manufacturer's name, year, and tail number.

Decal Replacements
When a vessel or aircraft decal has been damaged due to repair or repainting, the following documents must be submitted to obtain a new decal:

1. A copy of the CF339 that was returned to you with the decal number assigned.
2. A copy of the paid repair or repaint bill that is signed by the company that did the work, with the company's name and address on the signed invoice or letterhead.
3. Identify any name or tail number changes.
4. A signed statement with a brief explanation of the circumstances that required the repair or repainting, with a contact name and telephone number.

Decal Exchanges
Because a decal is assigned to a specific conveyance, it cannot be transferred to another conveyance. CBP will exchange a decal for a different conveyance if a written request is postmarked no later than 30 calendar days after it was issued*.

Decal exchanges - The following documentation must be submitted for decal exchanges:

1. The UNUSED decal.
2. A new CBP application (CF339 form) for the vessel or aircraft that will be assigned the replacement decal.

*The exception to the 30-Day Rule: If you purchased a 2006 decal prior to January 1st, it may be exchanged through January 31st, 2006.

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Options for Applying for Decals/Transponders
Online - Whether you are ordering for the first time, or you are renewing your User Fee you can do so by applying online. If you prefer to use this method to renew, you should disregard the renewal package you will receive in the mail. Applying online is fast, easy, and the system is very user friendly. (To receive your order in 4 to 6 days, use a "ship to" address in the United States and select the expedited shipping option.)

Note: Your web browser must be set for 128-bit encryption to apply for decals online.

If you would like to apply for your 2006 decals online, please follow these directions.

1. Go to www.cbp.gov
2. Click on the “Travel” icon.
3. Scroll down and click on the “User Fee Decals and Transponders” link.
4. On the right side of the page, click on “Apply On-Line for Decals”
5. Click “OK” to exit the U.S. Customs webpage
6. Select the “Sign up! I have my account number” link.
7. Enter the Account Number given to you. This account number is 20 characters long. If you cannot find your account number, please send an e-mail to decals@dhs.gov or call (317) 298-1245, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm EST.
8. Complete the registration information, including the creation of a User ID and password. Passwords are case sensitive, and must be at least six characters.
9. Please secure the User ID and password in a safe place, as you will need this to log into the system.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent within 24 hours confirming your account.

Or, click on "Apply Online for Decal" in the "On the web" section at the right of this screen.

• Beginning in September 2006, CBP will send 2006 User Fee renewal applications to all customers who purchased calendar year 2005 User Fee Decals/transponders. The renewal application will list all the information the customer provided for the purchase of the 2005 decals. Instructions will be included for the completion of the application. Incorrect information should be revised and missing information provided on the preprinted renewal application. We recommend that applicants provide all information requested, per the instructions, to avoid our having to return the application without a decal/transponder. Please contact your local CBP offices for free assistance, if needed.
• If you do not receive a renewal application in the mail, you may obtain an Annual User Fee Application (CF-339) for vessels or aircraft from a local CBP port office or by calling Decal Inquiries at (317) 298-1245. Annual User Fee Applications for commercial vehicles (trucks) can only be obtained by calling the Decal inquiry line at (317)-298-1245

All Information on the Application Must be Complete. No abbreviations are permitted, except certain universally accepted address elements, i.e., state or province, street, drive, avenue, and the like. Applicants from Canada and Mexico should take care not to use abbreviations common only to their particular country, as application processors may not be familiar with them. If your address is not clear, the issuance of the decal/transponder will be delayed.

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Refunds
As indicated in previous years, there will be NO REFUNDS. Please ensure the accuracy of your order to avoid duplication. Once the User Fee has been paid, the transaction is final. You may be eligible for other options (See Exchanges).

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Payment
PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO CBP AND DRAWN ON A UNITED STATES BANK IN U.S. DOLLARS. FUNDS DRAWN ON A FOREIGN BANK IN U.S. FUNDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PAYMENTS THAT DO NOT MEET THIS CRITERION WILL BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT UNPROCESSED.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS OR DISCOVER.

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Delivery Options
There are various mailing options available for the delivery of decal/transponder orders. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the shipping method requested. Selection of the shipping method will require a second payment instrument or an additional charge to the credit card for the additional cost involved. Applications will be returned when there is only one payment instrument for the decal order and the optional shipping costs. As used below, the term "per application" for the purpose of determining shipping costs is defined as the same name and "ship to" address for all the decals requested, regardless of quantity.

If your "ship to" address is within the United States, your shipping options are:

1. Standard first class mail. This will be the method used to ship your decal order unless you select the expedited shipping option. CBP will provide first class mail service at no cost to the customer.
2. Expedited next business day delivery (street addresses only - no P.O. Boxes). There is an additional cost of $6.00 per application for this service and it will require 2 payment instruments; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping. If a credit card is the method of payment, CBP will place 2 charges against the card; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping.

If your "ship to" address is located in Canada, your shipping options are:

1. Standard first class mail. This will be the method used to ship your decal order unless you select the expedited option. CBP will provide first class mail service at no cost to the customer.
2. Expedited mail service is available (Approximately 3 business days, street addresses only - no P.O. Boxes). This may be used for "ship to" addresses located in Canada. There is an additional cost of $11.00 per application for this service, and will require 2 payment instruments; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping. If a credit card is the method of payment, CBP will place 2 charges against the card; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping.

If your "ship to" address is located in Mexico, your shipping options are:

Decals (Aircraft or Vessel)

1. Standard first class mail. This will be the method used to ship your decal order unless you select the registered mail option. CBP will provide first class mail service at no cost to the customer.
2. The U.S. Postal Service's Registered Mail. This may be used for "ship to" addresses in Mexico. There is an additional cost of $8.00 per application, and will require 2 payment instruments; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping. If a credit card is the method of payment, CBP will place 2 charges against the card; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping.

Transponders
U.S. Registered mail is required for transponders being shipped to an address in Mexico. There is an additional cost of $8.00 per application, and will require 2 payments: 1 for transponders, and 1 for the shipping. If a credit card is the method of payment, CBP will place 2 charges against the card; 1 for the decals, and 1 for the shipping.

If your "ship to" address is located outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico:

Applicants requesting "ship to" addresses not located in the United States, Canada, or Mexico will receive their decal orders via the U.S. Postal Service's first class mail, paid for by CBP. It is permissible to designate a "ship to" address within the United States, even though your residence or business address is elsewhere. This will allow you to request the overnight courier option available for U.S. address, if you wish.

Processing Time (Upon receipt of application)
Online Application	2 days
Faxed Application You may FAX your application to 412-234-3541, using a credit card for payment	3 days
Mailed Application	Check Payment – 15 days Money Order Payment – 4 days Credit Card Payment – 4 days
Shipping (Approximate time to receive your order after processing)
United States	First Class Mail – 4 days Overnight Service – 1 day, $6.00
Mexico	First Class Mail – Up to 6 weeks Registered Mail – Up to 6 weeks, $8.00
Canada	First Class Mail – Up to 6 weeks Expedited Service – 4 days, $11.00

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Quick Service
Applicants who wish to expedite the processing of their applications should use a credit card or money order for the payment, should provide a "ship to" address that is located in the United States, and should take advantage of the optional expedited delivery method. The "ship to" address may be different from the residence or business address.

First Choice:
Ordering decals/transponders online via the Internet is quick because electronic processing is utilized. This is also the most accurate option for applying. To receive your order in 4 to 6 days, you may use a "ship to" address in the United States and select the optional shipping method. To use this method, please click on the Apply Online for Decal link on the right side of this page under ‘on the web’.

Second Choice:
To receive a decal within 5 to 7 days, you may FAX your application to (412) 234-3541, using a credit card for payment, indicating a "ship to" address in the United States, and selecting the expedited shipping method for U.S. addresses.

If, instead, applicants opt to use first class mail, a check for payment, and/or a "ship to" address outside the United States, it may take 3 to 6 weeks before the decals are received.

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Mailing Addresses
User Fee applications not submitted online or by FAX, must be mailed to the Decal Program Administrator in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Please mail your completed application to CBP with payment to:

Address for regular mail:
U. S. Customs and Border Protection
User Fee Program Administrator
P.O. Box 382030
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8030

Address for courier/expedited delivery:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
User Fee Program Administrator-382030
500 Ross Street, Suite 640
Pittsburgh, PA 15262-0001

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Inquiries
Questions should be directed to Decal Inquiries at (317) 298-1245, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, or via email at decals@dhs.gov.