National Dump Trucking Association

NDTA DBE Recertification Portal
7-Day Walkthrough
Required Documents Narrative Guide Self-Audit Scorecard Pre-Submission Checklist
Resources & Contacts

DBE Recertification

7-Day Recertification Walkthrough

Follow this guided, day-by-day action plan to get your recertification packet ready. Each step builds on the last — complete them in order. Based on the NDTA Fast-Track Kit and the 2025 Interim Final Rule.

Your progress
1

Day 1

Understand What Changed

The 2025 Interim Final Rule (IFR) removed the automatic presumption of disadvantage based on race, ethnicity, or sex. Every certified DBE must now individually prove disadvantage through a personal narrative and supporting evidence.

Action items:

Read the IFR summary so you understand the new requirements.
Log in to the GDOT or MARTA portal and confirm your profile status shows "Needs Reevaluation."
Verify your contact information (address, phone, email) is current in the portal.
Identify whether GDOT or MARTA is your certifying agency — that determines where you upload.
View Resources & Contacts →
2

Day 2

Gather Business & Owner Documents

Pull together your core business formation and ownership documents. Every document must show the same business name, owner name, and address.

Action items:

Locate Articles of Incorporation / LLC paperwork.
Find your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS.
Gather your Operating Agreement or Bylaws.
Get your current DBE certification letter and any prior GDOT/MARTA correspondence.
Collect owner photo ID, ownership certificates or share ledger, and your resume.
Verify name and address consistency across every document.
Full Document Checklist →
3

Day 3

Gather Financial Records

Collect three years of tax returns, twelve months of bank statements, and current financial statements. These prove the economic size and legitimacy of your firm.

Action items:

Personal tax returns — 3 most recent years.
Business tax returns — 3 most recent years.
Business bank statements — last 12 months.
Current Profit & Loss (P&L) statement.
Current Balance Sheet.
Any loan agreements, credit lines, or accounts receivable/payable ledgers.
Full Document Checklist →
4

Day 4

Gather Trucking & Operations Records

For trucking firms, operational documents prove you are actively running equipment and performing work. Make sure everything is current and not expired.

Action items:

Equipment list with VINs for every truck and trailer.
Vehicle registrations and titles.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) — confirm it is not expired.
Insurance certificates: auto, general liability, workers comp.
DOT inspection reports or permits.
Active contracts, subcontracts, hauling tickets, and recent invoices.
Full Document Checklist →
5

Day 5

Write Your Personal Narrative

Your narrative is the single most important new requirement. It must describe specific incidents of disadvantage using the When / Where / Who / What / Why / How structure. You must stay within three accepted categories and never cite race, ethnicity, or sex.

Action items:

Choose incidents from the 3 accepted categories: Education, Employment, or Business History.
For each incident, write using When / Where / Who / What / Why / How.
Attach at least one piece of supporting evidence per incident (denial letters, emails, bid records).
Include the signed certification statement with your business name.
Review the flagged examples to avoid common mistakes.
Have someone else review your narrative before finalizing.
Narrative Writing Guide →
6

Day 6

Complete PNW & Declarations

Your Personal Net Worth (PNW) must be under $2,047,000. Use the official USDOT form. Exclude your ownership interest in the firm, primary residence equity, and retirement accounts. Every number needs a supporting document.

Action items:

Complete the USDOT PNW form — do not use a custom format.
Exclude non-reportable assets: firm ownership, primary residence equity, retirement accounts.
Attach supporting documentation for every figure on the PNW.
Sign and date the PNW statement.
Sign and date the Declaration of Eligibility.
Double-check your math — the cap is $2,047,000.
PNW Requirements →
7

Day 7

Self-Audit, Final Review & Submit

Run through the self-audit scorecard and pre-submission checklist. Fix every gap. Then upload your complete packet to the correct portal (GDOT or MARTA) and save a full backup copy with the submission date.

Action items:

Complete the 10-question Self-Audit Scorecard — every answer must be "Yes."
Run through the 8-item Pre-Submission Checklist — every box must be checked.
Organize documents in clearly labeled folders.
Save digital backup copies in at least two places.
Upload to the correct portal: GDOT or MARTA.
Note the date and time of submission for your records.
Self-Audit Scorecard →

🎉 All 7 days complete

You have worked through every step of the recertification action plan. Upload your packet to the GDOT or MARTA portal and save a full backup with the date and time.

Final Pre-Submission Checklist Go to Dashboard

Quick links to detailed guides