MCS-150 Biennial Update

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MCS-150 Biennial Update

MCS 150 form is mandatory required by the FMCSA for obtaining or renewing your USDOT number.
Every motor carrier is required to update their details with FMCSA every two years or if there is any changes.

Update, Reactivate or Deactivate your DOT Number.

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If you need to make any updates or changes to your USDOT Number, please file an MCS-150 Update.

When should you file a MCS 150 Update?

The FMCSA mandates an MCS 150 update, also known as the Biennial Update, every two years at least for acquiring and keeping your USDOT number. You also need to file MCS-150 if you make any changes:

Biennial (every 2 years) Update
Changed your business address
Changed your company name
Changed your operating authority
Reapplication (after revocation of new entrant)
Reactivate USDOT
Become a hazardous materials carrier
Added to or reduced the number of vehicles in your fleet
Notify FMCSA that the company is no longer operating
Make any other changes to your business

What is an MCS 150 update?

The MCS 150 is a requirement form FMCSA gov for updating or renewing your USDOT number. It is mandatory for every carrier to update their details with FMCSA dot gov every two years or if there are any changes. If you fail to do your Biennial Update, your USDOT Number may be deleted could lead to daily fines of up to $1,000, with a maximum of $10,000 overall.

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When is my FMCSA Update due?

Your DOT renewal date is determined by the last two numbers of your USDOT number. The last digit tells you the month it is due and the digit before the last tells you the odd/even year. Every two years, a carrier must do an update in the FMCSA Portal, even if the company's information hasn't changed, stopped, or is no longer in business and you didn't inform FMCSA.

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Update your MCS-150 to keep your USDOT Number active and compliant.

MCS-150 FAQ

How often do I have to file the MCS-150?
The FMCSA requires every motor carrier to file an MCS-150 update every two years (biennially) via the MOTUS portal, regardless of whether any business information has changed. Your specific filing month is determined by the last digit of your USDOT number (the second-to-last digit determines whether it's an even or odd year). Missing your assigned month is the #1 reason a USDOT number gets deactivated.
What's the difference between an MCS-150 update and a reactivation?
An update keeps an active USDOT number active and refreshes the information on file. A reactivation is filed when your USDOT number has already been deactivated (usually for missing a prior biennial update). Both use the same MCS-150 form, but reactivation may also require submitting an MCS-150A safety certification and can take longer to process. If you're not sure which applies to you, enter your DOT number in the lookup above, and we'll tell you your current status.
Do I have to file the MCS-150 if my business information hasn't changed?
Yes. The biennial update is required even if nothing has changed. The FMCSA uses the filing itself as proof that your carrier registration is still current. Skipping the filing because "nothing changed" is one of the most common reasons a USDOT number gets deactivated.
My USDOT number is showing as "Inactive", can I still file an MCS-150?
Yes, filing an MCS-150 is exactly how you get an inactive USDOT number reactivated. Once the FMCSA processes the filing, your status typically updates from Inactive back to Active within a few business days. Just be aware that during the inactive period, you are not legally authorized to operate in interstate commerce, and any operation during that window can trigger penalties.
How long does it take for the FMCSA to process an MCS-150 update?
Most MCS-150 updates are processed and reflected in the FMCSA SAFER system within 0–3 business days. Reactivation filings (when the USDOT is currently inactive) can take longer, typically 2–3 weeks, because the FMCSA reviews the carrier's prior compliance history before restoring active status. After filing, you can verify your status anytime by entering your DOT number in our lookup tool above.