The MCS-150 biennial update is not a renewal of the carrier’s MC authority, insurance policy or vehicle registration.
It is the recurring process used to confirm and update the information associated with an existing USDOT Number.
Every regulated entity should keep its federal record accurate because FMCSA and other parties can use that information to understand:
- who operates the business;
- where it is located;
- what type of transportation it conducts;
- which cargo it transports;
- how many vehicles and drivers it uses;
- whether the operation remains active;
- whether the carrier’s registration is current.
The update is required every 24 months even when the information has not changed.
The deadline is not calculated from:
- the date the LLC was formed;
- the insurance renewal date;
- the anniversary of operating authority;
- the month the first load was hauled;
- the date the previous owner sold the truck.
It is determined principally by the last two digits of the USDOT Number.
What is Form MCS-150?
Form MCS-150 is the Motor Carrier Identification Report used to update an existing USDOT registration.
Historically, the paper form was central to the filing process.
The term “MCS-150 update” is still widely used even when the carrier completes the update electronically through Motus rather than uploading a paper form.
The filing can be used to report or confirm information such as:
- legal business name;
- doing-business-as name;
- principal place of business;
- mailing address;
- telephone number;
- email address;
- carrier operation;
- operation classification;
- cargo classifications;
- hazardous-material activity;
- number of vehicles;
- number of drivers;
- mileage;
- mileage year;
- out-of-business status.
The biennial update is only one use
An MCS-150 series update can also support actions involving:
- routine registration corrections;
- address changes;
- contact changes;
- fleet changes;
- cargo changes;
- operating-classification changes;
- reactivation of an inactive USDOT Number;
- reporting that the carrier is out of business;
- certain authority-related record changes.
The biennial update is the recurring two-year confirmation requirement.
Who must complete the biennial update?
FMCSA states that all entities under its jurisdiction with a USDOT Number must complete the update according to the prescribed schedule.
This can include:
- for-hire motor carriers;
- private motor carriers;
- exempt motor carriers;
- passenger carriers;
- hazardous-material carriers;
- intermodal equipment providers;
- other registered entities.
The requirement is connected to the USDOT registration.
It is not limited to businesses holding an MC Number.
Private carriers
A private carrier can have no operating authority because it transports only its own property.
It can still possess a USDOT Number and therefore remain subject to the biennial-update requirement.
Intrastate carriers
Some states require intrastate commercial carriers to obtain USDOT Numbers.
An intrastate carrier with a USDOT registration should not assume the federal record can be ignored merely because the truck does not cross state lines.
Inactive businesses
A carrier that no longer operates should formally update its federal status.
Simply allowing the record to become overdue can leave public data suggesting that:
- the company remains active;
- vehicles remain in service;
- cargo classifications remain current;
- the USDOT Number remains associated with continuing operations.
The correct action can be an out-of-business or inactivation request rather than another ordinary active-carrier certification.
| Entity status | Appropriate action | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Active carrier with changed information | Update the record accurately | Waiting until the biennial deadline |
| Active carrier with no changes | Certify the biennial update anyway | Assuming no filing is required |
| Carrier temporarily not hauling | Review whether the registration should remain active and accurate | Reporting out of business when operations are only paused |
| Company permanently closed | Submit the appropriate out-of-business request | Ignoring the record indefinitely |
| Business transferred to a new legal entity | Determine whether the new entity requires its own USDOT Number | Continuing to use the prior entity’s number |
How to calculate the MCS-150 deadline
The schedule uses the final two digits of the USDOT Number.
- The last digit determines the filing month.
- The next-to-last digit determines whether the filing occurs in odd-numbered or even-numbered years.
Step 1: Find the last digit
The final digit determines the month.
| USDOT Number ends in | Update due by the final day of |
|---|---|
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
No routine biennial-update deadlines are assigned to November or December through the final-digit schedule.
Step 2: Find the next-to-last digit
The next-to-last digit determines the filing year.
- Odd next-to-last digit: file in odd-numbered years.
- Even next-to-last digit: file in even-numbered years.
Odd digits are:
- 1;
- 3;
- 5;
- 7;
-
Even digits are:
- 0;
- 2;
- 4;
- 6;
-
Example 1: USDOT Number ending in 27
The final digit is 7.
The filing month is July.
The next-to-last digit is 2.
Two is even, so the filing is due during even-numbered years.
The scheduled deadline would therefore be the final day of July in years such as:
- 2026;
- 2028;
-
Example 2: USDOT Number ending in 58
The final digit is 8.
The filing month is August.
The next-to-last digit is 5.
Five is odd, so the filing is due during odd-numbered years.
Examples include:
- August 2027;
- August 2029;
- August 2031.
Example 3: USDOT Number ending in 00
The final digit is 0.
The filing month is October.
The next-to-last digit is also 0.
Zero is even, so the filing is due in even-numbered years.
Example 4: New carrier receives a number shortly before its scheduled month
A new carrier can receive a USDOT Number and discover that the normal digit-based deadline occurs relatively soon.
FMCSA also requires registration information before operations begin.
The carrier should not assume it can ignore inaccurate information until a full two years have passed.
The digital record should be reviewed, updated and certified through the applicable registration workflow.
Can the update be completed early?
Yes.
FMCSA states that an update completed during the 12 months immediately preceding the biennial due date can satisfy the requirement.
This is important when the carrier reports a material change before its normal filing month.
Example of an early qualifying update
Assume the carrier’s normal biennial deadline is July 31, 2028.
The carrier changes its physical address in November 2027 and submits a complete qualifying registration update.
November 2027 falls within the 12 months preceding July 31, 2028.
That update can satisfy the 2028 biennial requirement.
The carrier should still verify that FMCSA recorded the submission as an accepted update.
An older update may not satisfy the deadline
Suppose the same carrier last updated its information in May 2027.
That date falls more than 12 months before July 31, 2028.
The carrier should not assume the May 2027 filing satisfies the July 2028 biennial requirement.
Save the certification date
After filing, record:
- submission date;
- confirmation number;
- person who certified;
- update type;
- next scheduled deadline;
- supporting documents.
Do not rely entirely on an email search two years later.
Changes that should be reported before the deadline
The biennial schedule is not permission to leave inaccurate information on the federal record for two years.
FMCSA instructs registrants to update relevant information when it changes.
Examples include:
- legal business name;
- DBA;
- physical address;
- mailing address;
- telephone;
- email;
- company official;
- operation classification;
- interstate or intrastate status;
- cargo classifications;
- hazardous-material activity;
- number of power units;
- number of drivers.
FMCSA guidance states that registration information should generally be updated within 30 days of a change.
Address changes
The principal place of business should represent the real location where the carrier maintains and manages qualifying business records.
It should not be replaced casually with:
- virtual office;
- post office box as physical address;
- registered-agent office;
- filing company address;
- unrelated residence.
The mailing address can differ from the physical address when accurately reported.
Fleet changes
The MCS-150 record includes information about vehicles and drivers.
The carrier should periodically reconcile the federal record with:
- insurance schedule;
- vehicle titles;
- leases;
- IRP records;
- inspection history;
- driver roster.
A one-truck carrier that grows to ten power units should not leave the public record showing one vehicle indefinitely.
Cargo changes
Cargo classifications can affect:
- insurance requirements;
- safety oversight;
- broker evaluation;
- hazardous-material obligations;
- public carrier information.
Do not select every possible cargo merely to keep future options open.
Do not omit a recurring commodity simply because it may produce:
- higher insurance premium;
- additional compliance;
- broker questions.
Interstate or intrastate classification
A carrier can participate in interstate commerce even when its vehicles operate within one state.
The classification depends on the broader movement of the cargo, not only the truck’s immediate route.
A business changing from intrastate to interstate operations should review:
- USDOT registration;
- operating authority;
- UCR;
- insurance;
- IRP;
- IFTA;
- ELD and hours-of-service obligations;
- state permits.
Changes that can require an FMCSA record update
- Legal company name
- Doing-business-as name
- Physical address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Company officials
- Entity status
- Carrier operation type
- Interstate or intrastate classification
- For-hire or private status
- Cargo classifications
- Hazardous-material activity
- Number of power units
- Number of drivers
- Mileage and mileage year
- Out-of-business status
MCS-150, MCS-150B and MCS-150C
The correct form depends on the entity and operation.
| Form | Common user | Main function |
|---|---|---|
| MCS-150 | Motor carriers and many standard registrants | Motor Carrier Identification Report |
| MCS-150B | Motor carriers subject to Hazardous Materials Safety Permit requirements | Combined registration and permit-related information |
| MCS-150C | Intermodal equipment providers | Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report |
A standard general-freight carrier normally uses the MCS-150 registration structure.
A carrier holding or applying for a qualifying Hazardous Materials Safety Permit should review the MCS-150B requirements.
An intermodal equipment provider uses the appropriate MCS-150C process.
How to file the biennial update through Motus
Motus is FMCSA’s current USDOT Registration System.
Existing registrants can use it to:
- claim an existing USDOT Number;
- review company data;
- submit a biennial update;
- update business information;
- manage registrations;
- track registration actions;
- inactivate or reactivate a USDOT Number.
Step 1: Create the individual account
The company official signs in through Login.gov and completes the required identity-verification process.
The individual user profile should belong to a real person authorized to act for the carrier.
Do not create one shared login for:
- owner;
- dispatcher;
- compliance consultant;
- accountant;
- insurance agent.
Motus supports authorized users with their own access.
Step 2: Claim the existing USDOT Number
An existing registrant should claim the company record rather than create another USDOT Number.
The company official uses the appropriate identity and company information to connect the Motus account with the existing federal record.
Creating a duplicate USDOT registration can produce serious problems involving:
- inspections;
- insurance filings;
- operating authority;
- safety history;
- broker records;
- carrier identity.
Step 3: Review imported information
After claiming the company, compare the record with current operations.
Review:
- legal name;
- DBA;
- addresses;
- officials;
- contact information;
- operation type;
- cargo;
- vehicles;
- drivers;
- mileage;
- authority information.
Do not certify the update immediately merely because the system imported existing information.
Step 4: Correct inaccurate information
Update fields that no longer represent the business.
Some significant changes can require:
- supporting documents;
- separate authority update;
- insurance change;
- BOC-3 change;
- further FMCSA review.
Step 5: Certify and submit
The authorized company representative certifies that the information is accurate.
The certification should not be delegated casually to a filing service that has not reviewed the actual operation.
Step 6: Save the confirmation
Download or record:
- submission confirmation;
- action number;
- date;
- updated company record;
- next filing deadline.
Step 7: Verify the public record
Use the Motus public search and other FMCSA public systems to confirm that the update appears correctly.
Allow for reasonable processing time, but investigate when:
- no update date appears;
- old address remains;
- fleet size remains incorrect;
- carrier status changes unexpectedly;
- authority information appears inconsistent.
Motus biennial-update process
- 01 Sign in securely
Use the company official’s Login.gov credentials and complete Motus identity verification.
- 02 Claim the existing USDOT record
Connect the company account to the existing registration rather than applying for another number.
- 03 Open the biennial-update action
Select the registration action for confirming and updating the USDOT record.
- 04 Review every section
Check identity, addresses, operation, cargo, vehicles, drivers and contact information.
- 05 Correct inaccuracies
Use current operational records rather than copying an old MCS-150 submission.
- 06 Certify the filing
An authorized official confirms that the information is complete and accurate.
- 07 Save confirmation
Retain the submission date, action number and updated registration report.
- 08 Verify the public record
Confirm that FMCSA shows the correct data and a current registration update.
Filing by form or support request
Motus is the current primary system for registration management.
FMCSA also maintains support pathways for problems or changes that require documentation.
Depending on the action, the carrier may need to submit:
- completed MCS-150 series form;
- government-issued identification;
- company-formation documents;
- IRS EIN confirmation;
- supporting explanation;
- FMCSA support ticket.
The precise supporting documents depend on the change.
Avoid duplicate requests
During a system or account issue, do not submit the same request repeatedly through:
- several tickets;
- several users;
- mail;
- multiple filing companies.
Duplicate submissions can complicate review and make it harder to identify the controlling request.
Keep one case record containing:
- ticket number;
- date submitted;
- documents;
- follow-up dates;
- FMCSA response.
Paper submissions can take longer
Where a paper or uploaded form is accepted for a particular action, allow processing time.
A form being sent does not prove that:
- FMCSA received it;
- it was complete;
- it was accepted;
- the record was updated.
Verify the outcome.
The 2026 temporary inactivation suspension
FMCSA launched Motus in May 2026.
During the transition, some registrants encountered access or system problems.
FMCSA announced that it temporarily suspended inactivation of USDOT Numbers for entities that had not completed required biennial updates since June 1, 2026.
The temporary measure gives affected registrants additional time while the system stabilizes.
What the suspension means
The announcement means that covered entities should not be automatically inactivated solely because a qualifying update became overdue during the specified Motus transition period.
What it does not mean
The announcement does not state that:
- the biennial-update rule was repealed;
- no future update is required;
- the carrier can leave inaccurate information indefinitely;
- civil and regulatory duties have disappeared;
- every inactive USDOT Number will be restored;
- operating authority problems are suspended;
- insurance cancellations are suspended.
The carrier should still complete the update as soon as it can access the system reliably.
What happens when the update is missed?
FMCSA’s general guidance states that failure to complete the biennial update can result in:
- USDOT Number deactivation;
- civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day;
- maximum civil penalty of $10,000.
Actual enforcement depends on the circumstances and current agency action.
The 2026 temporary suspension affects certain automatic inactivations arising during the Motus transition, but it does not eliminate the regulatory requirement.
USDOT deactivation
A deactivated USDOT Number can affect the carrier’s ability to operate legally and can create problems with:
- roadside enforcement;
- brokers;
- shippers;
- insurers;
- load boards;
- state registrations;
- safety records;
- operating authority.
Operating authority is a separate record
USDOT status and MC operating authority are related but distinct.
Filing the MCS-150 does not by itself:
- reinstate revoked operating authority;
- replace BOC-3;
- restore cancelled insurance;
- pay an authority reinstatement fee;
- resolve an out-of-service order.
A carrier with both USDOT and authority problems must identify each issue separately.
| Problem | Likely action | MCS-150 alone sufficient? |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial update overdue | Complete the required USDOT update | Often central to correcting the USDOT record |
| Insurance filing cancelled | Bind qualifying coverage and have filer submit evidence | No |
| BOC-3 invalid | Obtain a valid process-agent filing | No |
| Operating authority revoked | Complete applicable reinstatement process | No |
| USDOT marked out of service for safety reasons | Resolve the underlying safety order | No |
| Company permanently closed | Submit out-of-business and authority-related closure actions | Part of the required process |
How to verify whether the update was accepted
Do not assume success from the final confirmation screen alone.
Review the updated public registration.
Useful sources can include:
- Motus company account;
- Motus public search;
- SAFER Company Snapshot;
- FMCSA Licensing and Insurance information for authority-related records.
Information to verify
Check:
- legal name;
- DBA;
- physical address;
- mailing address;
- telephone;
- USDOT status;
- entity type;
- operating status;
- power units;
- drivers;
- cargo;
- latest MCS-150 date;
- mileage;
- mileage year.
The MCS-150 date
The public record commonly shows the date of the latest MCS-150 or registration update.
Record that date in the company compliance calendar.
It can help determine whether a recent update falls within the period that satisfies the next biennial requirement.
Correct errors promptly
When the public record does not match the submitted information:
- preserve the submission confirmation;
- confirm sufficient processing time has passed;
- review the submitted data;
- open one support case;
- provide the confirmation and supporting evidence;
- monitor the case until resolved.
Post-filing verification checklist
- Submission confirmation saved
- Motus action shown as completed
- Legal name correct
- DBA correct
- Physical address correct
- Mailing address correct
- Telephone and email current
- Power-unit count accurate
- Driver count accurate
- Cargo classifications accurate
- Interstate or intrastate status accurate
- Latest update date recorded
- USDOT status active when appropriate
- Operating authority checked separately
- Next deadline entered in calendar
How to complete the update accurately
The most efficient update begins with current company records.
Collect:
- Secretary of State record;
- EIN information;
- insurance declarations;
- vehicle schedule;
- driver roster;
- IRP records;
- prior MCS-150 information;
- cargo list;
- mileage records;
- authority information.
Legal business name
Use the exact entity holding the USDOT registration.
Include the correct suffix:
- LLC;
- Inc.;
- Corp.;
- LP;
- other legal designation.
A DBA should not replace the legal name.
Principal place of business
The physical address should represent the actual business location qualifying under FMCSA requirements.
The company should be able to maintain or make required records available as required.
Power units
Reconcile:
- owned tractors;
- leased tractors;
- straight trucks;
- buses;
- other power units operated by the carrier.
Do not count trailers as power units.
Driver count
Review:
- interstate drivers;
- intrastate drivers;
- drivers operating within applicable distance categories;
- owner-driver;
- employee drivers;
- qualifying contractors.
Do not enter zero simply because the owner is not treated as a payroll employee.
Mileage
Use a supportable mileage figure and corresponding mileage year.
Potential sources include:
- IFTA reports;
- ELD reports;
- odometer summaries;
- accounting records;
- dispatch software.
An obviously outdated mileage figure can make the record less useful to regulators, insurers and commercial partners.
Cargo classifications
Select cargo that reflects the real business.
Review whether the carrier transports:
- general freight;
- household goods;
- metal;
- building materials;
- fresh produce;
- refrigerated food;
- beverages;
- paper products;
- machinery;
- automobiles;
- hazardous materials;
- other listed categories.
Avoid selecting incompatible categories without a genuine operational basis.
Out-of-business and inactivation requests
A company that has permanently stopped using its USDOT Number should report the closure formally.
FMCSA instructions direct registrants to use the appropriate MCS-150 series process and select the out-of-business reason.
Additional supporting documentation can be required.
Active operating authority requires separate handling
When the company also holds active operating authority, closing the USDOT record can require an authority-revocation action in addition to the MCS-150 update.
Do not assume that marking the USDOT Number out of business automatically completes every:
- MC authority;
- insurance filing;
- BOC-3;
- UCR;
- state registration;
- IRP;
- IFTA;
- tax account.
Temporary pause versus permanent closure
A business experiencing:
- truck repair;
- seasonal slowdown;
- temporary insurance gap;
- driver shortage;
- planned restart
should not necessarily report itself permanently out of business.
Choose the status that reflects the real business condition and understand the steps required to reactivate later.
MCS-150 update versus name or ownership change
Not every business change is a simple routine update.
Legal name change
The same legal entity can change its name.
That can require coordinated updates to:
- USDOT registration;
- operating authority;
- insurance;
- BOC-3;
- UCR;
- IRP;
- IFTA;
- contracts.
Supporting state documentation and an authority name-change process may apply.
New legal entity
A new LLC or corporation does not normally inherit the old entity’s USDOT Number merely because:
- the owner is the same;
- the trucks are the same;
- the DBA is the same;
- customers are the same;
- operations continue without interruption.
The carrier should determine whether the new business requires its own USDOT Number and authority.
Ownership transaction
Some legitimate corporate transactions require detailed analysis.
The parties should not treat a USDOT Number or MC authority as a number that can simply be:
- sold;
- leased;
- rented;
- transferred informally.
FMCSA can investigate reincarnated or affiliated carriers attempting to avoid an existing compliance history.
Is the update really free?
FMCSA does not charge a processing fee for a routine biennial update.
A private company can charge for:
- preparing information;
- filing assistance;
- compliance review;
- account management;
- reminders;
- other commercial services.
That service is optional unless a specific legal or operational circumstance requires professional assistance.
Common solicitation tactics
A private notice may:
- resemble a government invoice;
- use the USDOT Number prominently;
- state that immediate payment is required;
- quote a large compliance fee;
- imply that the sender represents FMCSA;
- include an artificial deadline.
The carrier should distinguish:
- government requirement;
- government fee;
- private service;
- optional add-on.
Protect Motus and Login.gov access
A filing service does not need the owner’s personal Login.gov password.
Motus allows company officials to manage authorized users.
The carrier should maintain:
- its own company-official access;
- secure recovery methods;
- a controlled email address;
- an internal copy of every filing.
Never make a third party the only person capable of accessing the registration.
Common MCS-150 mistakes
Mistake 1: Filing only when something changes
The biennial certification is still required when nothing changes.
Mistake 2: Calculating from the authority anniversary
The final two USDOT digits determine the standard schedule.
Mistake 3: Looking only at the last digit
The last digit gives the month, but the next-to-last digit determines the odd or even filing year.
Mistake 4: Waiting two years to report an address change
Material changes should be reported when they occur.
Mistake 5: Creating a new USDOT Number
An existing business should claim and update its current record rather than create a duplicate registration.
Mistake 6: Reporting zero drivers for an owner-operator
The owner-driver can still count as a driver even when not treated as a conventional employee.
Mistake 7: Counting trailers as power units
Power units and trailers are different fleet categories.
Mistake 8: Copying old mileage
Use supportable mileage and the correct reporting year.
Mistake 9: Selecting every cargo category
The record should describe actual operations.
Mistake 10: Assuming MCS-150 reinstates authority
Operating-authority reinstatement is a separate process.
Mistake 11: Ignoring the public record after filing
Verify that the accepted information appears correctly.
Mistake 12: Paying an unnecessary government-style invoice
The direct federal biennial update has no processing fee.
Mistake 13: Treating temporary 2026 relief as cancellation of the rule
The Motus-transition suspension is temporary and limited.
Mistake 14: Leaving a closed company active
Report out-of-business status formally.
Biennial update preparation checklist
MCS-150 preparation checklist
- USDOT Number confirmed
- Deadline month calculated
- Odd or even filing year calculated
- Latest update date reviewed
- Legal company name verified
- DBA verified
- Secretary of State status checked
- Physical address verified
- Mailing address verified
- Telephone and email verified
- Company officials reviewed
- Carrier operation type reviewed
- Interstate or intrastate status reviewed
- For-hire or private status reviewed
- Cargo classifications reviewed
- Hazardous-material activity reviewed
- Power-unit count reconciled
- Driver count reconciled
- Mileage calculated
- Mileage year identified
- Insurance and authority checked separately
- Login.gov and Motus access tested
Annual registration-control process
Even though the MCS-150 update is biennial, the carrier should review the record annually.
Annual USDOT registration review
- 01 Check the public company record
Compare FMCSA data with the current legal and operational business.
- 02 Reconcile vehicles and drivers
Use insurance, IRP, driver and equipment records to identify discrepancies.
- 03 Review cargo and operation
Confirm that the carrier’s current freight and interstate status are represented accurately.
- 04 Check the biennial deadline
Use the final two USDOT digits and the latest accepted update date.
- 05 Update material changes
Do not wait for the next biennial month when important information is already inaccurate.
- 06 Verify related registrations
Review authority, insurance, BOC-3, UCR, IRP, IFTA and state credentials separately.
- 07 Preserve evidence
Store confirmations, screenshots, forms and supporting records in the compliance file.
Final deadline examples
| USDOT ending | Month digit | Year digit | Scheduled filing pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 7 = July | 2 = even | July of every even-numbered year |
| 58 | 8 = August | 5 = odd | August of every odd-numbered year |
| 90 | 0 = October | 9 = odd | October of every odd-numbered year |
| 04 | 4 = April | 0 = even | April of every even-numbered year |
| 11 | 1 = January | 1 = odd | January of every odd-numbered year |
| 62 | 2 = February | 6 = even | February of every even-numbered year |
What the carrier should do next
To complete the biennial update:
- locate the USDOT Number;
- use the last digit to determine the month;
- use the next-to-last digit to determine odd or even years;
- review the latest accepted update date;
- sign into Motus through the company-controlled account;
- claim the existing USDOT record when necessary;
- review every registration field;
- correct inaccurate information;
- certify and submit;
- save the confirmation;
- verify the public record;
- enter the next deadline in the compliance calendar.
When the company has changed:
- update the USDOT record promptly;
- determine whether operating authority also needs an update;
- notify the insurer;
- update BOC-3 where necessary;
- reconcile UCR and state registrations;
- preserve supporting documents.
When the company has permanently closed:
- submit the appropriate out-of-business action;
- address operating authority separately;
- cancel or close insurance and state accounts correctly;
- preserve the final registration evidence.