- USDOT Number Registration
- Operating Authority
- BOC-3 Filing
- UCR Registration
- MCS-150 Biennial Update - MOTUS
- Clearinghouse Registration
- FMCSA Portal Registration
MCS-150 Biennial Update
MCS 150 form is mandatory required by the FMCSA to keep your USDOT number active.
All carrier are required to update their details with MOTUS system.
Enter your USDOT number to get started
If you DO NOT have a USDOT Number, Apply for a USDOT Number.
What is an MCS-150 Update?
The MCS-150 form is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to update or renew your USDOT number. All motor carriers must complete an MCS-150 biennial update every two years, even if no information has changed. You are also required to file an update anytime your business details change, including company structure, address, or operations. All updates are filed with new FMCSA system called MOTUS gov.
MCS-150 Filing Options
Deactivate Your USDOT Number
If your company is no longer operating, you must notify the FMCSA within 30 days by filing an MCS-150 and selecting "Out of Business" status.
Deactivate NowReactivate Your USDOT Number
If your USDOT number has been deactivated and you plan to resume operations, you must file an MCS-150 to reactivate your registration.
Reactivate NowUpdate Your Business Information
If any of your company details have changed, such as address, contact information, or operations, you are required to file an MCS-150 update with the FMCSA.
Update NowWhen to file an FMCSA Update with MOTUS?
The FMCSA requires all motor carriers to file an MCS-150 biennial update every two years to maintain an active USDOT number with MOTUS. You must also file an MCS-150 anytime your business information changes or your operating status is updated.
You need to file an MCS-150 if you:
- Complete your biennial (2-year) update
- Change your business address
- Change your company name
- Update your operating authority
- Add or remove vehicles from your fleet
- Begin transporting hazardous materials
- Reactivate your USDOT number
- Reapply after new entrant revocation
- Report that your company is no longer operating
- Make any other changes to your business information
Skip the update and your USDOT number can be deactivated, you can face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day (capped at $10,000), and you'll lose active operating status with the FMCSA.
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), 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, 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 with MOTUS. 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 Biennial updates are processed and reflected in the FMCSA SAFER system within 3–10 business days. Reactivation filings (when the USDOT is currently inactive) can take longer, typically 2–4 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.
MOTUS PORTAL — File Your MCS-150 Today
Don't risk having your USDOT Number deactivated. File online now.