As of January 1, 2024, users will be required to use Login.gov to access their FMCSA Portal account.  Username and Password will no longer be available. If you don't have a Login.gov account yet, you must set up an account using your FMCSA Portal account email address in order to link the accounts.

New entities must apply for their own operating authority. In corporate purchase transactions involving an entire operation, however, a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder may instead choose to transfer its existing operating authority to the new entity as a part of the transaction. Transfers most often occur during a corporate merger or acquisition, or during a corporate restructuring.  Because FMCSA discontinued the operating authority transfer review and approval process described in 49 CFR Part 365, Subpart D, in 2013, these transactions no longer require FMCSA approval prior to completion. To ensure accurate registration information, FMCSA will record and track an Operating Authority Transfer when the “transfer” is part of a purchase transaction involving an entire operation and the Agency receives adequate notification from both the transferor and transferee documenting the transaction.  

For example, if XYZ Trucking (XYZ) and ABC Transportation (ABC) decide to merge and form a new company, FTA Trucking, the new company would have to apply for a new USDOT number but may request a transfer of Operating Authority from either XYZ or ABC.  Similarly, if XYZ is acquired by ABC and ABC does not already have operating authority, but does have a USDOT number, XYZ may transfer its operating authority to ABC as a part of the corporate transaction. 

To effectively record the “transfer,” and track registration, both transferors and transferees will be asked to provide basic identifying information about their business operations.  In addition, FMCSA may request evidence of the requisite merger or acquisition (e.g., articles or agreement showing merger, transfer of assets, transfer of ownership, etc.). If the merger or acquisition results in the transferor terminating all of its transportation operations, the transferor should also submit an MCS-150 out of business notification.

To properly record a transfer, FMCSA will need the following:

Once the transfer recording request is received, FMCSA will review and contact the requestor for any additional information, if needed. If FMCSA determines that the submission is not actually a request to record a transfer, the Agency may direct the parties to complete the appropriate registration applications or forms to complete their desired transaction. After the request is recorded in FMCSA Systems:

1. Transferees will receive a letter in the mail instructing the recipient company to submit:
   • Proof of financial responsibility (Insurance)
   • Designation of a process agent (BOC-3 form)
2. The updated OA information will appear in the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance page and the OA status will be displayed as “Inactive” until the above requirements are met.
3. Once the OA is Active, the transferee can download a copy of order recording the transfer. A hard copy will also be mailed.

Submit a request to record a transfer using one of the options below:

Option 1: Submit a ticket through our website at Ask FMCSA using the Submit Us a Ticket icon at the top of the page, completing the required fields, and uploading documents. This is the fastest option.  FMCSA sends confirmation emails for Ask FMCSA requests.

Option 2: Fax all required information with an explicit request to record an Operating Authority Transfer to 202-366-3477.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-832-5660 or via our Ask FMCSA page.

For more information, FMCSA provided notice in 2013 on the process to record transfers of operating authority registration by non-exempt for-hire motor carriers, property brokers and freight forwarders. Visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/08/23/2013-20443/transfers-of-operating-authority-registration.

To reactivate your USDOT number, you must submit complete and submit the appropriate MCS-150 series form, as applicable to your company. Please note that FMCSA strongly recommends using forms directly from our website as other online places may include expired forms by mistake. FMCSA does not accept expired versions of the MCS-150, MCS-150B and MCS-150C forms. 

If you are reactivating your USDOT Number after a New Entrant revocation, click here as there are separate instructions to follow.

If you also need to reinstate your operating authority, click here for separate instructions. 

To verify your current USDOT number status, visit our SAFER Company Snapshot web page. 

If you have questions about your USDOT status, please contact us by phone, email or chat. We can also walk you through the process on your computer using our co-browse functionality.

If you are a motor carrier based in Mexico and plan to operate beyond the commercial zone in the United States, you must register with FMCSA by completing the appropriate forms: MCS-150, OP-1MX and BOC-3 Forms.

To download the forms, click here. 

Please note the online FMCSA registration process is not available for these type of operations at this time. 

More guidance for Mexican carriers is here.

To register for a USDOT number, you can apply online through the FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS). The URS system will guide you through the registration process and help you determine what other registrations, permits, or authorities you may need. Before you register for a USDOT number, it is recommended that you review the FMCSA's guidance on registration requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary information and documentation. Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive a USDOT number that must be displayed on your vehicles and used in all your company's transportation-related activities.

For more information about registering with the FMCSA, go to the FMCSA Registration page. 

To find the status of an existing company/USDOT#, click here for the SAFER Company Snapshot page.

To reinstate your operating authority (MC, FF, or MX Docket Number), you will be required to:

• Comply to with the minimum financial responsibility requirements and Designation of Process Agent (BOC-3 Form) on file with FMCSA. Please see our Insurance Requirements website for more information; and
• Motor Carriers Only: Have an active USDOT Number with up-to-date contact information on file. Our systems will not allow users to request reinstatement if the USDOT Number is Inactive or Out of Service. You may submit an MCS-150 Form along with your reinstatement request to update your information.

The cost to request a reinstatement is $80.00. Authority is typically active within a week of application receipt and valid payment. FMCSA will notify you if your application is on hold, pending additional information or in vetting under review.

Please note: You cannot request reinstatement if you have been placed Out of Service for being an "imminent hazard" or due to a final unsatisfactory safety rating ("UNSAT/UNFIT). 

You may submit your operating authority reinstatement request following any of the options below:

• Online: Request reinstatement online via your FMCSA Portal account (Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes?)
• Paper: Send your completed and signed MCSA-5889 Form to us by submitting a ticket via our ASK website (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your document). You will receive a confirmation number by email. Alternatively, you may fax a completed and signed MCSA-5889 Form to 202-366-3477. Paper submissions may take up 8 days for review and processing. 

For exemptions from Federal standards other than Diabetes or Vision, please refer to the FMCSRs in Section 381.210 and391.310

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

A cross-country move can be more complicated and expensive than a local move. That’s why consumers should know the federal government has planning checklists and tips for a smooth long-distance move. Consumers should also know that interstate movers are regulated and authorized by the federal government. Movers must register and have a U.S. DOT number. Not all registered companies are authorized to perform a household goods move. FMCSA’s regulations protect consumers. Local moving companies performing moves within a state are regulated by state and local laws.

When planning a big move, visit ProtectYourMove.gov and download Successful Move Guide, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and Ready to Move brochure available through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA also offers a Moving Checklist and other resources that could protect you from being victim of moving scams or fraud.

You can now update the following USDOT company information online via FMCSA Portal: 

• Applying for additional operating authority 
• File a biennial update (MCS-150) 
• Change of address 
• Reinstate Operating Authority 
• Reapplication for USDOT Number after revocation 
• Update cargo tank 
• Update HM Safety Permit (MCS-150B) 

Other transactions, like legal name change requests, that required paper forms before the transition of the Registration options (L&I page) to the FMCSA Portal will continue to be submitted on paper. See the FMCSA Registration Forms page for details.

To proceed with updating your company information, check current status online in SAFER Company Snapshot. Then, proceed to request updates online via FMCSA Portal or on paper via the FMCSA Registration Forms. If the latter, please expect a minimum timeframe of 8 business days for review and processing. 

If you don't have an FMCSA Portal, follow the steps below:

Step 1 -- Obtain Your USDOT PIN: Make sure you have your company info handy (i.e., EIN, USDOT) and go to SAFER and select the option to request a PIN and follow the prompts. The PIN will be sent to the e-mail or cell phone currently on file. 

Step 2 -- Obtain Your Login.gov E-mail: Login.gov is the official, single sign-on service for US Government services online. If you don't already have a Login.gov e-mail, sign-up for free at https://login.gov/create-an-account/ 

Step 3 -- Create the FMCSA Portal Account: Visit the FMCSA Portal website at FMCSA Portal and walkthrough the account instructions. You'll only need to go through the steps and use your FMCSA PIN once during account set-up; after that, the Login.gov e-mail address is all you'll need to access your company record.

If you need extra assistance, we've created step-by-step instructions with screenshots for your reference at FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates. These instructions also show you how to add, change, or remove company employees or other users who are authorized to make changes on your behalf, like a service provider.

If you're still running into trouble, please call us at 1-800-832-5660 or chat with an agent at https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/chat/chat_launch. 

We'll continue to accept e-mailed forms, along with a copy of Government-issued identification and any applicable supporting documentation at: https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ticket.

A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer's drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for test results. More information on MROs is available online at http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/mro.html.

Medical Examiner means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered, in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. This includes but is not limited to doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and doctors of chiropractic.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The driver, vehicle, and hazmat out of service (OOS) rates, as well as the crash rate calculations, will no longer apply to carriers who submit renewal HMSP applications. Carriers who would have had OOS rates above the National averages would no longer  have to “wait out” a period of time in order for OOS violations to drop off, or to get more good inspections in order to bring down a high OOS rate.  Instead HMSP renewals and non-temporary HMSPs will now fall under Enhanced Oversight monitoring where a comprehensive investigation may be assigned.

The policy provides more flexibility to motor carriers attempting to correct identified deficiencies.  Specifically, actions taken by FMCSA under this policy culminate in the issuance of a safety rating that will be used to decide whether the HMSP holder will be allowed to continue to operate under the permit.  Upon the issuance of a recommended rating of less-than-satisfactory, carriers are able to invoke their right to administrative review, including requesting an upgrade of the rating and the submission of a corrective action plan in order to retain their HMSP. 

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

If your USDOT Number is active, online updates can be made via your FMCSA Portal account. Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes? 

If your number is inactive, you will need to submit a paper form. See our Registration Forms page for more information.

Check SAFER to verify your current USDOT Number status.

Biennial Update

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information, has ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA.

Failure to complete a Biennial Update will result in deactivation of your USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.

Updating your information is free. We have included instructions below to help you complete your biennial update.

• Deadlines for Filing an Update
• Update via the FMCSA Ask Website
• Update via US Mail (may delay the process)

What is the Deadline to Update?

Filing schedule: Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:

• Before it begins operations; and
• Every 24 months according to the following schedule:

If the next-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every even-numbered calendar year.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the Department of Transportation offers free moving checklists at ProtectYourMove.gov. There are three different check lists for: planning a move, moving day and delivery day available.

To tell IME from other types of trailers:

• Look at the lower corners. Intermodal containers transported on IME have “twistlocks” at each lower corner to secure them to the chassis
• Look for the retro-reflective tape. On van trailers, it is applied around the lower perimeter of the trailer walls. On IME, the marking will be on the chassis itself, not on the container that is being transported
• Look at the lower frame. Many types of IME have a large beam that runs along their length. You can see this beam under the exterior floor of the container. Most types of van trailers do not have a large beam that you can see below the floor
• Look at the information on the rear doors. A container is generally marked with several items of information about the container’s capacity: maximum gross weight, tare weight, net weight, and cubic capacity. Dry van trailers are rarely marked with information at this level of detail

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

This address will be used by FMCSA for on-site visits to for the purpose of conducting safety audits, investigations, and other activities.  

If you fail to designate a qualifying location as your principal place of business, the FMCSA may initiate appropriate enforcement actions or take action regarding your USDOT registration. 

There are various national resources for someone to report an incident of human trafficking, or “Report a Tip”.  Below is a list of those: 

• In an emergency, call 911. 
• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
• Call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423 (U.S.) or 1-802-872-6199 (International)

Your complaint will be entered into FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database and will be used for analytical and statistical purposes. Your complaint will also be maintained in the carriers' file as part of its permanent record. If FMCSA decides to take enforcement action against the mover/broker you may be contacted to provide additional information and documentation.

Under new § 383.3(h), the CDL regulations in Part 383 do not apply to the operator of a covered farm vehicle (CFV) as defined in § 390.5. Note that a CFV cannot be transporting hazardous materials in quantifies that require placarding. Operators of such vehicles would be subject to the Part 383 CDL regulations.

Last Updated : May 8, 2014

Once an HMSP becomes non-temporary, section 385.407 no longer applies to the carrier’s ability to renew its HMSP.  Therefore, as long as an HMSP holder submits its biennial update (MCS-150B) and is not in violation of any of the conditions for suspension or revocation in section 385.421, the HMSP remains valid.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015