Frequently Asked Questions
If you are transferring (selling) your OA, you may need to request a Transfer of Operating Authority by submitting a written request. Before sending the request, please note:
- A transfer of operating authority means there has been a change in ownership, management, or control of the company but the company intends to keep its existing Docket number (MC/FF/MX).
- FMCSA must record all transfers of operating authority to recognize the transferee (buyer/new owner).
- There is no fee to request a transfer of OA.
- The transferee (buyer) may need a new USDOT number (on a case-by-case basis).
- USDOT numbers are not transferrable. For more information click here.
- Once the Transfer request is recorded in FMCSA systems, the transferee must comply with financial responsibility and process agent designation (proof of insurance and BOC-3 form) requirements.
- There are some instances where an entity may be able to report a Name Change for its OA instead of a Transfer. For more information click here.
Once you have determined that a Transfer of OA must be filed, a complete and accurate written request must be submitted to FMCSA. To avoid delays, the request must include the following:
| Transferor (Seller) | Transferee (Buyer) |
| Company Name | Company Name |
| Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name | Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name |
| Form of Business (Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship) | Form of Business (Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship) |
| USDOT # (except brokers) | USDOT # (if any) |
| Docket # (MC/FF/MX) | Docket # (MC/FF/MX) |
| Business Address | Business Address |
| Business Phone Number | Business Phone Number |
| Name of Business Owner(s) | Name of Business Owner(s) |
| Transferor Signature | Transferee Signature |
| Date Transfer took place | Date Transfer took place |
MCS-150 Form: The transferor must submit a signed MCS-150 form indicating "out of business" as the reason for filing. However, if planning to continue operating in intrastate commerce and/or as a private motor carrier, the reason for filing should be "biennial update or changes".
Once the transfer request is received, FMCSA will review and contact the requestor for any additional information needed.
After the request is recorded in FMCSA Systems:
- You will receive a letter in the mail instructing you to submit:
- Proof of financial responsibility (Insurance)
- Designating a process agent (BOC-3 form)
- 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.
- Once the OA is Active, you can download a copy of your certificate/permit/license and a copy will also be mailed.
Submit your Transfer request 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 your documents). This is the fastest option, and you will receive a confirmation number by email;
Option 2: Fax the form to 202-366-3477;
Option 3: Mail – (Please note this option will delay the process by minimum 2 weeks)
Office of Registration, MC-RS
ATTN: Transfers
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
US Department of Transportation
Mailstop W65-206
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
If you need further assistance, please contact us at 1-800-832-5660 or via our Ask FMCSA page.
Verify the USDOT number status on the SAFER Company Snapshot web page. If the status reads “Record Inactive” or “Inactive USDOT Number per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); Biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed” you will need to complete, sign and submit a new Motor Carrier Identification Report (Form MCS-150) to reactivate the USDOT Number.
Click here to obtain the Form MCS-150 and directions. Please use forms directly from our website as other places may include expired forms by mistake. FMCSA does not accept expired versions of the MCS-150, MCS-150B and MCS-150C forms.
If your USDOT status reads “Inactive USDOT Number per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); Biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed” on the SAFER Company Snapshot, for fastest service, we encourage our customers to use their USDOT PIN and reactivate online here. Click here to request a new PIN or reset your existing PIN so you may reactivate online.
If you are reactivating your USDOT Number after a New Entrant revocation, click here as there are separate instructions to follow.
Click here if you also need to reinstate operating authority if it has been revoked. To avoid processing delays, please make sure you first have an active, up-to-date USDOT Number record before requesting reinstatement – or – submit a completed MCS-150 form along with your reinstatement request.
If you have questions about your USDOT status, please contact us here 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.
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.
To check your current status online, click here. There are several ways to update your company information with the FMCSA (there is no charge for USDOT number updates):
Online: You can update your USDOT number company information on the Licensing and Insurance (L&I) web site by filing an MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report). To update online, you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply for your PIN online. Detailed instructions for updating online are attached to this FAQ.
Submit a form: Download the proper MCS-150 form: MCS-150 (Motor carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carriers with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers); Submit the completed and signed form using one of the options below:
- Submit a ticket through our website at: ask.fmcsa.dot.gov (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents). This is the fastest option and you will receive a confirmation number by email;
- Fax the form to 202-366-3477 or 606-330-3802;
- Mail (This option will delay processing, we recommend the options above) - Send the signed form to:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Office of Registration and Safety Information (MC-RS)
Applications Production Team, 6th Floor
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Please note: As of February 4, 2018, FMCSA no longer accepts expired versions of the MCS-150, MCS-150B and MCS-150C forms.
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
Biennial updates can be completed online or by submitting the proper MCS-150 form.
Online: If your USDOT Number is active, you may update your registration online. Detailed instructions are attached to this FAQ.
Submit a form: Download the proper MCS-150 form: MCS-150 (Motor carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carriers with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers); Submit the completed and signed form using one of the options below:
- 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 your documents). This is the fastest option, and you will receive a confirmation number by email;
- Fax the form to 202-366-3477 or 606-330-3802;
- Mail – Refer to the mailing instructions on the form. This option will delay processing, we recommend the options above.
You can call 800-832-5660 to have an MCS-150 form mailed to you. Once you have completed the form, you can mail it to the address indicated on the form or submit it as indicated above. You cannot make updates verbally over the telephone; a signed form is required.
Biennial updates are processed immediately if done online, but updates filed by email, fax or mail may take three to four weeks to process.
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
It does not. New HMSP applicants and holders of Temporary HMSPs will continue to be subject to the standards as they appear in section 385.407, including the fixed out-of-service rates and the crash rate thresholds.
Last Updated : July 29, 2015
FMCSA will conduct roadability reviews on intermodal equipment providers (IEPs). A roadability review is an on-site examination of the IEP’s compliance with the applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Last Updated : April 3, 2014