Yes. All entities with a USDOT number are required to file a biennial update every two years according to the prescribed schedule, by the last day of the month.

You can file a biennial update prior to the time that an update is due. FMCSA considers any update of an MCS-150 or MCS-150C that was completed by a motor carrier, Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP), or carrier that has been issued a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the biennial update due date to satisfy the biennial update requirement.

For information on how to file your biennial update, click here.

Yes, you will keep the same MC number if you change your name. However, you will not receive a new certificate or permit, but you will receive a re-entitlement decision which should be attached to your original operating authority.

For information on how to change the name on your operating authority, click here.

There are situations where a legal name change, ownership change or form of business change may require a new USDOT number. For more information, click here.

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To change the Legal/DBA name associated with your company’s FMCSA Registration, you will need to submit the appropriate form(s) and supporting documentation to update your USDOT number record and (where applicable) your Operating Authority record(s). Please see the instructions below.

1. Update your USDOT number Record (free of charge).
   1. Obtain the necessary form: To update your USDOT number record you will need to download the appropriate MCS-150 Series form: MCS-150 (Motor Carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carrier with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers).
   2. Fill out the form: Please follow the instructions on the form to ensure all required information is completed accurately.
2. Update the name on your Operating Authority record ($14 fee required except for “pending” applications). If your company has a USDOT number only, skip to step 3.
   1. Obtain the necessary form: To complete a name change request, you will need to submit the MCSA-5889 - Motor Carrier Records Change Form.
   2. Fill out the form: Fill out the MCSA-5889 form with accurate and up-to-date information. To complete the MCSA-5589 form for a name change request, complete the following sections:
      • Section A – Complete Section A with the current Legal Business and/or DBA name on file with FMCSA.
      • Section C – Complete Section C with the updated Legal Business and/or DBA name.
      • Section E – Provide your payment information so FMCSA may process the $14 fee associated with a name change request. Please note, if your operating authority application is “Pending,” there is no fee required, and Section E can be left blank.
3. Gather supporting documents: Along with the MCS-150 and/or MCSA-5889 form, you will need to provide supporting documents that verify the name change.
   1. Sole Proprietors/Partnerships: Documents may include a marriage/death certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal documentation.
   2. Corporations: Documents may include Certificates of Amendment (typically includes the old and new company names); Amended Articles of Incorporation; Articles of Incorporation in cases where the Secretary of State does not provide Articles of Amendment.
   3. All Requestors: The Company Officer signing the Certification Statement on the MCS-150 form and (where applicable) the Applicant’s Oath in Section A of Form MCSA-5889 must also submit a copy of his/her current government-issued ID (such as a U.S. passport, driver’s license, or resident card).
4. Submit the request: Once you have completed the appropriate form(s) and gathered all the required supporting documents, submit the request and documentation to FMCSA. You may submit your documents by either:
   1. Submitting a Ticket to the FMCSA Contact Center (complete the required fields and upload your documents).
   2. Faxing the form and supporting documents to 202-366-3477.
5. After the documents are submitted: Once you have submitted the name change request along with all the required documentation, the form will be reviewed for processing.
   1. Requests are processed in the order that they are received. For additional information about processing times for registration forms, please see our FMCSA Registration Forms page.
   2. Once FMCSA notifies you that your request has been processed, please allow 24-48 hours for the new name to be visible on FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot website and (if the company has Operating Authority) the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Public website. You can verify the updated information there.
   3. Additionally, for name changes to an Operating Authority record, a hard copy of the Re-entitlement letter will be mailed to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can also print the letter via the Daily FMCSA Registration Decisions.

In some cases, a legal name change, ownership change, or change in form of business may require a new USDOT number. For more information on this, click here. FMCSA may contact you for additional information regarding your name change request.

After FMCSA issues your Re-entitlement letter for name changes to Operating Authority, the amended BOC-3 form, and proof of insurance filings need to be filed with FMCSA within thirty (30) days of the name change. Your operating authority registration will be at risk of being revoked if the amended BOC-3 form and insurance requirement are not updated in a timely manner. For more information on insurance requirements, visit our Insurance Requirements webpage.

The Federal Cybersecurity plan under White House Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy) requires all Federal agencies to adopt secure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance information security by Dec. 31, 2023.

As FMCSA introduces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to its systems, all users with credentials for any FMCSA system will be required to transition to a Login.gov account in lieu of their current credentials to access FMCSA systems.

Please follow the step-by-step directions, which can be found on the FMCSA website, to establish your account.

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. Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes?   

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method to verify your identity requiring two or more pieces of evidence (factors). These factors can be something you know (like a password), something you have (like an access card) or something you are (like facial recognition or fingerprint). 

When submitting FMCSA Registration forms, all required fields must be complete and required supporting documentation must be attached.  Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant and must be resubmitted, which delays the process. 

Note: Each form is prefaced with detailed instructions to assist filling out the form.  

7 reasons your MCS-150 may be incomplete and not processed: 

• Sending expired forms 
  Ensure you have the latest version. The expiration date is located at the top right of each page of the form.  The current FMCSA Registration forms are here. 

• Acceptable form of ID not submitted  
  With exception of New Applications, a Driver’s License of the individual signing the form must be submitted (and must match a company officer listed on Line 30). An MCS-150 form to request updates cannot be processed until the proper Driver’s License is submitted and verified. 

• Section 1 – Legal Business Name  
  The name must match the company name on record unless you are requesting a Name Change.  In that case, Articles of Incorporation or Amendment are required. If your company has Operating Authority, an Operating Authority Name Change request is required. 

• Section 22 and 23 must correspond (Interstate + Authorized For-Hire) 
  If Interstate and Authorized For-Hire are selected but the company does not currently have an Operating Authority, the form cannot be accepted. You must either apply for Operating Authority or make the appropriate selection on the MCS-150 and resubmit the form. 

• Section 24 and 25 must correspond (Motor Vehicles, Driveaway/Towaway and Class 9/Carried/Non-Bulk)  

If Motor Vehicles or Driveaway/Towaway is selected on line 24, Class 9, Carried, and Non-bulk must be checked on line 25 (for miscellaneous hazardous material like flammable liquids). 

• Section 31 - Company Officer Signature (i.e., owner, president, partner) 
  A signature is required and must match a company officer listed on line 30  

• Section 31 - Filing Date  

If you update your MCS-150 online, the system will be updated as of that date.  If you send a paper MCS-150 on the same date or earlier, it cannot be processed. Ensure the date on your MCS-150 is greater than the last online update

An application for operating authority is Dismissed if the applicant fails to provide evidence of financial responsibility (proof of insurance) and a designation of process agent Form BOC-3 approximately 90 days from the date of filing of the application. 

A dismissal is the equivalent of a rejection, and you have two options to proceed:  

1. Submit an Appeal: If you have evidence that insurance was filed on time and the dismissal was made in error, you can choose to submit an appeal. Make sure to provide the necessary documentation to support your appeal. 

2. File a New Application: You can file a new application for operating authority. You have the option to apply online or by sending the corresponding OP series form as applicable. Additionally, you will need to pay the appropriate fee of $300 per type of operating authority requested. Applications following a rejection/dismissal must be filed under the same USDOT and MC/FF numbers.   

Important Note:  Any subsequent applications following a rejection or dismissal cannot be filed via the Unified Registration System.  

Yes. You can dissolve a partnership with an existing MC number by submitting a notarized letter signed by both partners requesting that the partner be removed from the existing authority. 

If the partners cannot agree who should keep the existing MC number:

• They should both file a new application with the required fees and get new MC numbers
• They should request that the existing MC number be voluntarily revoked. See the FAQ “How can I suspend or put my operating authority (MC number) on hold?”

Failure to complete biennial updates to FMCSA will subject the entities to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum penalty of $10,000. Certain for-hire carriers of passengers and freight, freight forwarders, and brokers may be subject to additional civil penalties as authorized by 49 U.S.C. 14901(a). FMCSA may also deactivate the USDOT Number for any entity that fails to comply with the updating requirements.

Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.

To change the Entity type on your registration:

1. Complete an MCS-150 form ensuring that all applicable items are filled out. To avoid delays:
   1. Section 24: If you select Motor Vehicles and/or Drive Away/Towaway, you must select “Class 9” in section 25. Also, in section 25, C (Carried) and N (Non-bulk) must be checked.
   2. Section 30 and 31 must be filled out
2. Select "Biennial Update or Changes" as the "Reason for Filing" on the top of the form.
3. In the blank space at the top of the form, indicate the Entity type you need (i.e., Change Entity type to Motor Carrier)
4. Upload the form through our website at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/ (scroll to the bottom of hte page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents), you wil receive a confirmation number by email; or via fax to 202-366-3477. 

A company’s Entity type is the term used to describe the company’s operations. When filling out your application for a USDOT Number (and Operating Authority-OA), you will be answering questions that directly impact your Entity type: Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, Cargo Tank, Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP). For additional information on this topic, check our How To Identify Entity Types video.

Note: Entity type is not the same as Operating Authority (OA) type; however, the entity type will have to correspond to your OA type. To change your type of OA, please review the information on this page.

The most efficient way to request and track a review of Federal and State crash or inspection data is using the DataQs system, which automatically forwards your Request for Data Review (RDR) to the appropriate office for resolution and collects updates and responses for current requests.

Please note: Entities that are registered in MCMIS (for examples, interstate motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, IEPs, etc.) must log in to the FMCSA Portal to request access to DataQs. If you don't already have a Portal account, you can learn how to set one up by clicking here. Once you have a Portal account, then you can request DataQs access.

If you aren't a registered entity in MCMIS, click here.

A broker or freight forwarder who knowingly engages in interstate brokerage or freight forwarding operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 and can be liable to any injured third party for all valid claims regardless of the amount (49 U.S.C. 14916(c)). The penalties and liability to injured parties apply jointly and severally to all corporations or partnerships involved in the transportation and individually to all officers, directors, and principals of these business forms (49 U.S.C. 14916(d)). Under 49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(3), a broker of household goods (HHG) who engages in interstate operations without the required operating authority is liable to the United States for a civil penalty of not less than $25,000 for each violation. Source: 78 FR 54720.

To report such a violation, click here to contact the National Consumer Complaint Database.

If a for-hire carrier, broker, freight forwarder or other regulated entity applies for the wrong type of operating authority, or changes the type of business they do, they may need to request a change of operating authority type.

If the original application is still pending, the entity can request the change with no additional fee. If the application has already been granted, the entity would need to pay an additional $300 fee to apply for a new authority.

Please submit your request containing the following information by uploading the documents via the ASK website (scroll to the bottom of the page, complete the required fields, and upload your documents), you will receive a confirmation number by email; or via fax to 202-366-3477

• The OP-series form appropriate to the new authority you are requesting:
  • OP-1 forms if requesting change to carrier, broker or household goods carrier authority
  • OP-1(FF) form if requesting change to freight forwarder authority
  • OP-1(P) form if requesting change to passenger authority
• A letter or email with a statement describing the change you are requesting (from household goods carrier to motor carrier, or freight forwarder to motor carrier, for example)
• The signature of the person requesting the change (must be from the applicant who signed the original application or the authorized representative listed on the application.  If the person requesting the change is the authorized representative listed in MCMIS but is not listed on the application, then a written statement from owner/applicant will be needed confirming that person's authorization to request the change on behalf of the carrier before the change can be made and the representative section is updated in L&I)
• Current MC/DOT/FF numbers if available
• Updated MCS-150 form

Your form will be reviewed and processed by FMCSA. More information on applying for operating authority can be found on our "Get Authority to Operate" web page.

You cannot transport regulated commodities in interstate commerce (for hire) until you have obtained operating authority (certificate and/or permit) and received your single-state registration. The act of applying for operating authority is not sufficient. You cannot operate until the certificate and/or permit has been issued.

If you are transporting exempt commodities (see below) and have a USDOT number, you may operate as an exempt for-hire interstate motor carrier without an MC number. You are still required to abide by your state regulations.

On our website you will find Administrative Ruling No. 119, which is a guide to what is and is not exempt. The booklet no longer is in print, but the information still is accurate. The list of exempt commodities changes, but this can be used as a general guide. A list of non-exempt commodities can be found in the FMCSR in Section 372.115.

No, USDOT Numbers are not transferable. For more information about USDOT numbers and changing ownership, legal name or form of business, click here. 

Operating authorities (MC numbers) are transferable. For more information, please see our Operating Authority Transfer FAQs.

The Company Safety Profile (CSP) is a comprehensive summary that provides essential safety-related information about on an individual Company's operation. The information on the CSP is available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) record system known as the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).  The CSP incorporates the most up-to-date data from MCMIS, including selected items from inspection reports, crash reports, as well as any reviews or enforcement actions involving the company. It serves as a valuable resource for assessing the safety performance of carriers. 

Effective June 14, 2023: FMCSA will no longer fulfill CSP requests for a fee.  Instead, authorized Company Officials can access the CSP report at any time through their FMCSA Portal account at no cost.  To Download the report from your FMCSA Portal, please follow these steps: 

1. Log into the FMCSA Portal. 

2. Select the “Reports” tab from the menu at the top. 

3. Select the date range and information you would like to include in the report . 

4. Click the “Submit Request” button.  A new window will open with confirmation that the request has been submitted. Click “OK”.  

5.  Click on the “Check Request Availability” button. Once the report has been generated, the “Download XML” and “Download PDF” buttons will then be active for you to click. 

6. Select the applicable download button (“Download PDF” or “Download XML” button).  

7. The selected file be downloaded to your computer. 

Please note, CSP reports can only be accessed by authorized company officials with FMCSA Portal access.  All other persons should file a request with the FOIA office.   Information on making a FOIA request can be found online here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/foia/foia-requests