The FMCSA Portal provides single sign-on access to FMCSA systems via a single password and user ID, which must be set up via Login.gov. The FMCSA Portal enables Federal, State, and industry users to access the Agency's existing information systems with a single set of credentials and have easy access to safety data about the companies regulated by the FMCSA. Motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers, and cargo tank facilities will have secure access to their company information on file with the FMCSA.

Definitions of the 2 types of Portal accounts:

• Company Official Account - The Company Official is responsible for approving and managing account requests from other company employees or associates, such as service providers. This user ensures that all FMCSA Portal accounts for company users are accurate and up to date. Responsibilities include approving and deactivating accounts when users leave the company, as well as assigning appropriate roles and access. Each USDOT Number must have one designated Company Official and only the Official can approve/deny access for other company users. To request a Company Official user account, you must have the PIN associated with your USDOT. If you do not have a PIN, or do not know your PIN, follow instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates
• Associate of a Company Account - An associate of a company can be an employee of the company or associates, such as 3rd party service providers. These users are approved by the Company Official to have access to view current registration details and make any necessary updates to company records through their portal accounts. These users do not have the ability to manage user accounts, but they can create their own account by following instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates.

FMCSA Portal Password Reset:

There is no longer an option to reset your password on the FMCSA Portal as Login.gov is now required to sign in/sign up for an FMCSA Portal account. You can now follow instructions in our FMCSA Portal Registration User Guide for FMCSA Registered Entities and Associates.

For further assistance, you can contact us via https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ask. 

An agent should enter the physical address where the motor carrier maintains their safety records. FMCSA will use this address for on-site visits to motor carrier for the purpose of conducting safety audits, compliance reviews, and other activities. For this reason, do not enter a P.O. Box as the principal (physical) address, or processing of the company’s application will be delayed.

A new entrant that commits any of the following actions, identified through roadside inspections or by any other means, may be subjected to an expedited safety audit or a compliance review or may be required to submit a written response demonstrating corrective action:

• Using a driver not possessing a valid commercial driver’s license to operate a commercial vehicle as defined under§ 383.5.
• An invalid commercial driver’s license includes one that is falsified, revoked, expired, or missing a required endorsement
• Operating a vehicle placed out of service for violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or compatible State laws and regulations without taking necessary corrective action
• Being involved in, through action or omission, a hazardous materials reportable incident, as described under 49 CFR 171.15 or 171.16, involving—
• • A highway route controlled quantity of certain radioactive materials (Class 7)
  • Any quantity of certain explosives (Class 1, Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3)
  • Any quantity of certain poison inhalation hazard materials (Zone A or B)
• Being involved in, through action or omission, two or more hazardous materials reportable incidents as described under 49 CFR 171.15 or 171.16, involving hazardous materials other than those listed above
• Using a driver who tests positive for controlled substances or alcohol or who refuses to submit to required controlled substances or alcohol tests
• Operating a commercial motor vehicle without the levels of financial responsibility required under part 387 of this subchapter
• Having a driver or vehicle out-of-service rate of 50 percent or more based upon at least three inspections occurring within a consecutive 90-day period

Source: 49 CFR 385.308

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

A lack of basic safety management controls or failure to comply with one or more of the regulations set forth in the chart below and will result in a notice to a new entrant that its USDOT new entrant registration will be revoked.

Automatic failure of the audit: a new entrant will automatically fail a safety audit if found in violation of any one of the following 16 regulations:

Table to § 385.321: Violations That Will Result in Automatic Failure of the New Entrant Safety Audit

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued guidance to organizations and businesses that transport passengers in interstate commerce, clarifying existing FMCSA regulations and requirements. FMCSA constructed an online resource page to help advise organizations and businesses that may provide interstate passenger transportation services.

To find fact sheets and other information to help you interpret this guidance, click here.

To read the Federal Register Notice on this topic, click here.

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.

While an application for FMCSA operating authority is typically granted within 25 business days, the process may be extended if the application requires additional review. This review, referred to as "Vetting", ensures that operating authority applicants demonstrate a willingness and ability to comply with applicable statutes and regulations to obtain and maintain operating authority registration. During the Vetting process, your application will be listed as "Suspended" in FMCSA systems.

FMCSA evaluates, among other things, the following factors to determine whether an operating authority applicant is willing and able to comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements:

• The nature and extent of existing or past violations;
• the degree to which existing or past violations will affect, or have affected, the safety of operations, taking into account any crashes, deaths, or injuries associated with the violations;
• whether existing or past regulatory or statutory violations are the result of a willful failure to comply with applicable requirements;
• the existence and nature of pending and closed enforcement actions;
• whether adequate safety management controls exist to ensure acceptable compliance with applicable requirements; and
• the existence of corrective action, if any.

FMCSA does take into account attempts to correct past violations, corrective action and other similar corrective action plans. FMCSA also considers the existence of any mitigating circumstances surrounding the regulated entity's conduct. Additional information about Vetting can be found here.

FMCSA will notify you by e-mail if your application is subject to vetting and by e-mail and/or mail if additional information is needed for the review.  If you don’t hear from FMCSA within 2 weeks from the day you applied for operating authority – and – your application status is Suspended in FMCSA systems, please contact us by webform, phone or chat. 

Once the Vetting process is complete and the application status is changed from Suspended to Accepted in FMCSA systems, you must comply with additional requirements, including your Process Agent Designation (BOC-3 form), proof of insurance and/or surety bond or trust fund agreement. Only then, FMCSA will grant you operating authority. 

Tips to help your application be processed as efficiently as possible:

1. Motor Carriers: Ensure your USDOT Number is in an Active status.
2. Motor Carriers: Provide a valid Principal Place of Business as your physical address. Do not use a P.O. Box, UPS Store, etc.
3. Contact information (phone, e-mail) in FMCSA systems must be valid and up-to-date.
4. Corporations (LLC, Inc., etc.): Make sure your company name on the application matches what you filed with the Secretary of State.
5. Sole Proprietors: Make sure your legal name is your personal name. Trade name/DBA will be your company name.
6. When filing the application for operating authority, remember to answer whether you currently have, or had within the last 3 years of the date of filing the application, any relationships involving common stock, common ownership, common management, common control or familial relationships with any FMCSA-regulated entities.

You are subject to FMCSA regulations if you operate any of the following types of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce:

• A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating (whichever is greater) of 4,537 kg (10,001 lbs.) or more (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
• A vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• A vehicle designed or used to transport 15 or more passengers including the driver and not used for compensation
• Any size vehicle used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-177). This includes INTRASTATE Hazardous Materials carriers

If you meet the above criteria, you must comply with the applicable U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations concerning:

• Controlled substances and alcohol testing for all persons required to possess a CDL
• Driver qualifications (including medical exams)
• Driving of commercial motor vehicles; parts and accessories necessary for safe operations
• Hours of service
• Inspection, repair and maintenance

You can find FMCSA regulations in the US GPO’s Code of Federal Regulations website. Select the most recent year, then go to Title 49, then parts 300-399.

For some definitions of FMCSA terms, click here.

If a new entrant receives a notice under § 385.319(c) that its new entrant registration will be revoked, it may request FMCSA to conduct an administrative review if it believes FMCSA has committed an error in determining that its basic safety management controls are inadequate. The request must:

• Be made to the Field Administrator of the appropriate FMCSA Service Center
• Explain the error the new entrant believes FMCSA committed in its determination
• Include a list of all factual and procedural issues in dispute and any information or documents that support the new entrant’s argument

FMCSA may request that the new entrant submit additional data and attend a conference to discuss the issues(s) in dispute. If the new entrant does not attend the conference or does not submit the requested data, FMCSA may dismiss the new entrant’s request for review.

A new entrant must submit a request for an administrative review within one of the following time periods:

• If it does not submit evidence of corrective action under § 385.319(c), within 90 days after the date it is notified that its basic safety management controls are inadequate
• If it submits evidence of corrective action under § 385.319(c), within 90 days after the date it is notified that its corrective action is insufficient and its basic safety management controls remain inadequate

If a new entrant wants to ensure that FMCSA will be able to issue a final written decision before the prohibitions outlined in § 385.325(c) take effect, the new entrant must submit its request no later than 15 days from the date of the notice that its basic safety management controls are inadequate. Failure to submit the request within this 15-day period may result in revocation of new entrant registration and issuance of an out-of-service order before completion of administrative review.

FMCSA will complete its review and notify the new entrant in writing of its decision within:

• 45 days after receiving a request for review from a new entrant that is subject to § 385.319(c)(1)
• 30 days after receiving a request for review from a new entrant that is subject to § 385.319(c)(2)

The Field Administrator’s decision constitutes the final Agency action.

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

If FMCSA determines the safety audit discloses the new entrant’s basic safety management controls are inadequate, the Agency will provide the new entrant written notice, as soon as practicable, but not later than 45 days after the completion of the safety audit, that its USDOT new entrant registration will be revoked, and its operations placed out-of-service unless it takes the actions to remedy its safety management practices.

If a new entrant fails to submit a written response demonstrating corrective action acceptable to FMCSA within the time specified in § 385.319, FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue an out-of-service order:

• 45-day corrective action requirement: Each new entrant listed below must take the specified actions to remedy inadequate safety management practices within 45 days of the date of the notice. FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue and out-of-service order on the 46th day if the written response is not acceptable:
  • A new entrant that transports passengers in a CMV designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for direct compensation
  • A new entrant that transports passengers in a CMV designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver)
  • A new entrant that transports hazardous materials requiring placards in a CMV as defined in the definition of a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” in § 390.5
• 60-day corrective action requirement: All other new entrants must take the specified actions to remedy inadequate safety management practices within 60 days of the date of the notice. FMCSA will revoke its new entrant registration and issue and out-of-service order on the 61st day if the written response is not acceptable.

For more information on the New Entrant Program, click here.

In general, companies that do the following are required to have interstate operating authority (MC number) in addition to a DOT number:

• Operating as for-hire carriers (for a fee or other compensation)
• Transporting passengers, or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce
• Transporting federally regulated commodities or arranging for their transport, in interstate commerce

As of December 12, 2015, all entities applying through the Unified Registration System will obtain a USDOT number.

Operating Authority means the registration required by 49 U.S.C. 13902, 49 CFR part 365, 49 CFR part 368, and 49 CFR 392.9a.

FMCSA operating authority is also referred to as an "MC," "FF," or "MX" number, depending on the type of authority that is granted. Unlike the USDOT Number application process, a company may need to obtain multiple operating authorities to support its planned business operations. Operating Authority dictates the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry. Mexico-domiciled carriers may click here for information on registering with FMCSA.

New Applicants must register online via the Unified Registration System. They will be issued a USDOT number and an MC/MX/FF number. Existing entities that already have a USDOT number and/or MC/MX/FF number must apply via the OP-1 series forms, or online (click here), providing their existing USDOT number (and MC/MX/FF numbers, if they are applying for an additional authority.)

All of this also dictates the level of insurance/financial responsibilities a company must maintain. Carriers not required to have operating authority include:

• Private carriers (carriers that transport their own cargo)
• "For-hire" carriers that exclusively haul exempt commodities (cargo that is not federally regulated
• Carriers that operate exclusively within a federally designated "commercial zone" that is exempt from interstate authority rules. A commercial zone is, for example, a geographic territory that includes multiple states bordering on a major metropolitan city, such as Virginia/Maryland/Washington, DC

More information on motor carrier insurance requirements can be found on our web site.

If you would like to suspend operations, you can request voluntary revocation of operating authority (OA) registration by following the steps below:

Step 1: Verify your current Operating Authority registration status.

Step 2: Fill out Form OCE-46

Complete Form OCE-46 to request Voluntary Revocation of your authority (MC/MX/FF). 

The form must be notarized or signed in the presence of a FMCSA staff member.

Step 3: Fill out Form MCS-150 or MCS-150B to: (A) Inactivate or (B) Update USDOT registration

 A) To inactivate your USDOT number, follow these steps:

1. Complete either an updated MCS-150 or MCS-150B form (for Hazmat Carriers).
2. In the "reason for filing" section of the form, check the box labeled "Out of Business Notification." This applies even if your company remains in operation for other purposes.
3. Ensure that you complete items 1-16 and 30-31 on the form.
4. Include a copy of a Driver's License from the individual who signed either #31 on the MCS-150 or #37 on the MCS-150B certification statement (as an attachment).

B) To update your USDOT (to continue operations that do not require Operating Authority):

1. Update ONLINE via your FMCSA Portal account. Don't have an FMCSA Portal Account to Make Online Changes? ; or
2. Complete and submit either an updated MCS-150 or MCS-150B form (for Hazmat Carriers).
   1. In the "reason for filing" section of the form, check the box labeled "Biennial Update or Changes."
   2. Ensure that you complete all applicable items 1-16, 21, 30-31 and any others where information has changed since the last update.
   3. Include a copy of a Driver's License from the individual who signed either #31 on the MCS-150 or #37 on the MCS-150B certification statement (as an attachment).

Step 4: Submit Your Form(s)

You can submit the completed and signed forms using one of the following options (expect up to 8 days for review and processing):

• Submit a ticket. This is the quickest option, and you will receive a confirmation number via email.
• Fax the completed forms to 202-366-3477.
• Mail to:
  
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  Office of Registration (MC-RS)
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Room W65-206
  Washington, D.C. 20590

In general, a USDOT Number is required if you are operating in interstate commerce and meet the following criteria:

• You have vehicles that are over 10,000 lbs. (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
• You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
• You transport 16 or more passengers
• You haul hazardous materials

Click here for a step-by-step tool that helps you determine whether you need a USDOT or MC number. There is no charge to get a USDOT number. For more information on how to get a USDOT number, please see the FAQ "How do I get a US DOT number?" For some definitions of FMCSA terms, click here.

If you would like information on getting operating authority as a for-hire carrier (MC/MX/FF numbers), click here.

If you are an existing company changing your form of business, click here. 

The compliance date for this requirement (49 CFR 390.19) occurred November 1, 2013.

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

• Before it begins operations
• Whenever there is a change in information (address, telephone number, email, # power units, etc.)
• 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.

FMCSA also requires you to update your registration information within 30 days of any change.  FMCSA considers updates completed by a motor carrier, Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP), or Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) holder if changes are reported within 12 months prior to the biennial update due date.  In which case the entity will not receive a Biennial Update Reminder until the next biennial update due date. 

To find out the current status of your USDOT number, click here to search by name or number at the SAFER Company Snapshot. 

To check a company's safety rating, you can visit the FMCSA's Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) website. On the SAFER website, you can search for a company by name, USDOT number, or MC/MX number. Once you have found the company you are looking for, you can access their safety rating and other important information, such as their inspection and crash history. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact the FMCSA's Safety Compliance and Safety Accountability (CSA) program.

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.

For the purpose of complying with the new requirements for medical certification, it is important to know how you are using the CMV. To help you decide, follow these steps:

Step 1: Do you, or will you, use a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce?

• Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV:
  • From one State to another State or a foreign country
  • Between two places within a State, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another State or foreign country
  • Between two places within a State, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another State or foreign country
• Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a State and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce
• If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce

Step 2: Once you decide whether you operate (or will operate) in interstate commerce or intrastate commerce, you then must decide whether you operate (or expect to operate) in a non-excepted or excepted status.

Interstate Commerce:

• You operate in excepted interstate commerce when you drive a CMV in interstate commerce only for the following excepted activities:
  • To transport school children and/or school staff between home and school
  • As Federal, State or local government employees
  • To transport human corpses or sick or injured persons
  • Fire truck or rescue vehicle drivers during emergencies and other related activities
  • Primarily in the transportation of propane winter heating fuel when responding to an emergency condition requiring immediate response such as damage to a propane gas system after a storm or flooding
  • In response to a pipeline emergency condition requiring immediate response such as a pipeline leak or rupture
  • In custom harvesting on a farm or to transport farm machinery and supplies used in the custom harvesting operation to and from a farm or to transport custom harvested crops to storage or market
  • Beekeeper in the seasonal transportation of bees
  • Controlled and operated by a farmer, but is not a combination vehicle (power unit and towed unit), and is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies (no placard-able hazardous materials) to and from a farm and within 150 air-miles of the farm
  • As a private motor carrier of passengers for non-business purposes
  • To transport migrant workers
• If you answered yes to one or more of the above activities as the only operation in which you drive, you operate in excepted interstate commerce and do not need a Federal medical examiner’s certificate
• If you drive for more than just the above activities, you operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and are required to provide a current medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR 391.45), commonly referred to as a medical certificate or DOT card, to your SDLA. Most CDL holders who drive CMVs in interstate commerce are non-excepted interstate commerce drivers
• If you operate in both excepted interstate commerce and non-excepted interstate commerce, you must choose non-excepted interstate commerce to be qualified to operate in both types of interstate commerce

Intrastate Commerce:

• You operate in excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce activities which your State of licensure has determined do not require you to meet the State’s medical certification requirements
• You operate in non-excepted intrastate commerce when you drive a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are required to meet your State of licensure’s medical certification requirements
• If you operate in both excepted intrastate commerce and non-excepted intrastate commerce, you must choose non-excepted intrastate commerce

Step 3: Provide your State Driver Licensing Agency with your self-certification of your operating status. If you self-certify to non-excepted interstate, you must provide your SDLA with either the original or copy of your current medical examiner’s certificate as required by your SDLA.

If your medical examiner’s certificate is only valid with a variance granted by FMCSA, you may also be asked by your SDLA to provide a copy of that variance document.

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.

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.