Overview

Any time a motor carrier or other regulated entity changes its Legal Business Name, address, or other details in their record, they should update their US DOT and Operating Authority records with FMCSA in a timely manner. In addition, FMCSA requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years:

US DOT Numbers:

• Routine Updates
• Biennial Updates
• Inactivate/Deactivate
• Reactivate
• Re-application after Revocation

Operating Authority (MC/FF Numbers):

• Name Changes
• Address Changes
• Reinstatement
• Revocation

Routine USDOT Number Updates

To view a company’s current information, go to the SAFER System’s Company Snapshot. Updates can be done online via the FMCSA online registration system with your US DOT PIN, or by filing an MCS-150 form. See below for more information on updating your US DOT number information.

Biennial Updates

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 Online (encouraged)
• 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.

Update Online

• In order to complete the process online, you'll need your USDOT number, assigned PIN, EIN/SSN, and Company Official information. You can request a PIN to be mailed to you.
• Carriers needing to complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) OR the Combined Identification and Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Application (MCS-150B) may do so online through the FMCSA Registration Website.
• Generate and print an updated copy of the MCS-150 form for your records upon completion of the online registration.

Unable to Complete Online? No Problem.

If you are not able to update your USDOT biennial update online with your USDOT PIN, you may complete and submit the required MCS-150 form.

Mailing application forms to FMCSA may delay the process. Instead, we recommend submitting via the Ask FMCSA page or by Fax:

1. Upload forms through our website at: ask.fmcsa.dot.gov, you will receive a confirmation number by email; or
2. Via fax to 202-366-3477

Important note for hard copy registrations: Forms must be received by FMCSA on or before the date your Biennial Update is due to avoid deactivation of your USDOT number and the assessment of civil penalties. Please allow ample time for mailing if choosing this option.

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  Attention: Office of Registration
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
  Room W65-206 
  Washington, DC 20590