MCS-150 Biennial Update: How to File and Stay Compliant
CFR Reference: 49 CFR 390.19 | Max Fine: $10,000
Every motor carrier with a USDOT number must update their MCS-150 form every two years, even if nothing has changed. Miss the deadline and you face up to $1,000 per day in penalties, and FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number entirely.
What It Is
The MCS-150, also known as the Motor Carrier Identification Report, is the form that contains your carrier's basic operating information: legal name, DBA, address, number of vehicles, number of drivers, types of operations, types of cargo, and mileage. FMCSA uses this data for safety monitoring, enforcement targeting, and public carrier profiles. The biennial update requirement under 49 CFR 390.19 ensures this data stays current.
Who Needs It
Every motor carrier, intermodal equipment provider, broker, and freight forwarder that has been assigned a USDOT number. This includes active and inactive carriers. If you have a USDOT number, you must file the biennial update regardless of whether you are currently operating.
Deadline & Frequency
The filing deadline is based on the last two digits of your USDOT number. FMCSA assigns filing months according to these digits. For example, USDOT numbers ending in 01 file in January of odd years, 02 in January of even years, and so on. Look up your filing month on the FMCSA website or check your carrier profile. You must file during your assigned month every 24 months.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Determine your filing month
Look at the last two digits of your USDOT number. FMCSA publishes a chart mapping these digits to filing months. You can also log into the FMCSA portal and check your carrier profile for your next filing deadline. Mark this date on your calendar with a 60-day advance reminder.
- 2
Gather current information
Before filing, verify: legal business name and DBA, principal business address, mailing address, number of power units and drivers, types of operation (interstate/intrastate, for-hire/private), types of cargo, total annual mileage, and contact information. Even if nothing changed, you still need to submit the update.
- 3
File online through FMCSA
The fastest method is filing online at the FMCSA URS (Unified Registration System) portal. Log in with your USDOT PIN (request a new PIN if you do not have one, which takes 7-10 business days by mail). Update all fields and submit. You can also file by mail, but online is faster and provides immediate confirmation.
- 4
Confirm the update was received
After filing online, you receive a confirmation number. Check your carrier profile on the FMCSA SAFER website within a few days to confirm the update is reflected. Your 'MCS-150 Date' should show the current filing date. Save the confirmation for your records.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Penalties of up to $1,000 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000.
- FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number, which effectively shuts down operations.
- An outdated MCS-150 shows on your public carrier profile, which shippers and brokers can see.
- A deactivated USDOT number means your vehicles can be placed out-of-service at any roadside inspection.
- Reinstatement requires filing the update and may involve additional processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find my MCS-150 filing deadline?
- Your filing month is determined by the last two digits of your USDOT number. FMCSA has a chart on their website. You can also check your carrier profile on the FMCSA SAFER website, which shows your 'MCS-150 Date' (last filed) and when the next update is due.
- Can I file the MCS-150 update online?
- Yes. The preferred method is online through the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). You need your USDOT number and PIN. If you do not have a PIN, you can request one online and it will be mailed to your address on file within 7-10 business days. Online filing provides immediate confirmation.
- What if nothing has changed since my last filing?
- You must still file the biennial update. Even if all your information is identical to the previous filing, submitting the update confirms to FMCSA that your data is current. Failure to file, even with no changes, is a violation.
- What happens if my USDOT number gets deactivated?
- If FMCSA deactivates your USDOT number for failure to file the biennial update, you cannot legally operate. Your vehicles can be placed out-of-service at roadside inspections. To reactivate, you must file the overdue update and potentially pay any assessed penalties. Processing may take several business days.