MCS-150 biennial update: what carriers need to know

Filing the MCS-150 directly with FMCSA is free at fmcsa.dot.gov. UnpaidLoad is a private company, not affiliated with FMCSA or USDOT. Our fee is for preparing and submitting the update for you.

Not legal advice. UnpaidLoad is a document-preparation service, not a law firm or a government agency.

The MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) keeps your USDOT registration current. FMCSA requires every USDOT holder to update it at least once every 24 months, even if nothing changed.

When is it due?

Your filing month comes from the last digit of your USDOT number: 1 = January, 2 = February … 9 = September, 0 = October. The next-to-last digit sets the year: odd digit = odd-numbered years, even digit = even-numbered years. Example: USDOT 1234567 has last digit 7 (July) and next-to-last digit 6 (even), so it is due July of even years. Use the free due-date checker.

What happens if you miss it?

FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number for failing to file the biennial update, which can take you off the road until it is fixed. FMCSA also lists civil penalties for not filing; check fmcsa.dot.gov for current amounts.

What information you need

USDOT number and legal name, plus DBA and MC if you have them
Principal address and contact info
Vehicle miles traveled for the last year, and which year
Number of power units and drivers
Cargo classifications and operation type (interstate, intrastate, hazmat)
Your USDOT PIN or FMCSA portal (Login.gov) access

How to file it yourself (free)

Go to fmcsa.dot.gov and sign in to the FMCSA portal.
Choose the MCS-150 update for your USDOT number.
Update every section, review, and submit. Save the confirmation.

There is no government fee for the biennial update. Be careful with sites that look official and charge large fees.

Want us to do it?

UnpaidLoad is a private company, not FMCSA. If you would rather not deal with the portal, we prepare and submit it for you: $39 standard, $59 rush for an inactive or out-of-date USDOT, and included free in Pro. MCS-150 done for you

Not legal advice. This is a document-preparation tool, not a law firm. Results aren't guaranteed. Verify all info with FMCSA and consult an attorney for legal questions.