How to update MCS-150 online
Log in to Motus at motus.dot.gov through Login.gov, claim your company's USDOT number as the company official, then review, update and certify the record and submit it as your biennial update. FMCSA says the update is free, and registration options in the FMCSA Portal ended on May 14, 2026. 49 CFR 390.19T sets the update every 24 months, due by the last day of the month matching your number's last digit, and FMCSA says to file within 30 days of a change in demographic information. A market we placed with held a bind until the Motus driver count matched the quote.
Updated . Written by Andre Beukers, principal at Redoubt, a commercial insurance agency in Salt Lake City, not a government office.
What is an MCS-150 update?
It is the refresh of your company's registration record with FMCSA. 49 CFR 390.19T says a motor carrier "conducting operations in interstate commerce must file a Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150," first before it begins operations and then every 24 months. FMCSA's form page says the MCS-150 is used "to update their existing U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number company record" and is "most commonly used to fulfill the requirement to complete the biennial update."
The record holds your legal name and addresses, operation and cargo, and vehicle and driver counts. A biennial update is due whether or not anything changed; FMCSA's update page says to file it "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."
How do I update my MCS-150 or USDOT number online in Motus?
Online registration changes now go through Motus. FMCSA's modernization FAQ says "the FMCSA Portal will be operational upon Motus launch," but "registration options in the FMCSA Portal will no longer be available beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET," and registrants "will be required to access the new registration system through Login.gov, removing the need for USDOT PINs."
Not every edit posts on submission: the same FAQ says "FMCSA must review certain changes before allowing them to be reflected in the system." For a stuck change, FMCSA points registrants to its customer service center at 1-800-832-5660 or its web ticket form.
- Create a user profile at motus.dot.gov and complete identity verification through Login.gov.
- Have the company official claim the existing USDOT number with the Login.gov email used in the FMCSA Portal, then "review, update, and certify."
- Correct what is out of date (address, operation, cargo, vehicles, drivers) and submit the biennial update.
- Check your record in the public Motus search by USDOT number, legal name or DBA.
When is my MCS-150 update due?
The last digit of your USDOT number sets the month, and the update is due by its last day. The next-to-last digit sets the year: "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." Even means even years, so a number ending in 67 is due by July 31 of 2026, 2028 and every even year after.
A change does not wait for the calendar. FMCSA's FAQ on name and entity changes says that after a change in demographic information "the motor carrier is required to file an updated Form MCS-150, Motor Carrier Identification Report, within 30 days of the change." UDOT gives Utah carriers the same two triggers: an updated MCS-150 "every two years or, if the company information changes."
| USDOT number ends in | File by the last day of |
|---|---|
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
How much does it cost to update the MCS-150?
Nothing, when you file it yourself. FMCSA's update page says "Updating your information is free," and its MCS-150 page says "We won't charge you to create an account or complete a biennial update for your own company record." Its Motus FAQ says "There are no planned changes to the registration fees associated with the initial release of the new system."
Fees attach to operating authority, not to the MCS-150. The same MCS-150 page lists an $80 fee to reinstate an operating authority and a "$300 fee per operating authority type" to apply for new authority under an active USDOT number.
Why does my USDOT number show inactive with MCS-150 data not completed?
Because FMCSA's record shows a missed biennial update. SAFER's help page defines the status as "Inactive per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed." The rule it cites now sits at 390.19T(b)(4), which makes a carrier that misses its updates subject to civil penalties "and deactivation of its USDOT Number." FMCSA's update page says a missed update "may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000."
Enforcement is paused for now. FMCSA's notice, last updated September 10, 2026, says registrants whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026 "will not have their USDOT Number inactivated for failing to submit a biennial update." It sets no end date, and an update due before June 1 is outside it. File the late update in Motus, where FMCSA lists the option to "Inactivate or reactivate your USDOT Number."
What counts as power units and drivers on the MCS-150, and what changes do I report?
SAFER, which shows the MCS-150 data, defines power units as the number of "Trucks, Tractors, Hazardous Material Tank Trucks, Motor Coaches, School Buses, Mini-Bus/Vans and Limousines owned, term leased or trip leased by the motor carrier," and drivers as the "Total number of drivers employed by the carrier/shipper." Leased units count alongside owned ones.
FMCSA's MCS-150 page lists the record edits a carrier makes online: "Change Mailing or Physical Address, Driver/Vehicle Information, Cargo Classification, etc." Report what you run today. 390.19T(g) makes a carrier that "furnishes misleading information or makes false statements upon the form" subject to the penalties in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B).
In two of our placements, a market tied the bind or the filings to the Motus driver count. In July 2026 one market wrote that the insured would "first need to update their MOTUS site to show the correct number of drivers" before binding; in September 2026 another wrote, "The insured will not be able to get their filings until they update their MOTUS site to show 3 drivers." Those are market conditions, not FMCSA rules.
Does the MCS-150 have insurance requirements?
No. 390.19T, the rule behind the form, sets no insurance limit and asks for no policy, so filing or updating the MCS-150 proves nothing about coverage. Proof of insurance comes from the insurer: FMCSA's filing page says that once an entity applies for operating authority, "a financial responsibility provider must file the appropriate insurance form(s) on behalf of the applicant." That filing is made by the insurance company, separately from your MCS-150.
The two meet in underwriting. In our placements, one market made a bind wait on the Motus driver count, and in July 2026 another accepted "a copy of the MCS-150 form (dated in the last 7 business days) and confirmation email that the change has been requested" while the record caught up. Use one name throughout: 390.19T(f) allows "only the legal name or a single trade name" on the form, and the policy should carry that name.
Who needs to file the MCS-150, and how is it different from the MCS-150B?
390.19T(a) assigns three forms. An interstate motor carrier files the MCS-150, and an intermodal equipment provider files the MCS-150C. A carrier "conducting operations in intrastate commerce and requiring a Safety Permit under 49 CFR part 385, subpart E, must file the Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application, Form MCS-150B." The permit covers a short list of high-hazard loads, such as highway route-controlled radioactive material and more than 25 kg of Division 1.1 to 1.3 explosives, which 385.403 bars a carrier from hauling "unless the motor carrier holds a safety permit."
So the 150B is the identification report with the permit application joined to it, and an interstate carrier with no permit load files the plain MCS-150. UDOT's page reads wider than the federal text: it says "All motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or intrastate commerce are required to file an updated form MCS-150," while 390.19T(a)(1) assigns the MCS-150 to carriers in interstate commerce. Whether UDOT's sentence reaches a Utah carrier that runs only intrastate is a question for UDOT; the federal rule does not answer it.
What to send your agent after you update
When a quote is waiting on your FMCSA record, send these with the update.
- 1.The submitted MCS-150 or Motus update, dated; one market wanted it within the last 7 business days
- 2.FMCSA's confirmation that the change was requested
- 3.Your USDOT number and any MC docket number
- 4.The driver count you reported, with each driver's name, date of birth and license number
- 5.The power unit count you reported, with each unit's year, make and VIN
- 6.Your legal name exactly as it appears on the MCS-150
Can I change my DOT number?
No. FMCSA says USDOT numbers "are not transferable and are assigned to only one person and remain assigned to that person forever," and its Motus FAQ says existing registrants keep their current number. Each separate legal person needs its own registration. FMCSA lets a sole proprietor that changes its current form of business keep its number when the new entity goes on operating virtually the same.
Can I still mail a paper MCS-150?
Yes. 390.19T(d) lets the form be filed electronically or mailed to FMCSA's Office of Registration and Safety Information in Washington. FMCSA's FAQ says paper updates take days to process, and its update page says a mailed form must be received on or before the date the update is due.
Where these answers come from
Each entry carries the exact words of the source so you can check it yourself. Forms, rules and carrier pages change; read the current version before acting.
- 1. 49 CFR 390.19T(a)(1), Form MCS-150, eCFR
“A U.S.-, Canada-, Mexico-, or non-North America-domiciled motor carrier conducting operations in interstate commerce must file a Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150.”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Section last amended 88 FR 80184, November 17, 2023; no suspension note. Nothing in the section sets an insurance limit or asks for a policy. - 2. 49 CFR 390.19T(a)(2) and (3), Forms MCS-150B and MCS-150C, eCFR
“A motor carrier conducting operations in intrastate commerce and requiring a Safety Permit under 49 CFR part 385, subpart E, must file the Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application, Form MCS-150B.”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Paragraph (a)(3) assigns the Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report, Form MCS-150C, to intermodal equipment providers. - 3. 49 CFR 390.19T(b)(1) and (2), filing schedule, eCFR
“Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form under paragraph (a) of this section at the following times: (1) Before it begins operations; and (2) Every 24 months, according to the following schedule:”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Paragraphs (b), (b)(1) and (b)(2) run together here. The schedule that follows maps last digits 1 to 9 to January to September and 0 to October. - 4. 49 CFR 390.19T(b)(3), odd and even years, eCFR
“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.”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. The next sentence sets even-numbered years for an even next-to-last digit. - 5. 49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4), missed biennial update, eCFR
“A person that fails to complete biennial updates to the information pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section is subject to the penalties prescribed in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B) or 49 U.S.C. 14901(a), as appropriate, and deactivation of its USDOT Number.”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 6. 49 CFR 390.19T(f), name on the form, eCFR
“Only the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider may be used on the forms under paragraph (a) of this section”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 7. 49 CFR 390.19T(g), false or misleading information, eCFR
“A motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider that fails to file the form required under paragraph (a) of this section, or furnishes misleading information or makes false statements upon the form, is subject to the penalties prescribed in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B).”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 8. 49 CFR 390.19T(d), where to file, eCFR
“The form may be filed electronically according to the instructions at the Agency's website, or it may be sent to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Registration and Safety Information (MC-RS), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 9. 49 CFR 385.403, transportation that requires a hazmat safety permit, eCFR
“A motor carrier may not transport in interstate or intrastate commerce any of the following hazardous materials, in the quantity indicated for each, unless the motor carrier holds a safety permit”
ecfr.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Paragraphs (a) to (f) list highway route-controlled Class 7, more than 25 kg of Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3, poison-inhalation hazard zones A to D in stated packagings, and certain methane and natural gas shipments. - 10. FMCSA, Form MCS-150 and Instructions, about this form
“The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for motor carriers and other registrants to update their existing U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number company record. This form is most commonly used to fulfill the requirement to complete the biennial update.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Page last updated February 25, 2026, before Motus; its online steps describe the FMCSA Portal. - 11. FMCSA, Form MCS-150 and Instructions, changes made online
“Change Mailing or Physical Address, Driver/Vehicle Information, Cargo Classification, etc.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. One item of the page's list of online changes besides the biennial update. - 12. FMCSA, Form MCS-150 and Instructions, no charge for the biennial update
“We won't charge you to create an account or complete a biennial update for your own company record.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. The account it refers to is the FMCSA Portal account, since replaced by Motus. - 13. FMCSA, Form MCS-150 and Instructions, operating authority fees
“You can also make an online request to reinstate your operating authority ($80 fee applies) or apply for authority under your active USDOT Number ($300 fee per operating authority type applies).”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 14. FMCSA, Updating Your Registration or Authority, biennial updates
“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.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Page last updated October 22, 2025. - 15. FMCSA, Updating Your Registration or Authority, penalty for a missed update
“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.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. These are the figures in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i); Appendix B to 49 CFR Part 386 adjusts FMCSA civil penalties for inflation. - 16. FMCSA, Updating Your Registration or Authority, cost
“Updating your information is free. We have included instructions below to help you complete your biennial update.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 17. FMCSA, Updating Your Registration or Authority, mailed forms
“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.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 18. FMCSA FAQ, Do I need a new USDOT number if I am changing my company's legal name or form of business?
“In case of a change in demographic information, the motor carrier is required to file an updated Form MCS-150, Motor Carrier Identification Report, within 30 days of the change.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. FAQ last updated May 20, 2023. - 19. FMCSA FAQ, Do I need a new USDOT number if I am changing my company's legal name or form of business?, numbers not transferable
“USDOT numbers are not transferable and are assigned to only one person and remain assigned to that person forever.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. The same answer says "Each separate and distinct person must have separate registration." - 20. FMCSA FAQ, Do I need a new USDOT number if I am changing my company's legal name or form of business?, sole proprietors
“We will allow a sole proprietor to maintain its USDOT number when it changes its current form of business, and the new entity will continue to operate virtually the same (absent the form of business change) as before the change.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 21. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, Will the current FMCSA Portal go away?
“While the FMCSA Portal will be operational upon Motus launch, registration options in the FMCSA Portal will no longer be available beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Answers sit in collapsed accordions. - 22. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, USDOT PIN
“Registrants will be required to access the new registration system through Login.gov, removing the need for USDOT PINs.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 23. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, changing information in Motus
“However, some changes require additional evidence or documentation, and FMCSA must review certain changes before allowing them to be reflected in the system.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 24. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, registration fees
“There are no planned changes to the registration fees associated with the initial release of the new system.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 25. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, paper forms
“Currently, updates submitted on paper take days to process, and conducting business online is cumbersome with multiple logins in addition to a personal identification number.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 26. FMCSA, Registration Modernization FAQs, existing USDOT numbers
“Existing registrants will keep their current USDOT Number.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 27. FMCSA, Move into Motus, step 1
“Create a user profile and complete identity verification to log into the system.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Page last updated May 18, 2026. The same page says Motus uses Login.gov and identity verification. - 28. FMCSA, Move into Motus, existing registrants
“Use the same Login.gov email that you used as the company official in the FMCSA Portal to claim a USDOT Number. Then, simply review, update, and certify to get moving in Motus.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 29. FMCSA, Move into Motus, step 3
“Register for a USDOT Number and/or operating authority, manage your registrations and business information, submit biennial updates, and more in Motus.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 30. FMCSA, Move into Motus, what registrants can do
“Inactivate or reactivate your USDOT Number.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. One item of the page's list of registrant actions. - 31. FMCSA, Temporary Suspension of the Biennial Update Requirement
“To help reduce disruptions during this transition period, FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates and the inactivation of USDOT Numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Page last updated September 10, 2026. The sentence before it says Motus was "launched on May 19." - 32. FMCSA, Temporary Suspension of the Biennial Update Requirement, who it covers
“Registrants whose biennial update was due on or after June 1, 2026 will receive additional time to complete any required biennial updates and will not have their USDOT Number inactivated for failing to submit a biennial update. We will share additional guidance as Motus recovery and stabilization efforts continue.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 33. FMCSA, Temporary Suspension of the Biennial Update Requirement, contact center
“please call the FMCSA Registration Customer Service Center: 1-800-832-5660, or contact them via the webform”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. - 34. FMCSA, Temporary Suspension of the Biennial Update Requirement, verify registration
“Search by USDOT Number, legal name, or DBA to see the registration record.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser. Describes the public Motus search at motus.dot.gov/public/search. - 35. FMCSA SAFER, help page, operating status definitions
“Inactive per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed.”
safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. The definition of "Inactive USDOT Number." It cites the pre-2017 section number; the rule is now 390.19T(b)(4), and 390.19 covers only certain Mexico-domiciled carriers. - 36. FMCSA SAFER, help page, Power Units and Drivers
“Power Units Identifies the number of Trucks, Tractors, Hazardous Material Tank Trucks, Motor Coaches, School Buses, Mini-Bus/Vans and Limousines owned, term leased or trip leased by the motor carrier.”
safer.fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. The next entries read "Drivers Total number of drivers employed by the carrier/shipper." and "MCS-150 Form Date Date from the MCS-150 Registration Form." - 37. UDOT, USDOT Numbers and Registering with the FMCSA, when do I update my MCS-150 form?
“All motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate or intrastate commerce are required to file an updated form MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) every two years or, if the company information changes.”
connect.udot.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; the site returns a Cloudflare 403 to curl. - 38. FMCSA, Insurance Filing Requirements, who files proof of insurance
“Once an entity applies for Operating Authority (MC/FF/MX), a financial responsibility provider must file the appropriate insurance form(s) on behalf of the applicant.”
fmcsa.dot.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Read in a browser; fmcsa.dot.gov returns 403 to curl. Page last updated March 26, 2026. - 39. Redoubt record, a market's underwriting email on a new carrier's quote
“If, after the quote has been finalized, the insured would like to bind, they will first need to update their MOTUS site to show the correct number of drivers.”
Redoubt agency records, accessed July 29, 2026. Redoubt's own experience with one market; not an FMCSA requirement. - 40. Redoubt record, a market's email on a three-driver quote
“The insured will not be able to get their filings until they update their MOTUS site to show 3 drivers.”
Redoubt agency records, accessed September 25, 2026. Redoubt's own experience with one market; not an FMCSA requirement. - 41. Redoubt record, a market's email on a quote held for a Motus correction
“We will accept a copy of the MCS-150 form (dated in the last 7 business days) and confirmation email that the change has been requested.”
Redoubt agency records, accessed July 7, 2026. Redoubt's own experience with one market; other markets set their own terms.
The insurer will not bind or file until the Motus record matches the application
FMCSA's Motus system, the MCS-150 update, driver and unit counts, and the BMC-91 and BMC-91X filings that depend on them.
Elsewhere on the site
Is a quote waiting on your FMCSA record?
Text Redoubt your USDOT number and the driver and unit counts on your quote. We will compare them with what your record shows and tell you what has to change before the market will bind.
This is general insurance information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. The policy forms, the endorsements the carrier issues, and the requirement in writing from whoever is asking control.