Section 390.19 requires every motor carrier to file the MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) and to update it: every 24 months from the original USDOT issue date, and any time the carrier's information changes (new address, new operation classification, change in vehicle count or driver count).
What happens if you miss the biennial
The FMCSA may deactivate your USDOT number. Operating with a deactivated USDOT is operating without authority. Reactivation requires re-filing the MCS-150 and may require additional documentation.
How to file
The MCS-150 is filed for free through the FMCSA portal at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov. There is no FMCSA fee. Anyone offering to file it for you is charging for a service the FMCSA does for free.
See our step-by-step MCS-150 guide for the walkthrough.
When the schedule resets
The biennial cycle is based on the last digit of your USDOT and the second-to-last digit (even/odd). Use the FMCSA portal to confirm your next due date.
How to prevent it
- Set a calendar reminder 60 days before each biennial.
- Update the MCS-150 any time you change address, add or remove vehicles, or change cargo classification.
- Keep the email address on file current — it's how the FMCSA notifies you.
How Roadworthy HQ helps
Roadworthy HQ tracks your MCS-150 last filed date and surfaces the next biennial in the dashboard alert window with 60- and 30-day reminders. The MCS-150 confirmation receipt is stored on the carrier record.