Updating Your Registration or Authority (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to update my DOT number? ›

In addition, FMCSA requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years: US DOT Numbers: Routine Updates. Biennial Updates.

Biennial updates are processed immediately if done online, but updates filed by email, fax or mail may take three to four weeks to process.

The first FMCSA biennial update is due two years after you complete your initial FMCSA registration. Every two years after that, you need to update your FMCSA MCS 150 with any changes to your business operations or contact information.

There are several ways to update your company information with the FMCSA (there is no charge for USDOT number updates): Online: You can update your USDOT number company information on the Licensing and Insurance (L&I) web site by filing an MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report).

You are required to provide this update every two years. Failure to complete a biennial update will result in deactivation of your U.S. DOT Number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000 as periodically adjusted for inflation.

Biennial updates: FMCSA requires entities to provide regular registration updates — at least every other year. The filing schedule is based on the last two digits of a company's USDOT number, which determines the year and month the entity pays. The second-to-last number indicates the year.

What is the Vetting Process and What Do I Need to Do? While an application for FMCSA operating authority is typically granted within 25 business days, the process may be extended if the application requires additional review.

If you fail to update your MCS-150 in a timely and accurate fashion, you face a fine of up to $1,000 per day. Additionally, your DOT number may be deactivated, which could cause disaster for your company, possibly shutting down operations.

What happens if I don't deactivate my DOT number? ›

Consequences of Driving with an Inactive DOT Number

Non-compliance fines can cost you thousands of dollars, and you could end up getting your license revoked.

One easy way is to go to the FMCSA safer website: Enter your DOT # then look at your company snapshot. You will see your “FMCSA Form Date” on the left side of the report. If it is older than two years…. update your MCS-150 ASAP!

The FMCSA has created an easy way to know when your biennial update is due. To know when to submit your biennial update, look at the last two digits of your USDOT number. If the second to last digit is even, then the update is due every even calendar year (2024, 2026, etc.)

The second to last number in your DOT Number determines what year your biennial update needs to be filed. If it's odd, you're required to file your MCS-150 in every odd-numbered calendar year. If it's even, then you file in even-numbered calendar years.

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. FMCSA also requires you to update your registration information within 30 days of any change.

If the next-to-last digit of your USDOT Number is even, you shall file your update in every even-numbered calendar year. The last digit in your U.S. DOT Number determines the month your biennial update is due; see schedule in the table provided.

What Is A Biennial Update? The USDOT Biennial Update is a registration form carriers have to sign every two years.

Do I need a different DOT number for each truck? Not generally, if the trucks fall under a single carrier. However, if you have businesses that are completely separate, you may need two DOT numbers (one for each carrier, which will apply to all of that carrier's trucks).

Biennial updates are processed immediately if done online, but updates filed by email, fax or mail may take three to four weeks to process.