MCS-150 Biennial Update — The Filing Most Carriers Forget
The Short Answer
FMCSA requires every DOT-registered motor carrier to update Form MCS-150 every 24 months, even if nothing has changed. The deadline depends on the last two digits of your DOT number (specific month) and the second-to-last digit (odd/even year). Miss it and your DOT is deactivated, your MC is revoked, and you cannot legally operate.
MCS-150 is the most-forgotten compliance filing in trucking. It takes 5 minutes online and it's free. Miss it and you're shut down. Set a calendar reminder now.
Form MCS-150 is the Motor Carrier Identification Report — the census form FMCSA uses to track your carrier information. Every carrier must update it every 24 months (biennially), even if nothing has changed.
When is my MCS-150 due?
The due date is based on your USDOT number:
- Last digit determines the MONTH your update is due
- 1 = January, 2 = February, ... 9 = September, 0 = October
- Second-to-last digit determines the YEAR: even = even years, odd = odd years
- Example: DOT number 3654321. Last digit 1 = January. Second-to-last 2 = even year. So update due January of even years (2026, 2028).
How to file
- Go to fmcsa.dot.gov and log into the URS (Unified Registration System)
- Select 'MCS-150 update'
- Confirm/update: address, phone, contact person, number of vehicles, mileage estimate, cargo classification
- Submit — no fee
- Save confirmation PDF
The 'Nothing Changed' filing is still required
Most carriers skip filing because 'nothing changed.' FMCSA doesn't care. The biennial update is required regardless of changes. Filing takes 5 minutes.
What happens if you miss it
- 30 days late: warning letter from FMCSA
- 60+ days late: DOT number placed in 'Inactive' status
- MC authority revoked automatically
- Insurance company notified — coverage may be canceled
- Roadside inspection puts you out of service
Reinstatement if deactivated
- File the overdue MCS-150 immediately
- DOT number typically reactivates within 24 hours
- MC authority reinstatement takes 3–5 business days
- During inactive period: DO NOT operate — every mile is illegal and voids insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file MCS-150 if nothing has changed?+
Yes. The biennial update is mandatory regardless of whether any information has changed. Filing 'no changes' is still an update in FMCSA's system.
How do I know my MCS-150 due month?+
Look up your USDOT number in SAFER. The last digit of your DOT # = the month due (1=Jan, 2=Feb, ...). The second-to-last digit = year (even=even years, odd=odd years).
Can a third-party filer do this for me?+
Yes, but there's no benefit. The form is 5 minutes and free at FMCSA directly. Any service charging you $75+ to file MCS-150 is upselling you.