The MCS-150 form
The MCS-150 is the Motor Carrier Identification Report. Interstate motor carriers file it to get a USDOT number and then update it every 24 months. Intrastate carriers that need a hazardous materials safety permit file the MCS-150B, and intermodal equipment providers file the MCS-150C (49 CFR 390.19T(a)).
Which version you file
| Form | Name | Who files it |
|---|---|---|
| MCS-150 | Motor Carrier Identification Report | Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, whether U.S., Canada, Mexico or elsewhere domiciled |
| MCS-150B | Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application | Intrastate carriers that need a hazardous materials safety permit under 49 CFR part 385, subpart E |
| MCS-150C | Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report | Intermodal equipment providers offering equipment for interstate transportation |
What it asks for
The update confirms the details FMCSA holds about your company. Have these ready:
- Legal name, and one trade name if you use it
- Physical and mailing addresses, phone and email
- Company officials
- Type of operation, such as for-hire or private, and interstate or intrastate
- Cargo classifications you haul
- Number of power units and drivers
- Vehicle miles traveled in the last year, and the year they relate to
These are the kinds of details that appear in FMCSA's public carrier census data, which comes from what carriers report.
Where to file it
Online, in Motus. The regulation also allows filing by mail to FMCSA's Office of Registration and Safety Information in Washington, DC (49 CFR 390.19T(d)), but online is faster and shows up in your Motus account. There is no fee either way. The how-to guide covers the online steps.
When it's due
By the last day of your filing month, every 24 months. Your USDOT number sets both. Look yours up or see the full schedule.
Questions
Where do I get the MCS-150 form?
You don't need a paper form for the biennial update. You make the update online in Motus. FMCSA still publishes the form and its instructions on its registration forms page.
Can I use a trade name?
Only your legal name or a single trade name may be used on the form (49 CFR 390.19T(f)).
Is there a penalty for false information?
Yes. Failing to file, or giving misleading information or false statements on the form, is subject to penalties under 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B) (49 CFR 390.19T(g)).
Related
- MCS-150 due dates by USDOT number
The full schedule: which month and which years, with worked examples.
- How to update your MCS-150 online in Motus
Log in, claim your USDOT number and submit the biennial update. Free.
- The DOT biennial update explained
Who has to file, how often, and what happens if you don't.
- Missed your MCS-150 update?
What happens to your USDOT number and how to get current.
- Biennial update scams: how to spot them
Letters and emails that charge for a free filing, and how to check.