Missed your MCS-150 update?

File it now in Motus. It's free. Under the rule, a missed biennial update exposes you to civil penalties and deactivation of your USDOT number. During the Motus transition, FMCSA has paused inactivation for updates due on or after June 1, 2026, but the update is still required.

What the rule says

A carrier that fails to complete the biennial update is subject to the penalties in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B) or 49 U.S.C. 14901(a), and deactivation of its USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)).

The 2026 Motus pause

FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates, and the inactivation of USDOT numbers for missing them, while carriers move to Motus. Carriers whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026 get extra time. The update is still required. (FMCSA notice, last updated September 10, 2026; checked September 30, 2026.)

If your deadline was before June 1, 2026, the notice doesn't cover it. Check your record in Motus Public Search and file straight away.

What to do now

1. Confirm your due date and status. Look up your USDOT number, then check the official record in Motus Public Search.
2. File the update in Motus. Follow the step-by-step guide. FMCSA lists reactivating a USDOT number among the things you can do in Motus.
3. If something blocks you, call FMCSA registration customer service at 1-800-832-5660 or use the online ticket form.
4. Keep proof. Save the confirmation from Motus in case a broker, shipper or insurer asks.

Avoid paying for a free filing

Missed deadlines are exactly what scam letters target. Read how to spot them before you pay anyone.

Questions

Will my USDOT number be deactivated right now?

FMCSA says carriers whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026 will not have their USDOT number inactivated for missing it while the Motus transition continues. Earlier deadlines are not covered by that statement. See the FMCSA notice.

How do I check whether my number is active?

Search your USDOT number in Motus Public Search. Our lookup also shows the status in FMCSA's census data.

Do I need to pay someone to reactivate?

No. Registrants can file the update and reactivate a USDOT number themselves in Motus.

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 MCS-150 form: which version and what it asks

  MCS-150, MCS-150B or MCS-150C, and the details to have ready.

• The DOT biennial update explained

  Who has to file, how often, and what happens if you don't.

• Biennial update scams: how to spot them

  Letters and emails that charge for a free filing, and how to check.

Last reviewed September 30, 2026. Checked against 49 CFR 390.19T and FMCSA's registration pages.