How long is an FMCSA hazmat safety permit valid?

Two years, unless it is suspended or revoked. A temporary permit is valid for 180 days or until a new safety rating (49 CFR 385.419T and 385.409T).

What happens if we file late?

The permit is subject to suspension or revocation (385.421T(a)(1)). If filed on schedule, the existing permit stays in effect while FMCSA processes it (385.419T(b)).

What must be carried in the vehicle?

A copy of the permit or a document showing the FMCSA safety permit number, the written route plan, and a phone number answered directly by someone familiar with the routing (385.415(a)).

US · Expiry & renewal tracking

Renew your hazardous materials safety permit on time

An FMCSA hazardous materials safety permit is effective for two years unless suspended or revoked, and is renewed on Form MCS-150B on the biennial schedule set by the carrier's USDOT number (49 CFR 385.419T and 390.19T). A timely renewal keeps the permit in effect; a late filing exposes it to suspension or revocation.

A motor carrier may not transport certain hazardous materials, in interstate or intrastate commerce, unless it holds a safety permit from FMCSA. They include a highway route-controlled quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) material; more than 25 kg (55 pounds) of a Division 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 explosive, or a placarded amount of Division 1.5; certain materials poisonous by inhalation; and methane or natural gas in bulk packaging of 13,248 L (3,500 gallons) or more (49 CFR 385.403).

Unless suspended or revoked, a safety permit (other than a temporary one) is effective for two years. The renewal application is Form MCS-150B. A permit is subject to revocation if the carrier does not submit the renewal application on the schedule in 49 CFR 390.19T, and an existing permit stays in effect while FMCSA processes a renewal submitted on schedule (49 CFR 385.405T and 385.419T).

Under 390.19T, the form is filed before operations begin and then every 24 months, by the last day of the month set by the last digit of the USDOT number (1 for January through 9 for September, 0 for October), in odd-numbered years if the next-to-last digit is odd and in even-numbered years if it is even (49 CFR 390.19T(b)). The carrier must also report any change to the information on Form MCS-150B within 30 days (385.405T(d)).

Start free

At a glance

Rule	49 CFR part 385 subpart E (FMCSA)
Permit term	Two years, unless suspended or revoked
Renewal form	Form MCS-150B
Renewal schedule	Every 24 months, by USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T)
Changes	Report within 30 days on Form MCS-150B
Temporary permit	180 days or until a new safety rating, whichever is first
Also needed	Current PHMSA hazardous materials registration

To get a permit the carrier needs a Satisfactory safety rating and must certify a satisfactory security program; FMCSA will not issue one to a carrier whose crash rate or out-of-service rate is in the top 30 percent of the national average (385.407).

Who is responsible?

The motor carrier, which applies for and renews the permit (385.405T) and must give its permit number on request to anyone offering a listed material for transport (385.417).

If the deadline passes

A permit is subject to suspension or revocation if the renewal application is not filed on schedule. It is suspended the first time a ground applies and revoked if it was suspended before; after a revocation, no replacement or temporary permit is issued for 365 days (49 CFR 385.421T).

Temporary permits

A carrier that does not yet meet the safety rating criteria may get a temporary safety permit. It is valid for 180 days after issue or until the carrier gets a new safety rating, whichever comes first. If no rating has been issued within 180 days, FMCSA extends it by 60 days if the carrier shows it continues to operate in full compliance (385.409T).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add the safety permit with its expiry date, two years after issue.
Add a second record for the Form MCS-150B filing deadline set by your USDOT number, so you are reminded before that date as well.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Assign a responsible person (for example your compliance or safety manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Upload the renewed permit, or ask a colleague to send it through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long is an FMCSA hazmat safety permit valid?: Two years, unless it is suspended or revoked. A temporary permit is valid for 180 days or until a new safety rating (49 CFR 385.419T and 385.409T).
When must the renewal be filed?: On the Form MCS-150B schedule in 49 CFR 390.19T: every 24 months, by the last day of the month set by the last digit of the USDOT number, in odd or even years by the next-to-last digit.
What happens if we file late?: The permit is subject to suspension or revocation (385.421T(a)(1)). If filed on schedule, the existing permit stays in effect while FMCSA processes it (385.419T(b)).
What must be carried in the vehicle?: A copy of the permit or a document showing the FMCSA safety permit number, the written route plan, and a phone number answered directly by someone familiar with the routing (385.415(a)).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for hazardous materials safety permit (FMCSA) (US)

A ready template for hazardous materials safety permit (FMCSA) (US) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each hazardous materials safety permit (FMCSA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each hazardous materials safety permit (FMCSA) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.