US · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never miss your USDOT biennial update (MCS-150)
A motor carrier must update its Form MCS-150 with FMCSA every 24 months, by the last day of the month set by the last digit of its USDOT number, in odd or even years per the next-to-last digit (49 CFR 390.19T(b)). Missing the biennial update exposes the carrier to penalties and deactivation of the USDOT number.
A motor carrier operating in interstate commerce must file a Motor Carrier Identification Report, Form MCS-150, with FMCSA. A carrier operating in intrastate commerce that needs a hazardous materials Safety Permit files Form MCS-150B, and an intermodal equipment provider files Form MCS-150C (49 CFR 390.19T(a)).
The form is filed before the company begins operations and then every 24 months (49 CFR 390.19T(b)). The last digit of the USDOT number sets the month: the update must be filed by the last day of that month (1 = January, 2 = February, and so on up to 9 = September; 0 = October). The next-to-last digit sets the year: if it is odd, the update is filed in odd-numbered years; if it is even, in even-numbered years.
For example, a carrier whose USDOT number ends in 45 files by May 31 of every even-numbered year. A carrier that fails to complete the biennial update is subject to penalties under federal law and deactivation of its USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)).
At a glance
| Rule | 49 CFR 390.19T (FMCSA) |
|---|---|
| Forms | MCS-150 (interstate carriers), MCS-150B (intrastate carriers needing an HM Safety Permit), MCS-150C (intermodal equipment providers) |
| How often | Before operations begin, then every 24 months |
| Month | Last digit of the USDOT number: 1 = January ... 9 = September, 0 = October; file by the last day of the month |
| Year | Next-to-last digit odd: odd-numbered years; even: even-numbered years |
| If not updated | Penalties and deactivation of the USDOT number |
A carrier that registers its vehicles in a State taking part in the PRISM program is exempt from this section if it files all the required information with the appropriate State office (49 CFR 390.19T(i)).
Who is responsible?
The motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider. The form is filed with the FMCSA Office of Registration and Safety Information, electronically or by mail (49 CFR 390.19T(d)).
If the deadline passes
A person that fails to complete the biennial update is subject to the penalties set out in 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B) or 49 U.S.C. 14901(a), as appropriate, and deactivation of its USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each USDOT number (one per company or subsidiary) and record the next update deadline: the last day of the month set by the last digit, in the year set by the next-to-last digit.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the deadline and on the deadline itself.
- Assign a responsible person (for example your safety or compliance manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a deadline passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- After filing, set the next deadline 24 months later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must the MCS-150 be updated?
- Every 24 months, and also before the company begins operations (49 CFR 390.19T(b)).
- How do I find my MCS-150 due month?
- Look at the last digit of your USDOT number: 1 is January, 2 is February, up to 9 for September, and 0 for October. The update must be filed by the last day of that month (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(2)).
- Is my update due this year?
- Look at the next-to-last digit of your USDOT number. If it is odd, you file in odd-numbered years; if it is even, in even-numbered years (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(3)).
- What happens if I miss the biennial update?
- The carrier is subject to penalties under federal law and deactivation of its USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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