When am I Required to File the MCS-150 Biennial Update?
If you operate commercial vehicles in interstate or intrastate commerce, you’re required to file an MCS-150 update every two years with no exceptions.
Check when your MCS-150 update is due
Check out your deadline for MCS-150 update in seconds. Just enter your USDOT below, and our tool will handle the rest.
When to update the MCS-150 form?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all regulated companies (every motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider) to update their registration details at least once every two years. This process is commonly known as the Biennial Update, MCS-150 Update, or USDOT Update. But biennial updates aren’t a one-time requirement. Any major changes in your business also require you to submit an updated form MCS-150
When is the MCS-150 form due?
Motor carriers must update their MCS-150 every two years, but the exact deadline isn’t the same for everyone. That’s because your filing date depends on your USDOT number.
Here’s how it works:
- The last digit of your USDOT number tells you which MONTH your update is due.
- The second-to-last digits determine whether you file in an odd-numbered or even-numbered calendar YEAR
How to find out the YEAR of your MCS-150 update?
The second-to-last digit of your USDOT number tells you the year you need to file your MCS-150 update:
- If the second-to-last digit is odd, file in odd-numbered years.
- If the second-to-last digit is even, file in even-numbered years.
Example:
USDOT Number XXXXX15 → File in an odd year (like 2025, 2027, etc.)
USDOT Number XXXXX25 → File in an even year (like 2024, 2026, etc.)
How to find out the MONTH of your MCS-150 update?
To figure out the month your MCS-150 update is due, simply check the last digit of your USDOT number. Each digit from 1 to 0 represents a specific month, and your update must be filed by the last day of that month.
Example:
If your USDOT number ends in XXXXX35:
- The last digit (5) tells you the update is due in May
- The second-to-last digit (3) is odd, so you file in odd-numbered years
(2025, 2027, etc.).
So, your update is due by the last day of May 2025.
| If your USDOT number ends in: | Must file by the last day of: |
|---|---|
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
In addition to the biennial update, the FMCSA requires you to update your registration within 30 days of any major changes — like your company’s address, phone number, or number of vehicles.
If you’ve already filed an update within 12 months before your scheduled biennial update, the FMCSA considers that sufficient and won’t send you a biennial update reminder until your next scheduled filing.
Why update your MCS-150 form?
What happens if you don’t update your MCS-150?
Failing to file your MCS-150 update on time is more than a minor mistake—it can have serious consequences for your business. The FMCSA requires every motor carrier to update their information every two years, even if nothing has changed, your company stopped operating interstate, or you’re no longer in business but haven’t officially informed them.
If you miss the deadline, here’s what can happen:
- Your USDOT number will be deactivated, meaning you’re no longer authorized to operate.
- You could face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, with fines maxing out at $10,000.
- Your company could be labeled as “inactive”, which could damage your reputation and halt operations.
- Your operating authority could be revoked, putting your entire business at risk.
To avoid fines and interruptions, ensure your information is accurate and your updates are filed on time.
Skip the wait—Simplify your MCS-150 filing with eMCS-150
Why get stuck in paperwork and mail delays when you can file your MCS-150 update online in minutes? At eMCS-150, we make the process fast, simple, and stress-free- no hidden fees, no confusing steps. Just straightforward filing, handled by experts who know the process inside out. Whether you’re a carrier always looking to stay compliant or an owner-operator just starting out, we’re here to make your MCS-150 update seamless and hassle-free.
Why choose eMCS-150?
Paperwork’s a headache and we get it. But with eMCS-150, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re renewing your authority, staying compliant, or just keeping records current, we make the MCS-150 update fast, easy, and hassle-free.
Frequently asked questions on filing MCS-150
1.How do I determine when the last time my MCS-150 was updated?
The easiest way is to visit the FMCSA SAFER website. Simply enter your USDOT number to access your company’s snapshot. On the report, look for the “FMCSA Form Date”—that’s the date your MCS-150 was last filed. If the date is over two years old, it’s time to file an update immediately to avoid penalties or a DOT number deactivation.
Alternatively, platforms like eMCS-150 provide instant access to FMCSA data and can help you quickly retrieve your last filed date and assist you in filing or updating your MCS-150 quickly and accurately.
2.
How often do I have to update my MCS-150?
You must update your MCS-150 form at least once every two years, even if your company’s information hasn’t changed. This update is known as a biennial update and is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The due date for your update is based on the last two digits of your USDOT number:
- The second-to-last digit determines the month you must file (1 = January, 2 = February, etc.).
- The last digit determines odd or even years (odd = file in odd-numbered years, even = file in even-numbered years).
3.
Why is it important to file your MCS-150 on time?
Filing your MCS-150 form on time is essential to maintaining compliance with FMCSA regulations. Many carriers fall out of compliance simply by missing the required biennial update. Timely updates are critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for ensuring accurate safety records, financial stability, and the integrity of the transportation industry.
Failing to file the MCS-150 by the deadline can lead to serious consequences, including deactivation of your USDOT number and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day. Without an active DOT number, carriers lose their operating authority and are legally prohibited from conducting business.
4.
What are the MCS-150 requirements?
Filing or updating your MCS-150 means giving the FMCSA a clear picture of your business—how you operate, what you haul, and how safe you are. This info keeps your records current and your USDOT number active.
Here’s what you’ll need to complete your MCS-150:
- Legal business name (as registered with FMCSA)
- USDOT Number (and MC Number, if you have one)
- Operation type – Interstate or intrastate? Hauling hazardous materials?
- Business role – Carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or shipper?
- Driver count – Total number of drivers under your authority
- Vehicle info – Number of power units and trailers
- Annual mileage – Miles traveled in the previous calendar year
- Cargo types – What you typically transport
- Insurance details – Proof of required coverage (if applicable)
5.
What happens if I don’t update my Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) on the MCS-150 Form?
One of the most overlooked parts of the MCS-150 update is your Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), but skipping it can lead to further challenges. If you leave the VMT section blank or outdated, the FMCSA will flag your record as “VMT outdated.” That might sound harmless, but it can result in:
- Lower CSA scores, which can affect your credibility and ability to book loads
- Increased insurance premiums, as insurers may see outdated data as a risk
- Additional scrutiny during inspections or audits
6.
Can I update my MCS-150 online?
Yes, updating your MCS-150 form online is quick and convenient. The FMCSA allows carriers to complete their biennial updates and make changes to registration details through the FMCSA Portal, eliminating the need for paperwork and long processing times.
For an even smoother experience, you can file your MCS-150 through eMCS-150. Our team of experts make the process fast, simple, and hassle-free—no hidden fees, no confusing steps. Whether you’re a new owner-operator or an established carrier maintaining compliance, eMCS-150 ensures your form is filed accurately and on time. From renewals to updates, we handle your DOT compliance with care and efficiency.
7.
Do I need a new USDOT number if I’m restarting my business?
No, you don’t need to apply for a new USDOT number—once it’s issued to you, it’s yours for life. If you’re reopening your business or getting back on the road, you can reactivate your existing USDOT number by submitting an updated MCS-150 form.
The reactivation process is straightforward, and services like eMCS-150 can make it even easier. Whether you need help with the paperwork, guidance on compliance, or support with getting back in good standing, their team can handle the details for you.
MCS-150 deadline coming up?
Avoid penalties & deactivation — File your update today File MCS-150 Now