Hauling Hazmat?
File MCS-150B Right

You must file Form MCS-150B before you begin hauling hazardous materials that require a federal safety permit, and then keep it updated on a strict schedule. The filing timeline is almost identical to the standard MCS-150, but with added weight since it ties directly to your Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP).

You need to file in three main situations:

• Initial Application – File before transporting placardable hazardous materials for the first time.
• Biennial Update – File every two years, following the same biennial update schedule as MCS-150.
• Change of Information – File within 30 days of any company changes, such as a new address, change in ownership, or shift in operating type.

Missing your biennial update can result in your USDOT number being deactivated and your trucks being placed out of service until compliance is restored.

Filing Form MCS-150B grants your company the legal authority to operate as a hazardous materials carrier. Without it, you cannot obtain the Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) that FMCSA requires for moving placardable hazmat shipments. This form also keeps your USDOT registration current, which is essential for maintaining compliance across your operations.

Beyond the legal requirement, filing plays a direct role in safety and federal oversight. It ensures that only carriers who meet strict regulatory standards are transporting dangerous goods, and it allows FMCSA to track and monitor these shipments for protecting public interests.

There is no fee to file Form MCS-150B with FMCSA. Submitting the form—whether online, by mail, or by fax—does not require payment.

However, because the form also functions as your Hazardous Materials Safety Permit (HMSP) application, you’ll need to meet certain compliance standards that may create indirect costs, such as:

• Higher Insurance Coverage – Hazmat carriers must maintain increased liability insurance.
• Safety and Compliance Programs – Driver training, security planning, and strict vehicle maintenance are often required.
• Financial Responsibility – Some hazardous materials may require additional proof of financial responsibility or bonds.

1. Online

Filing online gives you instant confirmation and reduces the risk of errors. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the FMCSA Registration Portal.
2. Log in using your company’s USDOT Number and PIN.
3. Select MCS-150B – Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Application.
4. Enter your carrier details, vehicle fleet information, and hazardous materials data.
5. Review the form carefully and submit electronically.
6. Save and print a copy for your company records.

When you file online, FMCSA confirms acceptance right away.

2. By Mail

If you prefer filing by mail, you can download the form, fill it out manually, and send it to FMCSA.

1. Download the MCS-150B form (PDF)
2. Complete the form with accurate carrier and hazardous materials information.
3. Mail it to:
   Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
   Office of Registration and Safety Information (MC-RS)
   1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
   Washington, DC 20590

Mailed applications usually take about two to four weeks for FMCSA to process.

3. By Fax

Filing by fax is faster than mail but slower than online.

1. Download and complete the MCS-150B form.
2. Fax it to 202-366-3477.
3. Keep the fax confirmation page in your records as proof of submission.

Faxed forms are typically processed within a few business days.

It’s essential to  always keep a copy of the completed form in your company files. FMCSA may request it during audits or safety reviews.

When completing MCS-150B, you’ll need to provide:

• Carrier Identification – Legal business name, DBA, principal address, USDOT number
• Operation Classification – Interstate or intrastate, for-hire/private/exempt status
• Vehicle Information – Fleet size, CMV type, annual mileage
• Hazardous Materials – Class, division, UN/NA number, type of packaging and transport mode
• Safety Contact – Company safety officer’s name, phone, and email

Always double-check your hazmat classifications before filing. Incorrect UN numbers or classes may delay your HMSP approval.

FMCSA treats hazardous material compliance very seriously, and consequences for not filing MCS-150B can be severe:

• Civil Penalties – Fines of up to $1,000 per day until you file or update.
• Loss of Operating Authority – Your USDOT number can be suspended or revoked, leaving you unable to operate legally.
• Out-of-Service Orders – Inspectors can pull your trucks off the road immediately.
• Criminal Liability – Submitting false information or hauling hazmat without a valid HMSP can lead to federal charges.

If you transport hazardous materials without a valid HMSP, you could lose your operating authority.