How to Deactivate/Cancel a USDOT Number?

A USDOT number is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to companies operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. It tracks a carrier’s operations, safety compliance, and regulatory obligations. However, when a transportation company or independent owner-operator no longer needs this identifier—whether due to shutting down operations, switching to intrastate-only activities, or restructuring the business—it is crucial to deactivate the DOT number officially.

Properly deactivating your DOT number not only safeguards your business from unnecessary regulatory responsibilities but also allows you to retain vehicles without them being classified as commercial-use vehicles. Understanding when and how to complete this process is a critical step for carriers winding down operations or transitioning their business. This guide explains how to deactivate your USDOT number, when deactivation is required, and the potential risks if the number remains active.

Why should you deactivate your DOT number?

Deactivating your DOT number ensures your company is no longer listed as an active carrier in FMCSA records. This protects you from ongoing compliance obligations, audits, or potential fines and legal, financial, and administrative risks. Simply ceasing operations or notifying the FMCSA verbally is not enough. The deactivation process requires filing the appropriate form, usually the MCS-150, to indicate that your business is “Out of Service” or “Out of Business.” Motor carriers must submit this update within 30 days of stopping operations or discontinuing activities that require a USDOT number. 

Key reasons to deactivate your DOT number include:

• Eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens: An active DOT number requires regular filings, compliance reporting, and updates. Deactivation removes these obligations, saving time and reducing paperwork.
• Prevent fines and penalties: Even inactive operations can trigger fees, audits, or regulatory penalties if your DOT number remains active. Deactivating your number helps avoid unexpected legal and financial consequences.
• Ensure accurate business records: Keeping a DOT number active unnecessarily can cause confusion for authorities or lead to misinterpretation of your business status. Deactivation ensures your company’s information in the FMCSA database is current and accurate.
• Reduce operational and legal risks: Deactivation requires consideration of insurance, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements. Consulting with insurance providers, legal advisors, or compliance professionals can ensure the process is completed smoothly and safely.
• Protect against misuse and unnecessary scrutiny: Inactive DOT numbers may be misused by third parties or attract unnecessary audits and inquiries. Deactivation minimizes these risks, keeping your business protected.

When to deactivate your USDOT number?

Deactivating your USDOT number is an essential step whenever your business no longer requires interstate operating authority or is undergoing significant operational changes. You should deactivate your DOT number if any of the following apply:

• Ceasing business operations: If your company is closing or shutting down permanently, deactivating your DOT number is critical. Keeping it active can result in ongoing reporting requirements, insurance obligations, or potential regulatory complications.

• No longer operating commercial vehicles: If your fleet is no longer on the road or the vehicles you operate no longer meet the criteria for a DOT number, deactivation ensures you are not subjected to unnecessary audits, inspections, or administrative burdens.

• Transitioning from interstate to intrastate operations: When your business shifts from interstate commerce to operating solely within a single state, a DOT number may no longer be required. Deactivation helps align your operations with the proper state regulations.

• Business changes or restructuring: Significant changes in your business model—such as mergers, acquisitions, selling or transferring your fleet, or moving from commercial to private operations—may make your existing DOT number redundant. Deactivating it streamlines regulatory responsibilities and prevents duplicate or conflicting registrations.

If you are ever uncertain about whether your business still qualifies for a DOT number, it is safer to deactivate. Taking this step ensures your company remains compliant, reduces unnecessary administrative work, and protects against potential fines, penalties, or misuse of your DOT number.

How to deactivate/cancel a DOT number?

Deactivating/cancelling a USDOT number is the official way to inform the FMCSA that your business is no longer operating commercial motor vehicles. Completing this step correctly helps prevent ongoing compliance obligations, audits, and potential penalties. There are two main ways a DOT number can be deactivated, depending on whether the action is initiated by the carrier or enforced by regulators.

1. Voluntary deactivation of the DOT number

Voluntary deactivation occurs when you proactively request the cancellation of your DOT number. This is the most common and recommended approach, as it allows you to formally close your registration by submitting the required information to the FMCSA. Because the process is initiated by you, it offers full control and helps ensure your records are updated accurately.

How to cancel the DOT number?

The most common and reliable method to cancel a DOT number is through filing the MCS-150 form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This form is used to update your company information and to formally indicate that your business is “Out of Business” or no longer operating commercial vehicles.

Submitting the MCS-150 ensures your DOT number is properly deactivated in the FMCSA database and prevents ongoing compliance obligations, audits, or penalties tied to an active registration.

Steps to deactivate your DOT Number using the MCS-150 form

• Gather required information: Collect all essential business details, including your DOT number, legal business name, physical address, and information related to your vehicles and operations. Review everything carefully to ensure accuracy.
• Access the MCS-150 form: The form is available on the FMCSA website and can be completed either online or by downloading and submitting it via mail or fax.
• Complete the form accurately: Fill out all required sections and select the “Out of Business” option in the appropriate section. Avoid common mistakes such as leaving fields blank, selecting the wrong operation type, or using outdated contact information.
• Submit the form: You can submit the MCS-150:
• Online through the eMCS-150 system (recommended)
• By mail or fax (processing times may be longer)

There is no fee to deactivate a DOT number, but accuracy is critical to avoid delays or rejection.

• Monitor and confirm deactivation: After submission, check your email or mail for any follow-up requests from the FMCSA and respond promptly. Once processed, verify your DOT number status through the FMCSA online registration system or by contacting eMCS150.

Filing MCS-150 online using eMCS-150

The eMCS-150 system is the fastest and most efficient way to file the MCS-150 form online. It allows carriers to submit updates electronically, receive quicker processing, and reduce the risk of errors associated with paper filings. To file online, you’ll need your USDOT number and FMCSA-issued PIN. Online submission is strongly recommended for faster confirmation and easier tracking of your deactivation request.

Filing the MCS-150 through eMCS-150 is the most straightforward and widely used method for canceling a DOT number. Completing the process correctly ensures your business is removed from active FMCSA records, protecting you from unnecessary compliance requirements, fines, and administrative burdens.

MCS150 Instructions: How to fill MCS-150 online

2. Involuntary deactivation of the DOT number

Involuntary deactivation occurs when the FMCSA suspends or deactivates your DOT number without a request from your business. This usually happens due to non-compliance with federal regulations or failure to meet safety standards. When your DOT number is deactivated involuntarily, you are not permitted to operate commercial vehicles until the underlying issues are resolved.

Reasons for involuntary DOT number deactivation

Common reasons for involuntary deactivation include:

• Failed new entrant safety audit: New motor carriers are required to complete a New Entrant Safety Audit within a specified timeframe. Failure to pass or complete this audit can result in automatic deactivation until compliance issues and any associated penalties are addressed.
• Failed safety audits: For established carriers, failing a safety audit or failing to correct identified violations within the required timeframe can trigger deactivation. Serious safety violations that are not addressed promptly may lead to immediate enforcement action.
• Non-compliance with FMCSA regulations: Missing biennial updates, failing to maintain proper records, or ignoring other regulatory requirements can result in involuntary deactivation.
• Outstanding fines or penalties: Unpaid fines or unresolved penalties related to safety, operations, or regulatory compliance can also cause the FMCSA to deactivate your DOT number.
• Expired or lapsed insurance: Operating commercial vehicles without valid insurance is a major violation and a common reason for immediate deactivation.

Steps to take if your DOT Number is involuntarily deactivated

If your DOT number has been deactivated involuntarily, it’s essential to act quickly to restore your operating authority. Follow these steps:

• Determine the reason for deactivation: Begin by reviewing any notifications or communications from the FMCSA to understand the exact cause of the deactivation. Common issues include failed safety audits, non-compliance with filing requirements, unpaid fines, or expired insurance.
• Resolve the underlying issues: Once the cause is identified, take immediate corrective action. This may involve completing a new safety audit, submitting overdue reports, updating company records, paying outstanding penalties, or renewing insurance coverage.
• Submit proof of corrective actions: After resolving the issues, provide documentation to the FMCSA showing that all problems have been addressed. Proper documentation is critical for approval and demonstrates your compliance.
• Re-apply for reactivation: Once corrective measures are accepted, reapply to reactivate your DOT number. This step may require submitting additional forms, documents, and passing compliance checks to ensure your business meets all FMCSA standards.

What happens if you don’t deactivate your DOT number?

Failing to deactivate your DOT number after your business stops operating or no longer requires interstate authority can lead to serious legal, financial, and administrative consequences. Even if your trucks are sold or your fleet is inactive, your authority remains active in the FMCSA database, and your business is still considered operational, making you responsible for regulatory compliance.

Key consequences of not deactivating your DOT number include:

• Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with FMCSA regulations—such as failing to update the MCS-150 form, maintain insurance, or adhere to safety standards—can result in substantial fines. 

For example:

• Recordkeeping, safety compliance, insurance, or hazardous materials violations: $10,000 – $75,000
• Operational or regulatory violations, such as driver qualification or vehicle safety issues: $1,000 – $25,000
• Insurance complications: Keeping an active DOT number without proper coverage can trigger violations if insurance lapses, leaving your business exposed.
• Random FMCSA audits: An active number signals ongoing operations, making your company a target for audits or inquiries, even if you are no longer running commercial vehicles.
• Administrative burdens: You may still be required to file reports, renew registrations, and comply with other obligations, creating unnecessary paperwork and costs.
• Future operational issues: If you plan to restart your business, authorities may scrutinize your compliance history more closely. Reactivating your DOT number later could be delayed or complicated, potentially increasing costs and administrative challenges.

How much does it cost to deactivate a DOT number?

Deactivating a DOT number is generally a straightforward process, but the overall cost can vary depending on your circumstances. In most cases, the FMCSA does not charge a direct fee for voluntary deactivation. However, related expenses may arise based on how the process is handled and whether there are any compliance issues. 

Here are the potential costs you should be aware of when deactivating a DOT number:

• Administrative or service fees: If you deactivate your DOT number самостоятельно, there is typically no government filing fee. However, using a third-party registration or compliance service to handle the paperwork may involve a service charge for professional assistance.
• Legal or professional consultation costs: In more complex situations—such as enforcement actions, audits, or compliance concerns—you may need guidance from a transportation attorney or compliance specialist. Consultation fees will vary depending on the scope of support required.
• Outstanding compliance costs: When a DOT number is deactivated due to regulatory violations, unpaid fines, penalties, or enforcement actions may need to be resolved first. These costs depend on the nature and severity of the violations.
• Record corrections and updates: Correcting inaccurate information, updating records, or preparing required documentation may involve internal administrative work or paid professional help.
• Document submission costs: If deactivation forms are submitted by mail or fax, minor expenses such as postage or fax service fees may apply.
• Future reactivation costs: If you later decide to reactivate your DOT number, additional costs may be involved. These can include new filings, insurance verification, compliance reviews, and, in some cases, safety audits.

Ensuring compliance through USDOT number deactivation

Deactivating your USDOT number is an essential step when your transportation business is no longer operating. Following the correct FMCSA procedures ensures your business records remain accurate and helps you avoid unnecessary compliance obligations. Leaving a USDOT number active by mistake can result in fines, penalties, and ongoing regulatory scrutiny, even if your operations have stopped.

Regularly monitoring the status of your USDOT number allows you to confirm that deactivation has been completed successfully and address any delays or issues without stress. Taking a proactive approach protects your business from legal and financial risks, ensures compliance with FMCSA regulations, and provides peace of mind knowing your company is properly closed out in the federal database.