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If you operate a trucking business in the United States, keeping your FMCSA registration up-to-date isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Every motor carrier, from independent owner-operators to large fleet managers, must file the biennial update using Form MCS-150 to stay compliant with federal safety and registration laws.
Having a USDOT number means you’re already registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but maintaining that registration goes beyond simply having the number. The FMCSA requires all motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and owner-operators to update their company information every two years, even if nothing has changed. This mandatory filing—commonly known as the Biennial Update, USDOT Update, or MCS-150 Update—keeps your USDOT number active and your operating authority in good standing.
Failing to complete the update can result in significant penalties, including fines, deactivation of your DOT number, and even out-of-service orders that force your vehicles off the road. This guide covers everything you need to know about the FMCSA Biennial Update—how the deadlines work, what information you must provide, and how to avoid costly disruptions to your operations.
What is a Biennial Update?
A Biennial Update is a mandatory federal requirement for any business that holds an active USDOT number. Whether you’re a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, the FMCSA requires you to file a Biennial update. It ensures that the FMCSA has accurate and current information about your company’s operations.
This Biennial update is completed using the Form MCS-150, also known as the Motor Carrier Identification Report. Federal law requires carriers to submit this form every two years, regardless of whether your business information has changed. The requirement still applies if you are no longer operating interstate, your company details remain the same, or your business has closed without providing formal notice to the FMCSA. Additionally, some states may require annual updates as part of renewing truck or fleet registrations.
No matter your operation type—private carrier, exempt for-hire, or for-hire—keeping your MCS-150 information updated is essential for compliance. The FMCSA uses this data to maintain accurate records about your company, including your address, cargo classifications, fleet size, and the number of drivers. Failure to file your Biennial Update can trigger penalties and may result in the deactivation of your USDOT number, preventing you from legally operating commercial vehicles.
Who is required to file the Biennial Update?
Any business that holds a USDOT number must complete the Biennial Update. This includes:
- For-hire and private freight carriers
- Companies transporting hazardous materials (Hazmat)
- Passenger transport operators
- Both interstate carriers and certain intrastate operators
When to file the FMCSA Biennial Update?
Every company with a USDOT number must submit a Biennial Update every two years, regardless of whether its business information has changed. Missing your update can result in penalties, deactivation of your USDOT number, and possible interruption of operations.
The FMCSA determines your filing deadline using the last two digits of your USDOT number:
1. Second-to-Last Digit → Filing Year
The second-to-last digit tells you whether your update is due in an odd or even calendar year:
Odd number → File every odd-numbered year (e.g., 2025, 2027).
Even number → File every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
2. Last Digit → Filing Month
The last digit identifies the month your update is due. Your filing must be completed by the last day of that month:
| USDOT Number Ends With | Biennial Update Due By |
|---|---|
| 1 | January |
| 2 | February |
| 3 | March |
| 4 | April |
| 5 | May |
| 6 | June |
| 7 | July |
| 8 | August |
| 9 | September |
| 0 | October |
Example:
If your USDOT number ends in 34:
- The 3 (second-to-last digit) means you file in odd-numbered years.
- The 4 (last digit) makes your due month April.
Your update must be submitted by the last day of April, every odd year.
Check when your MCS-150 update is due
What happens if you don’t file your MCS-150 biennial update?
Failing to file MCS-150 biennial updates on time may result in significant compliance and operational setbacks. The FMCSA uses this information to maintain accurate safety records, so missing your update is treated as a significant violation.
If you don’t complete your biennial update, you may face:
- USDOT number deactivation: Your DOT number can be deactivated, making it illegal to operate any commercial vehicle in interstate commerce. This often results in trucks being placed out of service until the update is completed.
- Costly penalties: The FMCSA may assess fines of up to $1,324 per day, capped at $12,945 (commonly referenced as up to $10,000). Even if none of your business details have changed, you are still required to file on time.
- Operational delays: Outdated or inconsistent information can cause problems with obtaining permits, renewing insurance, or completing UCR registration.
- Safety and compliance issues: Since FMCSA relies on your data to evaluate safety performance, inaccurate or missing information may negatively affect your safety rating and lead to additional scrutiny or audits.
Because your MCS-150 directly impacts your company’s safety profile, carriers should routinely review crash reports and roadside inspection data to ensure everything matches FMCSA records before filing.
How to file your FMCSA Biennial Update?
Updating your company information with the FMCSA every two years is a legal requirement for all carriers with an active USDOT number. This process, known as the Biennial Update, is completed using Form MCS-150. Filing on time keeps your USDOT number active, maintains your operating authority, and ensures compliance with federal regulations.
1. Online submission (Preferred)
The FMCSA recommends submitting your Biennial Update electronically through the FMCSA Online Registration System. Enter your USDOT number, DOT PIN, EIN/SSN, and other company details. Once submitted, you’ll receive a tracking number confirming your filing.
Third-party MCS150 filing services like eMCS150, a service of Truckopedia, can simplify the process, guiding carriers through the MCS-150 update quickly and accurately. Filing online is fast, usually taking less than 20 minutes, and reduces errors compared to paper submissions.
Step-by-Step filing instructions on the MCS-150 Registration form
2. Mail
You can download the MCS-150 form, complete it, sign it, and mail it to:
FMCSA
Office of Registration and Safety Information
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20590
3. Fax
The signed MCS-150 can also be faxed to 202-366-3477 (or in some cases 972-474-1275).
4. Email / Upload
Alternatively, you can scan and upload the signed MCS-150 form through a designated portal or email. The FMCSA will provide a tracking number to confirm receipt.
Note: You must use an active USDOT number to complete the Biennial Update online. Submitting your update electronically ensures faster processing, fewer errors, and timely compliance with FMCSA requirements.
Are you exempt from the Biennial Update?
Currently, there are no exemptions from the Biennial Update for any carrier. This includes private carriers, exempt-for-hire operators, passenger transport providers, cargo haulers, and even agricultural-exempt farmers.
If your business has an active USDOT number, you are legally required to either:
- Submit the Biennial Update to keep your registration current, or
- File an “Out of Business” notice if your company is no longer operating and the USDOT number is inactive.
Even if your operation no longer requires a USDOT number, as long as your number remains active in the FMCSA system, you must either update it or formally deactivate it. Failure to do so can lead to compliance issues and potential penalties.
What is the difference between the Biennial Update and the MCS-150 edit?
Although both a Biennial Update and an Edit involve updating your MCS-150 form, they serve different purposes and follow distinct rules regarding timing and scope.
Biennial Update
The Biennial Update is a mandatory filing required every two years (24 months) to ensure the FMCSA has accurate, up-to-date information about your company’s operations. This official update must be submitted within the specific month and year assigned based on the last two digits of your USDOT number. Filing outside this designated period—even if early—does not count as the official Biennial Update.
What is an MCS-150 Edit?
An edit is an as-needed update to your company information on the MCS-150 form. It can be submitted anytime within the two-year cycle to reflect significant operational changes, such as:
- Adding or removing vehicles
- Changes in the number of drivers
- Switching from interstate to intrastate operations
These edits are not tied to the Biennial Update schedule, but they must be completed within 30 days of the change occurring. While they are flexible in timing, edits are still critical for maintaining accurate FMCSA records and staying compliant with federal regulations.
File Biennial update and keep your USDOT Number active
Keeping up with your FMCSA Biennial Update is essential for maintaining compliance, protecting your USDOT number, and ensuring your trucking business continues to operate without disruptions. By regularly checking your MCS-150 status—you can stay ahead of deadlines and avoid costly fines, deactivations, or out-of-service orders.
At eMCS-150, we understand that managing a trucking operation means balancing countless tasks, and compliance updates can easily be overlooked. That’s why our platform is built to make your Biennial Update quick, accurate, and frustration-free. From identifying your due date to correcting outdated information or reactivating an inactive USDOT number, our experienced support team and live agents are here to help at every step.
Instead of dealing with paperwork, slow mail processing, or confusing government portals, you can complete your MCS-150 update online in just minutes. No hidden steps—just a smooth, expert-guided filing process designed to keep you compliant without the stress.
Staying proactive with your Biennial Update not only protects your operating authority but also promotes safer and more reliable operations for your business. With the right tools and timely updates, you can keep your trucks on the road and your business moving forward with confidence.
