Back to Blog
To reactivate your USDOT number, you must submit the MCS-150 form. This form is used to update your information and can be submitted online or by mail/fax. First, check the current status of your USDOT number and determine the reason for its deactivation. If the deactivation was due to a failed safety audit or other compliance issues, you’ll need to address those issues first. Then, file the MCS-150 to initiate reactivation and remain FMCSA compliant.
Maintaining an active USDOT number is a legal requirement that helps ensure your business runs safely and without regulatory issues. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check whether your DOT number is active, suspended, or deactivated. If your DOT number becomes inactive, you’re no longer authorized to operate legally, leading to lost revenue, business disruptions, and potential fines.
So, how long does it take to get your DOT number reactivated? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the common reasons a DOT number might be deactivated, how the reactivation process works, and what you can do to avoid falling into inactive status in the first place.
Why does the DOT number get deactivated?
Your USDOT Number is deactivated if you fail to stay current with essential FMCSA requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can deactivate a DOT number for several reasons.
The most common cause of deactivation is failure to submit the required biennial MCS-150 update. Federal law requires all motor carriers to update their MCS-150 form every two years, even if no business changes have occurred.
Additional reasons for USDOT Number deactivation include:
- Failing to update the MC number
- Not maintaining valid and up-to-date trucking insurance (expired or missing insurance coverage)
- Failing a safety audit
- Not completing a safety audit during the New Entrant period
- Neglecting to pay IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) taxes
How to get the DOT number reactivated?
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you reactivate your DOT number:
1. Check the status of the DOT number
You can easily check your USDOT number status by visiting the FMCSA’s SAFER Company Snapshot website or through an authorized filing service provider such as eMCS-150. Once there, search your USDOT number to view its status. You’ll likely encounter one of these three notices:
- Active: Your DOT is active, and you can operate without restrictions.
- Inactive: Your DOT is suspended as per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4). This typically indicates that you failed to complete your required biennial update.
- Not authorized: You are not authorized to operate, usually due to issues related to insurance or documentation.
Regardless of which message appears – inactive or unauthorized, both statuses lead to the same outcome: your DOT number is deactivated, and you’re not compliant.
2. Identify the reasons for deactivation:
The next step is to identify why your USDOT number became inactive. Some common causes are:
- Failure to update the MCS-150 Form.
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
- Lack of valid commercial insurance.
- Unpaid fines.
- Voluntary reactivation, a revoked status, or an out-of-service designation.
3. Obtain the correct MCS-150 Form:
Download the appropriate MCS-150 form (MCS-150, MCS-150B, or MCS-150C) directly from the FMCSA website. Double-check the form if you have downloaded it from other online sources, as they may have expired.
4. Update your MCS-150 form:
Once you’ve identified the reason for deactivation, you’ll need to file the Motor Carrier Identification Report, officially known as Form MCS-150, to reactivate the DOT number. This form must be updated every two years to remain compliant with federal regulations. You can submit it online through the FMCSA portal, by sending a physical copy, or through an authorized filing service provider such as eMCS-150. Filing the MCS-150 is a required step to reinstate your DOT number and restore your operating authority.
If you are hauling hazardous materials or have a hazmat endorsement for your commercial motor vehicle, then you will need to use form MCS-150B instead of the standard version.
5. Review and update insurance coverage:
If your DOT number has become inactive due to expired or insufficient insurance coverage, ensure that your commercial policies—such as Liability Insurance and Cargo Insurance—are active and meet the FMCSA’s minimum requirements.
6. Settle outstanding fines and penalties:
If your DOT number was deactivated due to unpaid fines or violations, these must be resolved before you can proceed with the reactivation process.
What information do you need to reinstate your DOT Number?
When applying to reinstate your USDOT number with the FMCSA, providing complete and accurate information is essential. Missing details can lead to delays, which not only slow down the reinstatement process but may also impact your business and earnings.
Here’s what you’ll need to include with your reinstatement request:
- Your full legal business name
- Your MC number (if applicable to your operations)
- A valid, up-to-date phone number
- Payment by check, money order, or credit card
- If using a credit card, don’t forget to include your billing address
- A signature and date—without these, the FMCSA won’t process your request
What are the consequences of operating with an inactive DOT number?
Having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to running a successful trucking operation. If your DOT number becomes inactive, it’s not something to take lightly. Operating with an inactive DOT number can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines that may cost thousands of dollars, and in some cases, suspension or revocation of your license.
An inactive DOT number is publicly recorded and remains part of your compliance history. This can hurt your professional reputation, making it difficult to get hired by carriers or secure contracts if you’re an owner-operator. Potential clients or partners may view your business as unreliable or non-compliant.
Avoid unnecessary delays—Keep your DOT number active
An inactive DOT number can result in missed opportunities, operational delays, and even the loss of clients. To avoid this, it’s crucial to resolve the issue that caused your number to go inactive—whether it’s updating your insurance, filing IFTA taxes, or addressing other compliance gaps. Once the issue is corrected, you can update the MCS-150 form to begin the reactivation process. If everything is in order, your DOT number may be reactivated in a week.
Not sure how to reactivate your inactive USDOT number? Deactivation commonly results from missing the biennial update or failing to complete the new entrant program. Regardless of the reason, operating without an active USDOT number violates FMCSA regulations. To restore active status, a properly filled and up-to-date MCS-150 form must be submitted. That’s where eMCS150 comes in. Our expert processing agents handle the entire reactivation process on your behalf—filing the necessary paperwork, updating your records, and taking the stress off your plate.
Reactivate your USDOT in minutes — File your MCS-150 online!
Frequently asked questions about DOT number reactivation
What is a DOT Number?
A DOT number, or Department of Transportation number, is a unique 12-digit alphanumeric code assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to businesses that operate commercial vehicles. A DOT number is necessary for companies involved in interstate commerce. It’s not just a tracking number—it plays a critical role in monitoring a carrier’s safety performance and regulatory compliance
Why is it important to have an active DOT number?
Keeping your DOT number active is essential because:
- It grants you the legal authority to operate commercial vehicles across state lines.
- It confirms your business meets all federal safety and operational standards.
- It ensures your company is properly registered and visible in FMCSA systems.
Beyond compliance, an active DOT number reflects your company’s professionalism and commitment to road safety. It builds trust with partners, clients, and regulatory authorities. On the flip side, operating with an inactive or deactivated DOT number can result in costly penalties, halted operations, and serious legal consequences.
What does it mean when a DOT number is inactive?
An inactive DOT number means your operating authority as a motor carrier has been deactivated by the FMCSA. This typically happens when a company discontinues its transportation services, no longer needs to be registered, or fails to meet certain compliance requirements, such as neglecting to file the MCS-150 or not updating company information as required. Once inactive, you’re no longer authorized to operate commercial vehicles until the DOT number is reactivated.
How long does it take to reactivate a DOT Number?
Wondering how long it takes to get reactivated? Timelines vary depending on the cause of deactivation. The DOT number reactivation process typically takes about five business days once initiated correctly.
How much does it cost to reactivate a DOT number?
Curious about the cost to reactivate your DOT number? First, you’ll need to determine whether it’s your DOT or MC number (or both) that has been deactivated, as the process and fees can vary. A DOT number is typically rendered inactive due to missing biennial filings or unsatisfactory safety performance. However, a DOT can also be deactivated if the associated MC number is revoked.
