FMCSA Filing · 2026
MCS-150 Biennial Update: Complete Filing Guide
The MCS-150 is the form every motor carrier files with FMCSA every two years to keep registration data current. Miss it and FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number, fine you up to $10,000, and shut down your authority.
The MCS-150 is a biennial update form required by FMCSA for all motor carriers with an active USDOT number. It updates your company address, vehicle count, driver count, mileage, and cargo types. Your filing month is based on the last digit of your USDOT number, and you file in odd or even years depending on whether that digit is odd or even. Filing is free at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov.
What is the MCS-150 form?
The MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) is the FMCSA form that captures your carrier's registration data. Every motor carrier with an active USDOT number must update this information every two years — hence "biennial update."
The form covers the core data FMCSA uses to identify and monitor your operation:
- Principal business address and mailing address
- Contact information — phone number, email
- Number of power units (trucks) operated
- Number of drivers employed
- Total annual mileage driven in the past 12 months
- Types of cargo hauled (general freight, hazmat, household goods, etc.)
- Operation classification — interstate vs intrastate, for-hire vs private
This data feeds into FMCSA's SAFER system and is visible to brokers, shippers, and insurance carriers who verify your authority before tendering loads or issuing policies. Outdated information raises red flags.
When is your MCS-150 due?
Your filing month is determined by the last digit of your USDOT number. Carriers with an odd last digit file in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029). Carriers with an even last digit file in even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030).
| Last Digit of USDOT | Filing Month | Filing Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Odd (2025, 2027, 2029) |
| 2 | February | Even (2026, 2028, 2030) |
| 3 | March | Odd (2025, 2027, 2029) |
| 4 | April | Even (2026, 2028, 2030) |
| 5 | May | Odd (2025, 2027, 2029) |
| 6 | June | Even (2026, 2028, 2030) |
| 7 | July | Odd (2025, 2027, 2029) |
| 8 | August | Even (2026, 2028, 2030) |
| 9 | September | Odd (2025, 2027, 2029) |
| 0 | October | Even (2026, 2028, 2030) |
How to file your MCS-150 — step by step
Log in to the FMCSA Registration Portal
Go to portal.fmcsa.dot.govand log in using your USDOT number and PIN. If you do not have a PIN, request one through the portal — you will need the email address currently on file with FMCSA. Allow 1–2 business days for PIN delivery if requesting by mail.
Select MCS-150 update
After logging in, select the MCS-150 biennial update option from the available filing types. The system will load your current registration data so you can review what is on file and make corrections.
Review and update company information
Check your principal business address, mailing address, phone number, and email. Update any fields that have changed since your last filing. Make sure your legal business name matches your state registration exactly. Address mismatches are the most common error.
Update vehicle and driver counts
Enter the current number of power units (trucks) and drivers your company operates. This should reflect your actual current fleet, not projections or peak counts. Include all vehicles registered under your USDOT number. Inaccurate counts trigger audit flags.
Update mileage and cargo types
Enter your total miles driven in the past 12 months. Select all cargo types you currently transport. If your operation classification has changed (e.g., you switched from intrastate to interstate, or from private to for-hire), update that as well. Changes in operation type may require additional authority filings.
Submit (free, no fee)
Review all entries for accuracy, then submit. There is no fee. FMCSA processes the update immediately. Save or print the confirmation page for your records. Your updated information will appear in the SAFER system within a few business days.
What happens if you miss your MCS-150?
The MCS-150 is not optional. FMCSA actively enforces the biennial update requirement, and the consequences of missing it compound quickly:
USDOT deactivation
FMCSA can deactivate your USDOT number for failure to file. A deactivated USDOT means you cannot legally operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.
Fines: $1,000 to $10,000
Civil penalties for failing to file range from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation under 49 USC 521(b)(2)(A). Repeated violations increase the fine amount.
Broker and shipper trust impact
Brokers check your SAFER record before tendering loads. An outdated MCS-150 or inactive USDOT signals non-compliance. Many brokers will not work with carriers showing stale data.
Insurance complications
Your insurance carrier may cancel or refuse to renew your policy if your USDOT number is deactivated. Reinstating coverage after a lapse is significantly more expensive.
Common MCS-150 mistakes
Wrong vehicle count
Reporting your peak fleet size instead of current operating count. FMCSA compares your reported count against roadside inspection data. A carrier reporting 1 truck but showing inspections on 5 different VINs triggers an audit flag.
Outdated business address
Not updating your address after moving. FMCSA sends compliance notices to the address on file. If they cannot reach you, they may initiate enforcement actions without your knowledge. Your address must match your state registration.
Wrong operation classification
Listing yourself as a private carrier when you haul for brokers (for-hire). This mismatch means you may not have the correct operating authority on file, which is a separate compliance violation beyond the MCS-150.
Not updating after major changes
Waiting until your scheduled biennial update to report major changes like doubling your fleet, adding hazmat cargo, or changing from intrastate to interstate. File an updated MCS-150 anytime you make significant operational changes.
Waiting until the last day
Filing on the last day of your due month and discovering you cannot access the portal, lost your PIN, or the email on file is outdated. Start the process in the first week of your filing month to leave room for issues.
Paying a third-party filing service
Filing the MCS-150 is free directly through portal.fmcsa.dot.gov. Some third-party websites charge $50 to $200 to file on your behalf. There is no added value. File it yourself in 20 to 30 minutes.
MCS-150 vs other FMCSA filings
| Filing | Purpose | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCS-150 | Update carrier registration data (address, vehicles, drivers, mileage) | Every 2 years | Free |
| BOC-3 | Designate process agents in all operating states | One-time (annual renewal with agent) | $25–$50/yr |
| UCR | Unified Carrier Registration — annual fee based on fleet size | Annual | $76–$73,346 |
| BMC-91 | Insurance filing certifying minimum liability coverage | Filed by insurer (as needed) | N/A (insurer files) |
The MCS-150 is the only filing determined by the last digit of your USDOT number. UCR is annual regardless of your USDOT. BOC-3 is filed once but renewed yearly with your process agent company.
MCS-150 biennial update FAQ
What is an MCS-150 biennial update?
The MCS-150 biennial update is a federally required filing where motor carriers update their registration information with FMCSA every two years. It covers your company address, vehicle count, driver count, mileage, and cargo types. All carriers with an active USDOT number must file, regardless of whether they are currently operating.
When is my MCS-150 due?
Your MCS-150 filing month is determined by the last digit of your USDOT number. Odd last digits file in odd-numbered years and even last digits file in even-numbered years. For example, if your USDOT ends in 3, you file in March of every odd year (2025, 2027, 2029). If it ends in 4, you file in April of every even year (2026, 2028, 2030).
How do I file my MCS-150 online?
Log in to the FMCSA registration portal at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov using your USDOT number and PIN. Select the MCS-150 update option, review and update your company information including address, vehicle count, driver count, mileage, and cargo types, then submit. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and there is no fee.
Is there a fee for the MCS-150 update?
No. The MCS-150 biennial update is completely free. FMCSA does not charge any fee for filing the MCS-150. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to file on your behalf. You can file directly at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov at no cost.
What happens if I do not file my MCS-150?
Failure to file your MCS-150 biennial update can result in FMCSA deactivating your USDOT number and operating authority. Penalties range from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation. An inactive USDOT number means brokers and shippers cannot verify your authority, which effectively stops your ability to haul loads. Your insurance carrier may also cancel your policy.
Do I need to file MCS-150 if I am not operating?
Yes. If you have an active USDOT number, you must file the MCS-150 biennial update even if you are not currently operating. If you have permanently ceased operations, you should request USDOT number deactivation through FMCSA rather than simply not filing. Failing to file while your USDOT remains active will trigger penalties.
Can I file MCS-150 early?
Yes. You can file your MCS-150 update at any time, even before your scheduled filing month. Filing early satisfies the requirement and resets your two-year cycle from the date of the new filing. Many carriers file immediately after making significant changes to their operation such as adding vehicles or changing their address.
What information do I need for the MCS-150?
You need your current principal business address, mailing address, contact phone number and email, number of power units (trucks) and drivers, total miles driven in the past 12 months, types of cargo hauled, and your operation classification (interstate vs intrastate, for-hire vs private). Have your most recent records available before logging in.
Check your filing status now
Look up your USDOT number to see when your MCS-150 was last filed and whether your authority is active. Catch problems before FMCSA does.
Reviewed by Don Grazio · UC Bureau Compliance Lead
Don has 12+ years working with motor carriers on FMCSA compliance, including new entrant audits, MCS-150 filings, BMC-91 insurance setups, and ELD compliance. UC Bureau researches FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 380–399) directly with carriers across the U.S. and Canada. Content is fact-checked against current federal regulations. UC Bureau is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA — we provide tools and guides to help carriers stay compliant. Learn more about UC Bureau →