Keeping your USDOT record current is an important part of staying compliant with FMCSA requirements. For transportation businesses, an outdated or missed filing can create unnecessary risks, including record issues, delays, penalties, or problems with keeping a USDOT number active.
The Biennial Update is more than a routine form. It helps confirm that FMCSA has the correct information about your business and operations. Staying ahead of this requirement can make compliance easier to manage and help prevent avoidable disruptions.
Understanding the Biennial Update
USDOT Biennial Update is the required process of reviewing and updating your company’s registration information with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This update helps keep your USDOT record accurate, active, and aligned with your current business operations.
The update includes important details such as your business address, operation type, cargo classification, mileage, number of vehicles, and driver information. It is usually completed through MCS-150 form, also known as the Motor Carrier Identification Report.
Even if your company information has not changed, FMCSA still requires eligible entities to file the update every two years. This makes the filing more than a basic formality. It is an important compliance step for transportation businesses that operate under a USDOT number.
Who Needs to Complete the Biennial Update?
Biennial update may be required for motor carriers, owner-operators, trucking companies, passenger carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other transportation businesses that hold a USDOT number.
This requirement applies to businesses that operate commercial motor vehicles. A commercial motor vehicle, or CMV, is generally used for business purposes to transport property, freight, passengers, or equipment.
Under FMCSA rules, a CMV may include vehicles with a weight rating or actual weight of 10,001 pounds or more, passenger vehicles that meet specific capacity rules, and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials. Examples include semi-trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, buses, passenger vans, trailers, and certain cargo vans or vehicle combinations.
Biennial update is not limited to large fleets. Small carriers, single-truck operations, and companies with limited activity may still need to update their USDOT record on schedule. Even businesses that are not currently operating may need to keep their FMCSA information accurate and current.
If your company has a USDOT number, it is important to understand your filing schedule and complete the biennial update before compliance issues arise.
When Is MCS-150 Biennial Update Due?
The MCS-150 Biennial Update is due every two years. Your filing deadline depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number.
The last digit of your USDOT number determines the month your update is due. The next-to-last digit determines whether your update is due in an odd-numbered or even-numbered year.
If the next-to-last digit is odd, your company must file in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit is even, your company must file in every even-numbered calendar year. For example, if your USDOT number ends in 37, where 7 means July and 3 means an odd year. So, the update is due by the last day of July in an odd-numbered year.
The Biennial Update filing month is based on the last digit of your USDOT number. Numbers 1 through 9 match January through September, and 0 means October. November and December are not used in the FMCSA Biennial Update month schedule.
If your USDOT number ends in | Must file by last day of |
1 | January |
2 | February |
3 | March |
4 | April |
5 | May |
6 | June |
7 | July |
8 | August |
9 | September |
0 | October |
Missing the deadline can create compliance problems and may lead to your USDOT number becoming inactive. That is why carriers should check their deadline early and complete the update before the due date.
What Information Is Needed for Biennial Update?
Before filing your USDOT Biennial Update, you may need to review several parts of your company record. This helps make sure the information submitted to FMCSA reflects your current business operations.
The update may include:
Legal business name and DBA, if used
Physical and mailing address
Phone number and company contact information
Type of operation
Cargo classification
Number of vehicles
Number of drivers
Mileage information
Hazardous materials details, if applicable
These details help FMCSA understand how your company currently operates. For example, a carrier that added more vehicles, changed its address, started hauling different cargo, or changed operation type should make sure those details are reflected correctly. Small errors can create delays or confusion. For example, outdated addresses, incorrect vehicle counts, or wrong operation classifications can make your DOT record less accurate. Reviewing these details before filing can help your business avoid unnecessary compliance issues.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing your Biennial Update deadline can create serious problems for your business. FMCSA requires motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other registered entities to update their USDOT record every two years. If the update is not filed on time, your USDOT number may become inactive. Failure to file the required Biennial Update may lead to the deactivation of your USDOT number and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not exceeding $10,000. This makes timely filing important for both compliance and daily business operations.
Beyond penalties, a missed update can also create operational problems. An inactive USDOT number may affect inspections, broker onboarding, compliance reviews, and your ability to keep loads moving without delays. Carriers may also face issues during roadside checks if their DOT record is not active or current.
For carriers, this can be especially serious. If your DOT number is inactive, your business may face roadside issues and additional steps before you can return to normal operations. Filing on time helps protect your operating status and keeps your company record current.
How DOT Operating Authority Helps With Biennial Updates
Completing USDOT Biennial Update can feel confusing, especially if you are not sure what information needs to be reviewed or changed. DOT Operating Authority helps make the process easier by assisting with your MCS-150 update and helping you keep your DOT record current.
Our team can help review your basic company details, prepare the filing information, and guide you through the update process. This support can be helpful if your business has changed addresses, added vehicles, changed operations, updated cargo types, or missed a previous filing deadline.
Instead of trying to figure out the process alone, you can get help from a team that understands DOT compliance filings and works with transportation businesses regularly.
DOT Operating Authority is a private third-party filing assistance provider and is not FMCSA or a government agency.
Get Help With Your USDOT Biennial Update
Your USDOT Biennial Update is an important compliance step. Filing on time can help you avoid unnecessary delays, reduce the risk of DOT record issues, and keep your company information current with FMCSA.
DOT Operating Authority helps carriers, owner-operators, brokers, freight forwarders, and other transportation businesses complete their MCS-150 Biennial Update with less stress.
For help with your USDOT Biennial Update, contact us at (888) 669-4383 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file Biennial Update if nothing changed?
Yes. FMCSA requires entities with a USDOT number to complete the Biennial Update every two years according to the required schedule, even if the company information has not changed.
How often is the MCS-150 Biennial Update required?
The MCS-150 Biennial Update is required every 24 months. Your deadline depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number.
Can my USDOT number be deactivated for missing the update?
Yes. Failing to complete the required Biennial Update may lead to the deactivation of your USDOT number. It may also result in civil penalties.
Can DOT Operating Authority help if my USDOT number is already inactive?
Yes. DOT Operating Authority can help review your situation and assist with the proper update process. If your USDOT number has become inactive because of a missed filing, completing the required update may be an important step toward fixing the issue.
What is the difference between a DOT update and a Biennial Update?
A DOT update can refer to any change made to your USDOT record, such as updating an address, phone number, vehicle count, or business details. A Biennial Update is the required update that must be completed every two years according to your USDOT number filing schedule.
