Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) Updates

What Is the MCS-150 Form?

The MCS-150, Motor Carrier Identification Report, is the registration form that every motor carrier, freight broker, freight forwarder, and intermodal equipment provider must file with FMCSA. This form collects key information about your operation including company details, fleet size, types of cargo hauled, and driver counts. The data from the MCS-150 is used to populate FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) and is publicly visible through carrier search tools.

When Must You File?

The MCS-150 must be updated biennially (every two years) based on the last digit of your USDOT number. The filing month is determined as follows:

• USDOT ending in 1 -- Due in January of odd-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 2 -- Due in January of even-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 3 -- Due in March of odd-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 4 -- Due in March of even-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 5 -- Due in May of odd-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 6 -- Due in May of even-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 7 -- Due in July of odd-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 8 -- Due in July of even-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 9 -- Due in September of odd-numbered years
• USDOT ending in 0 -- Due in September of even-numbered years

When Else Must You Update?

Beyond the biennial cycle, you must also file an updated MCS-150 within 30 days of any of the following changes:

• Change in legal business name or DBA (doing-business-as) name
• Change in business address
• Change in form of business (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC)
• Change in operations type (e.g., adding passenger carrier operations)
• Change in ownership or control of the company

How to File the MCS-150 Update

The MCS-150 can be filed electronically through FMCSA's Unified Registration System (URS) or by mailing a paper form. Electronic filing is strongly recommended as it processes faster and provides immediate confirmation. The form requires the following information:

• USDOT number and legal business name
• Principal business address and mailing address
• Contact information (phone, email)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Type of operation (for-hire, private, exempt)
• Cargo classifications hauled
• Number of power units and drivers
• Mileage information

Verify your current information by looking up your carrier on TruckCodes carrier search before filing.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to file the MCS-150 biennial update has serious consequences:

• USDOT number deactivation -- FMCSA will deactivate your USDOT number, making it illegal to operate
• Authority revocation -- Your operating authority may be revoked
• Civil penalties -- Fines of up to $1,000 per day of non-compliance, up to $10,000
• Roadside enforcement -- Vehicles may be placed out of service during inspections if your USDOT is inactive

Add MCS-150 deadlines to your compliance calendar. Explore additional compliance resources in our knowledge base and track all your regulatory obligations with the carrier startup checklist.