MCS-150 Form Explained: Requirements, Filing & Deadlines
Staying compliant with federal regulations is vital for every motor carrier and owner-operator. Among the most important requirements is the MCS-150, a form that keeps your business information current with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, understanding the MCS-150 is key to keeping your USDOT number active and your operations running smoothly.
What is the MCS-150?
The MCS-150, or Motor Carrier Identification Report, is a form mandated by the FMCSA for motor carriers and other registrants. Its primary purpose is to gather and update essential details about your business, ensuring that the FMCSA has accurate, up-to-date information for safety and compliance purposes.
This one form serves as a tool to perform a variety of updates to a USDOT number. Whether you're updating your information because your business details have changed, correcting errors on your initial USDOT number application, submitting the required Biennial Update, or placing your USDOT number out-of-business, it's all done via the MCS-150 form.
Who Needs to File the MCS-150?
Anyone with an active USDOT number is required to file the MCS-150. This includes:
Interstate and intrastate carriers
For-hire and private carriers
Brokers and freight forwarders (as applicable)
If you operate commercial motor vehicles or are otherwise subject to FMCSA regulations, you must keep your MCS-150 filing current & accurate based on your operations.
When and How Often Must You File?
The MCS-150 must be updated at least every two years—a process known as the biennial update. Even if your business information hasn’t changed, you’re still required to file on schedule.
How to determine your filing deadline:
Look at the last two digits of your USDOT number:
The second-to-last digit indicates the year (odd or even) you must file in.
Odd number: File in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, etc.)
Even number: File in even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.)
The last digit indicates the month you must file in (1 = January, 2 = February, etc.).
For example, a USDOT number of '5157893' is required to file every odd year, because '9' is an odd number, by the last day of March, as it is the 3rd month of the year.
Missing your deadline can have serious consequences, so it’s crucial to mark your calendar. For assistance with determining your biennial due-date and submitting the update, we can help.
What kind of business information should be updated immediately when it changes?
It's often required or considered best practice to update your MCS-150 outside of the normal biennial update window when the following business information changes:
Company Legal / DBA Name
Physical or Mailing Address
Driver Count
Vehicle Count
Operational Changes (i.e. Intrastate-only to Interstate)
Failing to update critical business information when it changes not only puts your company at risk of fines & other citations, but it also significantly impacts your relationship or ability to work with contractors, load boards, and other business opportunities.
What Information is Required on the MCS-150?
When completing the MCS-150, you’ll need to provide a range of business details depending on the changes you are requesting, and the type of update being filed. This can include:
EIN / SSN used to file for the USDOT Number
Vehicle types, quantity, and ownership
Driver quantity & areas of operation
Business details including:
Legal & DBA Name
Physical & Mailing Address
Contact Name & Details
Carrier mileage: The total miles traveled by all commercial vehicles in your fleet during the previous calendar year
What is carrier mileage?
Carrier mileage refers to the combined number of miles traveled by all your company’s commercial vehicles over the last year. The FMCSA expects this figure to be accurate, with only a small margin for error (not to exceed 10,000 miles). Reporting accurate mileage is essential for compliance and safety monitoring.
What supporting documents do I need?
When requesting changes to your USDOT number, certain changes, like to your legal business name, require manual submission of the MCS-150 form along with supporting documents to verify the individual making the requested changes, and ensure the changes being requested are valid.
For example, if you need to update the company legal name to append the business suffix (LLC, INC, LLP, etc.) you will need:
Manual MCS-150 Submission via Web Form
EIN / SSN used to file for the USDOT Number
Picture of Company Owner / Company Official Driver's License or ID
Copy of the Articles of Incorporation / Organization
How to File or Update Your MCS-150
Filing your MCS-150 is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Online Filing via FMCSA Portal:
The fastest method is through the FMCSA Portal. You’ll need your USDOT number, an FMCSA-issued PIN, and a Login.gov account. Be advised, not all change requests are accepted via the FMCSA portal.Manual Submission:
You can also submit your MCS-150 by mail, fax, or web form. Keep in mind, these methods may take up to several weeks to process depending on the method chosen and the type of changes being requested. Some change requests must be submitted manually.Third-Party:
The most convenient method that most carriers choose is to work with a service provider to manage their updates & amendments for them. By working with a service provider, carriers & other entities can ensure their updates are filed correctly, through the proper channels, without missing a deadline or wasting time on managing rejected requests from the FMCSA.
If you’re unsure about which documents are needed or want help with a manual submission, our experts at Total Insight Professional Services can guide you through every step and ensure your filing is accepted the first time.
Consequences of Failing to File or Update
Failure to file your MCS-150 on time or submitting inaccurate information can lead to:
Deactivation of your USDOT number
Civil penalties and fines (up to $1,000 or more per day)
Loss of operating authority, which can halt your business
Staying compliant not only avoids penalties but also ensures your business remains in good standing with federal regulators.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some frequent pitfalls to watch out for:
Missing your biennial update deadline
Reporting inaccurate or outdated information (especially carrier mileage)
Failing to update the MCS-150 when business details change (such as fleet size or company name)
Failing to provide the required supporting documentation for change requests
Tip: Set reminders for your filing deadline and keep accurate records throughout the year to make reporting easier.
Official FMCSA Guidance vs. Third-Party Support
When it comes to completing or updating your MCS-150, you have two main avenues for support: official FMCSA resources and third-party service providers. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right option based on your needs.
Official FMCSA Guidance
The FMCSA offers a range of resources to help carriers navigate MCS-150 requirements:
FMCSA Portal: The official online platform for managing your USDOT number, filing updates, and accessing account information. The portal includes step-by-step instructions and allows you to make some changes yourself at no cost.
Help Desk and Live Chat: FMCSA provides live assistance via phone at 1-800-832-5660 and through their online chat system for technical or regulatory questions.
Guides and Tutorials: The FMCSA publishes user guides, FAQs, and video tutorials to walk you through common issues, such as account setup, PIN requests, and manual submissions.
Email and Web Forms: For certain changes or documentation, you can submit forms and questions directly through FMCSA’s official contact channels.
Official FMCSA support is useful for straightforward filings, resolving account access issues, or when you want to avoid paying a company to help you.
Third-Party Support Services
Third-party providers can handle the MCS-150 process on your behalf, offering convenience and hands-on support, especially if you:
Prefer not to navigate government portals or lengthy paper forms yourself
Have a complex situation (e.g., multiple business changes, rejected filings)
Need assistance gathering and submitting supporting documents
Prefer reminders and ongoing compliance management
While these services can save time and reduce stress, they typically charge a fee for their assistance. It’s important to verify the credibility of any third-party provider you choose and understand exactly what is included in their service.
Which Should You Choose?
Use FMCSA’s official resources if you’re experienced with requesting changes and comfortable with online forms and want to avoid extra costs.
Consider third-party support if you need personalized help, have a complicated update, or want a professional to manage the process for you.
No matter which route you take, staying proactive and keeping your information accurate is key to maintaining compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I access my portal account?
You can log in to your portal account here. Keep in mind, portal accounts are deactivated after 90 days of inactivity, so it's important you log in regularly to maintain access. If you don't have a portal account, click here.
I don't have my DOT PIN. What can I do?
This is a common issue for DOT number holders. You can request a copy of your pin here. Alternatively, if you work with TIPS to complete your required updates, we will request the PIN during the process.
How do I check my MCS-150 filing status?
You can verify your filing status through the FMCSA Portal or by viewing your company's public profile on Safer - Company Snapshot.
Do I have to update my mileage?
Yes, in order for the requirements of the Biennial Update to be complete, you must include your carrier VMT (vehicle miles travelled) with your MCS-150.
What if my business details change before my biennial update is due?
You’re required to update your MCS-150 promptly whenever key business information changes—not just during your scheduled biennial update.
What happens if I miss my filing deadline?
Your USDOT number may be deactivated, and you could face significant fines.
Resources and Support
FMCSA Registration Forms & List of Manual vs. Electronic Changes
FMCSA How to prevent your MCS-150 being returned as incomplete / rejected
TIPS Support: (208) 278-6722
Conclusion
Filing and updating your MCS-150 is a critical part of running a compliant and successful motor carrier business. By understanding your requirements, keeping accurate records, and meeting your deadlines, you’ll avoid costly penalties and keep your operations on the road. Stay proactive and make MCS-150 compliance a routine part of your business management.
If you’d like expert help with your MCS-150 or want to ensure you never miss a filing, get your MCS-150 filed by transportation industry veterans at TIPS today. We’re dedicated to updating your application correctly the first time-- keeping your business compliant and your trucks on the road.