What happens if I miss the MCS-150 deadline?
Last reviewed October 24, 2026
A missed biennial update can lead to civil penalties and deactivation of the USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)). Note: FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates and USDOT inactivation for updates due on or after June 1, 2026, until further notice. Filing the overdue update is how the USDOT number is brought current. FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records.
The 49 CFR §390.19T biennial update is due by the last day of the carrier's filing month, set by the last digit of the USDOT number (the next-to-last digit sets odd or even years).
Deactivation applies to the USDOT number: the record shows as inactive pending the missing filing. A carrier with a deactivated USDOT number can't operate until the update is filed.
To bring the record current, file the overdue MCS-150 online in Motus (no FMCSA fee). FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records.