When does USDOT deactivation take effect after a missed MCS-150?
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. FMCSA controls when deactivation takes effect and when it shows in its records. A carrier with a deactivated USDOT number can't operate until the update is filed.
The §390.19T(b)(2)–(3) biennial-update schedule is keyed to the last two digits of the USDOT number, with a deadline in the calendar month corresponding to the last digit. A carrier with a USDOT ending in "5" has a May deadline; one ending in "0" has an October deadline. Whether the deadline falls in odd- or even-numbered years comes from the next-to-last digit. The update is due by the last day of that month.
For a carrier with a deactivated USDOT number, the fix is to file a fresh MCS-150 through Motus. There is no FMCSA fee to file it. FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records.
To check where your record stands, look it up in FMCSA's Motus public search by USDOT number or company name.