MCS-150 vs MCS-150B
MCS-150 is the standard FMCSA biennial registration update for general motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders under 49 CFR §390.19T. MCS-150B is the hazardous-materials variant that adds shipper, principal-route, and security-plan disclosures required for carriers needing the §385.403 hazmat safety permit (HSP). Most carriers file MCS-150; only hazmat permit holders file MCS-150B. Both follow the same biennial update schedule keyed to the last two digits of the USDOT number under §390.19T(b)(2)–(3) - a USDOT ending in 1 updates in January, ending in 5 in May, ending in 0 in October, in odd or even years per the next-to-last digit. Both forms are filed through FMCSA's Motus registration system at no cost.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | MCS-150 | MCS-150B |
|---|---|---|
| Who files | All motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders | Hazmat carriers needing §385.403 safety permit |
| Trigger | Holding a USDOT | Hauling hazmat in §385.403 quantities |
| Additional fields | Standard FMCSA carrier data | + shipper, principal route, security-plan attestation |
| Cycle | Biennial (24 months by USDOT digit) | Biennial (same digit-driven cycle) |
| Filing portal | FMCSA Motus (motus.dot.gov) | FMCSA Motus (same system, different form) |
| FMCSA fee | $0 | $0 (hazmat permit fee is separate) |
When to file MCS-150
MCS-150 covers the vast majority of motor carriers. If your carrier does not transport hazardous materials in §385.403 permit-triggering quantities, MCS-150 is the right form. The biennial filing keeps the USDOT record current. 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.
When to file MCS-150B
MCS-150B is required for carriers needing the §385.403 hazmat safety permit. The permit triggers when the carrier transports any of the six hazmat categories listed in §385.403 - explosives, certain radioactive materials, large bulk hazmat shipments, etc. The 150B adds disclosures FMCSA needs to assess hazmat-specific safety risk.
Even hazmat carriers below the §385.403 threshold file regular MCS-150. The B variant is specifically about the hazmat safety permit overlay, not about hauling any hazmat at all.
Frequently asked questions
Which form do most carriers file?
MCS-150. The standard biennial update applies to general motor carriers and brokers. MCS-150B is only required for carriers transporting hazardous materials in quantities triggering 49 CFR §385.403 hazmat safety permit requirements.
Can I file MCS-150B online?
Yes - FMCSA accepts MCS-150B through the same online filing flow as MCS-150, now via the Motus registration system at motus.dot.gov (Login.gov sign-in). The hazmat form has additional fields (shipper info, principal routes, security-plan attestation), but the submission flow is the same.
Does the biennial schedule differ?
No - the same USDOT-digit-driven biennial cycle applies to both MCS-150 and MCS-150B. The last digit sets the month and the 2nd-to-last digit sets the year (odd vs even).
File MCS-150 - $175
Whether you need MCS-150 or MCS-150B, the form is prepared and submitted to FMCSA for you - $175 standard.
File MCS-150