Compliance FAQ
Can I reinstate my MC without paying outstanding civil penalties?
Generally no. A carrier that doesn't pay a final civil penalty, or keep to an agreed payment plan, can be prohibited from operating and have its registration suspended or revoked (49 CFR 386.83). If unpaid penalties caused the revocation, they need to be paid or resolved with FMCSA before reinstatement for that cause can go through.
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Why does it matter?
Civil penalties assessed under 49 U.S.C. 521(b) are debts owed to the federal government. Under 49 CFR 386.83, unpaid final penalties can lead to an operating prohibition and suspension or revocation of registration, and the registration isn't restored until the penalty is paid or resolved.
Payment instructions are in FMCSA's penalty notice. Once FMCSA's records show the penalty paid, the reinstatement request can be submitted to FMCSA; FMCSA controls the timing.
Where a lump-sum payment isn't practical, carriers can ask FMCSA about a payment plan. The arrangement needs to be agreed with FMCSA, not just proposed, before reinstatement can proceed.
Penalties can be contested through FMCSA's administrative process under 49 CFR Part 386; that is a separate process from reinstatement. Whether to pay or contest depends on the amount and the merits, and a transportation attorney can advise.
Start your reinstatement request
We prepare your reinstatement request; it is submitted to FMCSA by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA charges an $80 fee to reinstate revoked MC operating authority (49 CFR 360.3T). For MC reinstatement, our $220 service fee and the $80 FMCSA fee are itemized as two separate amounts before you pay ($300 total). DOT out-of-service reinstatement is a $200 service fee with no FMCSA fee.
Submitted to FMCSA by you or a filer you authorize.
Independent filing service operated by Fast Filing Group LLC. Not affiliated with FMCSA, USDOT or any government agency.