Compliance FAQ
Why was my carrier deactivated?
Common causes: (1) a missed MCS-150 biennial update, which deactivates the USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)) and is fixed by filing the update, (2) a lapsed BMC-91/91X insurance filing, (3) voluntary deactivation by you or a prior owner, or (4) FMCSA enforcement action following an audit or compliance review. FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement and USDOT inactivation for biennial updates due on or after June 1, 2026; the update is still required. FMCSA's Motus public search (by USDOT number or company name) shows the current status in FMCSA's records.
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Why does it matter?
Start with FMCSA's Motus public search (by USDOT number or company name) to see the current USDOT and authority status in FMCSA's records. FMCSA's notices to the carrier state the reason for a deactivation or revocation.
If the reason isn't clear, FMCSA's registration staff can look up the carrier-status history by USDOT number, including the deactivation date, reason, and any required corrective filings.
Some deactivations are inherited - a prior owner of the entity voluntarily deactivated, or a name-change/ownership-change event broke the FMCSA record continuity. These cases sometimes need a clarification filing with FMCSA before reinstatement can proceed.
For a missed MCS-150, the fix is filing the update. For a lapsed insurance filing, the insurer refiles and the reinstatement request is submitted with the $80 fee (49 CFR §360.3T(f)(52)). Once the cure is on record, the reinstatement request can be submitted to FMCSA, and FMCSA controls how long its review takes.
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.