MCS-150 for restarting a deactivated USDOT
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Your USDOT was deactivated - voluntarily, for missed MCS-150, or for an extended period of inactivity. You want to resume operations. We prepare your MCS-150 update; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. The service fee is $175 standard. FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records.
How USDOT deactivation works
A USDOT number can become inactive for different reasons, including a carrier's own request or a missed biennial update. A missed biennial update can lead to civil penalties and deactivation of the USDOT number (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)). FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement and USDOT inactivation for biennial updates due on or after June 1, 2026; the update is still required.
You can check your status in FMCSA's Motus public search by USDOT number or company name. To address a deactivation from a missed biennial update, file an updated MCS-150 in Motus with current carrier info. FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records. See the how-to-file walkthrough, the reactivation guide and the late-filing FAQ for the FMCSA-side detail.
What also needs to be current
- BOC-3 process agent - verify or refile ($75 BOC-3 order)
- BMC-91 insurance - must be active before operations resume
- UCR registration - annual filing for the current year
- State IRP / IFTA - coordinate with state DMV for plate reactivation
- Form 2290 HVUT - current-year stamped Schedule 1 for IRP
What our service covers
- Form MCS-150 update prepared for you
- Submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize.
- Accuracy review before submission
- Re-filing guarantee: if a filing is rejected because of an error on our part, it is re-filed at no additional cost
Standard MCS-150 update
$175 service fee for one biennial update, or $400 once for lifetime updates. FMCSA charges no fee to file the MCS-150. Optional: $25 add-on only if you choose PIN recovery or Login.gov setup help.
| Option | FMCSA fee | Service fee |
|---|---|---|
| One biennial updateCovers this update. | $0 | $175 |
| Lifetime updatesOne payment covers every future biennial update for the USDOT number. | $0 | $400 |
| PIN recovery or Login.gov setup helpAdded only if you choose it in the order form. | $0 | $25 |
FMCSA charges no fee to file the MCS-150. Our service fee and any add-on are itemized before you pay.
Reactivation questions
Can I restart on my existing USDOT number?
If your USDOT number was deactivated for a missed biennial update, filing an updated MCS-150 in FMCSA's Motus system is the step to address it. FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records. If the USDOT number was formally surrendered or deactivated for another reason, check with FMCSA about the right path before filing.
Will my old safety scores carry over when I reactivate?
Generally yes, with the BASIC scores carrying forward from the carrier's prior period of activity. The 24-month BASIC measurement window resets gradually as the carrier accumulates new inspection events; old data ages out per the 24-month rolling window. A carrier that was deactivated for two years sees a relatively clean BASIC slate at reactivation because most of the prior data has aged out.
Do I need to refile BOC-3 and insurance to restart?
Both typically need to be current. BOC-3 may still be on file from before deactivation but should be verified against the FMCSA registration record - process agents sometimes drop their registrations during the gap. Insurance has to be active before any operations resume; the BMC-91 needs to reflect a current policy. Most restarting carriers refile both BOC-3 (a one-time $75 filing) and BMC-91 (insurer-side filing) as part of the reactivation.
Other MCS-150 contexts
You might also need
- Authority reinstatement if MC authority was revoked for another reason (e.g. insurance lapse) - Authority reinstatement
- BOC-3 refile - Order a BOC-3
Start your MCS-150 update online
We prepare your MCS-150 update; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. FMCSA charges no fee to file the MCS-150. Our service fee and any add-on are itemized before you pay.
Submitted to FMCSA in Motus 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.