Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Online (FMCSA Motus) | Paper (Mailed) |
|---|---|---|
| Where | motus.dot.gov | Check FMCSA's current instructions |
| Sign-in | Login.gov account linked to your USDOT number | Wet signature on the form |
| Validation | Form checks while you fill it in | None until the form is reviewed |
| FMCSA fee | $0 | $0 plus postage |
| When it shows in FMCSA records | FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records | FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records |
Filing online in Motus
MCS-150 updates are made online in Motus. Create a free Login.gov account, sign in at motus.dot.gov, and link your USDOT number to your account. Then review each section of your carrier information - legal name, address, operations, vehicle and driver counts, and mileage - update what has changed, and submit. Filing with FMCSA is free.
After you submit, FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records. You can check your record in FMCSA's Motus public search by USDOT number or company name.
What about paper?
The MCS-150 used to be available as a paper form. With Motus, MCS-150 updates are made online. If you believe you need a non-online route, check FMCSA's current instructions at fmcsa.dot.gov before mailing anything.
Doing it yourself vs using a service
Filing the MCS-150 yourself in Motus is free. Some carriers prefer to have it handled: with Fast Trucking Compliance, 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 for one biennial update, with Login.gov setup help or PIN recovery available as a $25 add-on only if you choose it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still mail a paper MCS-150?
MCS-150 updates are made online in FMCSA's Motus system at motus.dot.gov. If you think you need a different route, check FMCSA's current instructions at fmcsa.dot.gov before mailing anything.
What do I need to file online?
A Login.gov account linked to your USDOT number in Motus. Sign in at motus.dot.gov, review your carrier information, update what has changed, and submit. Filing with FMCSA is free.
When will my update show?
FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records. You can check your record in FMCSA's Motus public search by USDOT number or company name.
Related comparisons
File MCS-150 online
We prepare your MCS-150 update; it is submitted to FMCSA in Motus by you or a filer you authorize. Our service fee is $175 for one biennial update or $400 once for lifetime updates, with a $25 add-on only if you choose PIN recovery or Login.gov setup help; FMCSA charges nothing to file the MCS-150.
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.
Informational only - not legal advice.
Authoritative citations
Related guides
How to File the MCS-150: Step-by-Step Filing Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to filing the MCS-150 through FMCSA's Motus registration system. Covers required fields, Login.gov sign-in, fleet size, cargo, and safety contact.
Read the How to File the MCS-150: Step-by-Step Filing Guide (2026) guideIs the MCS-150 Update Free? The $0 Path vs a Filing Service
Yes - FMCSA charges nothing for the MCS-150 biennial update. Here is the free path through Motus and Login.gov, the friction that makes people pay anyway, and how to tell a real filing service from a scam mailer.
Read the Is the MCS-150 Update Free? The $0 Path vs a Filing Service guideHow to Find Your USDOT PIN (or Recover It Through Login.gov)
FMCSA's Motus system uses Login.gov instead of a USDOT PIN. How to sign in, link your USDOT number, and what to do if identity verification fails.
Read the How to Find Your USDOT PIN (or Recover It Through Login.gov) guide