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Comparison

MCS-150 vs MCS-150B

Short answer

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.

Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated

Side-by-side comparison

DimensionMCS-150MCS-150B
Who filesAll motor carriers, brokers, freight forwardersHazmat carriers needing §385.403 safety permit
TriggerHolding a USDOTHauling hazmat in §385.403 quantities
Additional fieldsStandard FMCSA carrier data+ shipper, principal route, security-plan attestation
CycleBiennial (24 months by USDOT digit)Biennial (same digit-driven cycle)
Filing portalFMCSA 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)). FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement and USDOT inactivation for biennial updates due on or after June 1, 2026; the update is still required.

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).

Related comparisons

File MCS-150 - $175

Whether you need MCS-150 or MCS-150B, the same order covers it. 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.

Start your MCS-150 update — from $175 MCS-150 update overview

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.

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