Reference · MCS-150 Biennial Update
When is my MCS-150 due?
Reviewed by Korey Sharp-Paar · Updated
Reviewed against 49 CFR §390.19T(b)
Your MCS-150 biennial update is due the last day of a specific month determined by the last two digits of your USDOT number, per 49 CFR §390.19T(b). The last digit sets the month (1 = January, 2 = February, … 0 = October), and the next-to-last digit sets the year - odd next-to-last digits file in odd-numbered years, even next-to-last digits in even-numbered years. For example, USDOT 1234567 files by July 31 (last digit 7) of every even year because the next-to-last digit 6 is even. The update is required every two years even if no information has changed (49 CFR §390.19T(b)). 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.
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MCS-150 due-date checker
Type your USDOT number and the checker reads its last two digits against the 49 CFR §390.19T(b) schedule. Nothing is sent or stored - the math runs on this page.
Enter at least the last two digits - they are the only ones the schedule reads.
MCS-150 due-date schedule by USDOT digit
| Last digit | Month | If 2nd-to-last digit is odd | If 2nd-to-last digit is even |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Last day of Jan (odd year) | Last day of Jan (even year) |
| 2 | February | Last day of Feb (odd year) | Last day of Feb (even year) |
| 3 | March | Mar 31 (odd year) | Mar 31 (even year) |
| 4 | April | Apr 30 (odd year) | Apr 30 (even year) |
| 5 | May | May 31 (odd year) | May 31 (even year) |
| 6 | June | Jun 30 (odd year) | Jun 30 (even year) |
| 7 | July | Jul 31 (odd year) | Jul 31 (even year) |
| 8 | August | Aug 31 (odd year) | Aug 31 (even year) |
| 9 | September | Sep 30 (odd year) | Sep 30 (even year) |
| 0 | October | Oct 31 (odd year) | Oct 31 (even year) |
Source: 49 CFR §390.19T(b)(2)–(3), FMCSA biennial update schedule.
Worked example: USDOT 3829461
Take USDOT 3829461. The last digit is 1, which maps to January. The next-to-last digit is 6, which is even. So this carrier files MCS-150 by January 31 of every even year - 2026, 2028, 2030, etc. Conversely, USDOT 3829460 keeps the even-year cadence (next-to-last digit 6) but the last digit 0 maps to October, so the deadline is October 31 in even years. Filing early does not reset the biennial schedule - the filing cycle is fixed by your USDOT number.
When you must file off-cycle
FMCSA registration guidance requires an MCS-150 update within 30 days of any change to: company name, address, telephone number, principal place of business, motor carrier operating authority, or USDOT registration data such as fleet size, hazmat status, or operation type.
Consequences of missing the deadline
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.
Not sure whether your USDOT number is still active? Run a free USDOT lookup - it reads FMCSA's carrier record, including whether the USDOT is still active. For the next deadline on a specific number you can also use the MCS-150 deadline calculator.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know when my MCS-150 is due?
- Look at the last two digits of your USDOT. The last digit sets the month (1=Jan, 2=Feb, …, 0=Oct), the next-to-last digit sets the year (odd → odd years, even → even years). Due the last day of that month, every two years per 49 CFR §390.19T(b).
- What is the MCS-150 filing fee?
- $0 to FMCSA. The biennial update is free to file yourself in FMCSA's Motus system. Service providers charge their own fees if you outsource the paperwork: Fast Trucking Compliance charges $175 for one biennial update or $400 once for lifetime updates, plus a $25 add-on only if you choose PIN recovery or Login.gov setup help.
- Do I have to file MCS-150 even if nothing changed?
- Yes - 49 CFR §390.19T(b) makes the biennial filing mandatory regardless of whether information changed.
- What is the penalty for not filing MCS-150?
- 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.
- How early can I file my MCS-150?
- Any time - FMCSA publishes no early-filing window for the biennial update. An MCS-150 you file inside your biennial window satisfies that cycle. Filing early does not reset the biennial schedule - the cycle stays keyed to your USDOT number.
- What if my USDOT number has only one digit?
- The last digit still sets the due month under 49 CFR §390.19T(b)(2). The even-or-odd-year half of the rule reads the second-to-last digit, and the regulation does not address numbers that lack one - so a single-digit USDOT holder should confirm the filing year with FMCSA rather than assume a cycle.
- My USDOT was deactivated - can I still file?
- Yes. Filing the overdue MCS-150 is how a USDOT number deactivated for a missed update is brought current; FMCSA controls when the update shows in its records. Some carriers also need to resolve any insurance lapse or address mismatch flagged in the FMCSA registration record.
Get your MCS-150 update done
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.