Guides › Missed your MCS-150 biennial update? What to do

Missed your MCS-150 biennial update? What to do

The 2026 pause

On September 10, 2026, FMCSA said it has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates and USDOT inactivation for registrants whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026, until further notice, with advance warning before it resumes (FMCSA notice). The requirement itself hasn't gone away.

Normally, what can happen

• Your USDOT number can be deactivated, and you can't operate on an inactive number.
• Civil penalties under 49 CFR 390.19T and FMCSA's penalty schedule can apply.

What to do

1. Check your record on SAFER Company Snapshot (status and MCS-150 date).
2. File the update in Motus. It's free (step by step).
3. If your update was due before June 1, 2026, or your number was already inactivated, contact FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 or ask.fmcsa.dot.gov.
4. Ignore letters or emails demanding payment to "reinstate" you. See scam warning signs.

Questions

Will my USDOT number be deactivated right now for a missed update?

Not if your update was due on or after June 1, 2026. FMCSA has paused those inactivations until further notice. Updates due earlier are not covered by that notice.

Official sources

• FMCSA: Temporary Suspension of the Biennial Update Requirement
• 49 CFR 390.19T

Last reviewed October 16, 2026. DOT Due Dates is an independent private service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by FMCSA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the IRS, the UCR Plan, IFTA, Inc., or any state agency. Information is for general reminders only and is not legal or tax advice. Always confirm requirements and due dates with the agency. We do not file anything for you, and all of these filings can be done directly with the agencies.