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What Is a USDOT Biennial Update?

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Published on April 9, 2024, 12:51 p.m.

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What Is a USDOT Biennial Update? The Biennial MCS-150 Update


“What is a USDOT biennial update?” is an excellent question. Here is the answer:

  • A USDOT biennial update is a filing requirement for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce. How Long Is a DOT Physical Good For?
  • The filing must be completed every two years, and it contains basic information about the carrier’s operation, such as addresses and contact information, type of cargo carried, equipment used, and Driver’s name data.
  • It also verifies that a motor carrier is still operating and has met all the federal safety requirements.
  • Failure to submit an updated DOT registration can result in fines or other penalties imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • Completing the biennial update helps ensure that a motor carrier complies with all applicable regulations and keeps its operations safe for drivers and other motorists. Must visit DOT Blood Pressure Requirements.



Introduction to USDOT Biennial Updates


Are you responsible for the Biennial Update of your USDOT number? Every motor carrier truck possessing a DOT number must submit a Biennial MCS-150 filing. Don't let yourself get behind on this essential, law-required task - Registration LLC has got your back! As experts in USDOT compliance and certification, we help you take care of your USDOT Biennial Update quickly and easily. With various options to select from, we ensure that updating your Dot number is a seamless process. Whether it's your last two update dates, ELD certification, or motor carrier training, we've got you covered. Trust us to handle the paperwork and measurements on your behalf, so you can keep trucking with peace of mind. Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.

Not staying up to date with your Biennial Updates could cost you time and money; fines of up to $1,000 per day (not to exceed $10,000) or a revoked authority research to operate are possible outcomes if it is not done correctly. Individuals and companies seeking a US DOT number must complete the requisite filings. Don't take the risk. Let us ensure everything is in order, so you stay compliant and worry-free! Contact our organization today to learn more. What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?

Have you registered your company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently? The USDOT Biennial Update requires all carriers to renew their registration every two years. This form, known as Form MCS150, must be filled out and submitted to the FMCSA even if your business has not changed its information or ceased interstate operations since the last update. If your business is no longer in operation, it’s important that you still complete this form so the FMCSA can be notified. Don't forget to file your biennial updates! How To Request theDOT PIN Number?

USDOT number, Biennial update, Motor carrier, Federal regulations, Safety compliance.

Do Commercial Drivers Have To Update DOT Numbers?

Yes! Truckers must remember to update their USDOT numbers biennially. Filing an MCS150 registration form is all it takes to keep information up-to-date. The USDOT number should be clearly displayed on each truck's exterior for safety and compliance reasons. Carriers, contractors, and business owners must avoid missing this critical biennial process. What is Unified Carrier Registration?


Vehicles and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that weigh 10,000 lbs or more gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must obtain a USDOT number to be legally operated on the roads. The same applies to any CMV transporting eight people or more for compensation, 15 passengers not for compensation, or Hazardous Materials as per 49 CFR 385.403 regulations. What is the DOT SAP Program?


Without a valid USDOT number certification, these vehicles may be fined and penalized. It is essential to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for up-to-date information regarding registration requirements and fees for obtaining a USDOT Number Requirements.



Interstate vehicles (cross-state lines) must have a USDOT number and Update Your US DOT. Additionally, some states require all cars to have one, even if they don't travel across state lines. Suppose you intend to operate a vehicle of any kind that crosses the boundaries of your home state. In that case, obtaining a USDOT number is necessary to remain compliant with federal and local regulations. What is MC Number?


what is dot biennial update for your company


Do you need to file a Dot Biennial Update?

The biennial update is mandatory for certain entities, such as motor carriers, operating in interstate commerce under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this process necessitates submitting updated registration information every two years through the Unified Registration System (URS). Motor carriers must provide details such as their company name, address, type of operation, and information about their vehicles. Compliance with these biennial updates ensures that the FMCSA possesses accurate and current information, contributing to maintaining safety standards and regulatory oversight in the transportation industry. Under the FMCSA's jurisdiction, entities must carefully adhere to the specified deadlines and requirements to fulfill their obligations and operate legally within the interstate commerce framework.

What Are the Non-Compliance Fines & Penalties?

Failure to promptly complete your biennial update can lead to the FMCSA deactivating your U.S. DOT Number, plus a hefty fine of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum allowable fine of $10,000 - which could be seriously detrimental to your business. Don't let it happen—keep your compliance credentials up-to-date!

What If I’m Going Out of Business?

If you're no longer running motor carrier operations, you must deactivate your U.S. DOT Number. Unfortunately, this can't be done online and instead requires a bit of paperwork. To start the process, file an updated MCS-150 form through our third-party organization, and we will check the box marked "out of business." Then, we can mail or fax it to the appropriate authorities. With that information sent in, your number will be officially deactivated! California DOT number?

When do I need to do my DOT-required Biennial Update?


Your transportation business must complete the DOT biennial update every two years. The deadline depends on when you first registered, so check your documents or visit the official FMCSA website to find your specific deadline. Utilize the online Unified Registration System (URS) to submit updates, covering areas like oversized loads, motor vehicle registration, licensing, permits, and organizational details. Keeping an eye on rule changes and deadlines is essential. Failing to update on time may lead to penalties or the suspension of your operating authority. Stay proactive to ensure a smooth operation for your transportation business, addressing biennial updates and aspects like oversized loads, vehicle registration, licensing, permits, and overall organizational information.

What Does “VMT Outdated” Mean?


All motor carriers must update their Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) every two years, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is used as a measure of vehicle use per person. The MCS-150 updates your DOT number, ensuring that your Motor Carrier Number Lookup information is current and compliant with regulations. It's calculated by taking the total annual miles of vehicle travel and dividing that by the population of a state or urbanized area. VMT helps calculate Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis, Unsafe Driving, and BASIC percentiles for safety improvement purposes.


What is an MCS 150 ?


An MCS-150 is a form that motor carriers use to provide important information to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees trucking and transportation safety in the United States. This form is part of the registration process and helps the FMCSA keep track of essential details about the carrier's operations.

In simpler terms, it's like a paperwork update that trucking companies fill out every two years. The form includes information such as the company's name, address, business type, and details about the vehicles it operates.

So, the MCS-150 allows trucking companies to share necessary information with the government to ensure they meet safety standards in the transportation industry.

Transportation data, Fleet management, Compliance requirements, Commercial vehicles, Regulatory reporting.

When am I required to file a biennial update?

What is important is to know the timing for your biennial update, after all, that's a critical point in maintaining efficient operation and adhering to FMCSA regulations. Here is a clear list of times to file: You need to apply

Know your submission deadline :-

The deadline for filing the biennial update varies depending on your USDOT number. In particular, its last two digits are what determine the time you will need to fulfill this requirement:

If your USDOT number ends with: 1 or 2, file by the end of February

3 or 4; File by the end of April

5 or 6: File by the end of June

7 or 8: File by the end of August

9 or 0: File by the end of October

Stay On Schedule Despite the specific deadlines for when you need to file your biennial update based on your USDOT number, getting it in early ensures you will not be caught out by unexpected glitches in the last moment that could put you at risk of non-compliance.

What the Heck Does the Matter? To emphasize again: filing 'your biennial update is more than just ticking a box, it determines whether the information about your company in the FMCSA database - company name, address and number of vehicles licensed to operate - is accurate. Keeping these records current is essential for running your company lawfully and smoothly.

Right platform in useVisit fmcsaregistration.com and complete your biennial report with ease. Our platform guides you through each step of the process, making sure your update is correctly filed and within the deadlines.

Friendly Reminder: Don't leave your biennial to the last minute. Protect and sustain your transportation business by getting your information on record as soon as possible within the deadline for when it is allowed.

Adhering to these considerations will ensure that you get the benefits of meeting FMCSA requirements, keep your operations legal and meet any potential fines or overheads.


Summary: What Is a USDOT Biennial Update?



  • A USDOT biennial update is a requirement for motor carriers and all other organizations that require USDOT registration, such as private and for-hire motor carriers. What is the UCR program?
  • It requires owners to provide the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) with updated safety information every two years.
  • This report aims to ensure that companies comply with FMCSA regulations and remain up-to-date on any changes to these regulations.
  • All companies must submit their updates by December 31st of every even-numbered year or face penalties from the FMCSA.
  • The biennial update includes contact and insurance information, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, hazardous materials endorsements, and more.
  • This requirement can be fulfilled through online completion or by submitting the appropriate MCS-150 form.
  • Motor carriers are mandated to refresh their USDOT information on a biennial basis.
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