FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Answers? Find them here.

I just got my USDOT number a few months ago. Why am I getting calls, emails, and letters telling me I am out of compliance and need to file my biennial update?

These calls, emails, and letters can confuse carriers, especially new entrant carriers. The important thing to know is your USDOT number is created at random. Let’s look at an example. Let’s say the current date is August 1st, 2023. Because your USDOT number is created randomly, if you get your new USDOT number just a few months earlier, in May of 2023, and the last two digits of their USDOT number end in “58,” the official biennial update is currently due because we are presently in August in an odd-numbered year.

In other words, the biennial update is not due based on the anniversary date of when a carrier received the USDOT number but is due every two years as determined by the last two digits of their USDOT number. The last digit tells you what month it is due in (8=, the month of August,) and the Next to the last digit tells you if you file in an odd or even year (5= an odd number, so you would file in August of odd-numbered years.)

Why am I getting calls, emails, and letters telling me I am out of compliance and need to file my biennial update? I've only had my USDOT number for a few months, and I know I don't have to file my update until I've had my USDOT Number for two years.

These calls, emails, and letters can confuse carriers, especially new entrant carriers. The important thing to know is your USDOT number is created at random. Let’s look at an example. Let’s say the current date is August 1st, 2023. Because your USDOT number is created randomly, if you get your new USDOT number just a few months earlier, in May of 2023, and the last two digits of their USDOT number end in “58,” the official biennial update is currently due because we are presently in August in an odd-numbered year.

In other words, the biennial update is not due based on the anniversary date of when a carrier received the USDOT number but is due every two years as determined by the last two digits of their USDOT number. The last digit tells you what month it is due in (8=, the month of August,) and the Next to the last digit tells you if you file in an odd or even year (5= an odd number, so you would file in August of odd-numbered years.)

I used to have a USDOT Number a few years ago, but I closed down my business and deactivated my number. I want to start my business again. Do I have to apply for a new USDOT Number?
No, you do not need to apply for a new USDOT number. Your USDOT is yours for life. You can reactivate your number by filing a reapplication using the MCS-150 form. DOT Compliance Group can assist you with this filing, answer any questions, and take care of any other necessary compliance services.
What is the difference between an “official” biennial update and an “edit”?
An official biennial update can only be done within the month and year due as dictated by the last two digits of the USDOT number. An “edit” is an update done any time BEFORE the official biennial update is due. For instance, if you were to file your biennial update at the beginning of the year in January, but it isn’t due until March of the same year, that would be considered an “edit” and not your official biennial update. In this case, filing too soon is not a good thing.
What happens if I don’t file my biennial update?
Failure to complete a biennial update will result in the deactivation of your USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.
How do I know when my biennial update is due?
By looking at the last two digits of your USDOT number. If the next-to-last digit of your USDOT number is odd, you file in odd-numbered years. If it is even, you file in even-numbered years. The last digit tells you the month it is due; 1: January 2: February 0: October.
What can happen if I submit incorrect information in my biennial update filing?
You should always submit an “Edit” as soon as you realize the error because submitting even a single piece of incorrect information regarding your operation can cause your MCS-150 form to be rejected by the FMCSA which can cause your USDOT number to be deactivated and could also subject you to fines and penalties.
What happens when my USDOT number gets deactivated?
When your USDOT number gets deactivated, it will show “Inactive per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed,” in the FMCSA database, also known as “White Page Deactivated”, your status will read as, “Record Inactive.”
What is a biennial update?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers to update their information every two years based on the last two digits of the USDOT number. Even if your business has had no significant changes in the past, ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business, you must file this update.
Who is required to submit a biennial update?
All private, exempt for-hire, and for-hire motor carriers of passengers or cargo are required to update their information every two years based on a schedule dictated by the last two digits of their USDOT number. Brokers and freight forwarders are NOT required to file the biennial update every two years. If a broker or freight forwarder has any changes, such as a name or address change, they must file a 5889 form.
Are there any exemptions for filing a biennial update?
For private, exempt for-hire, and for-hire motor carriers of passengers or cargo, there are currently NO exemptions from filing a biennial update (this includes Ag-exempt farmers). If you have a USDOT number, you must keep it up-to-date OR file an “Out of Business” if you are no longer using it. Even if you find out you don’t NEED a USDOT number, if it’s active in the FMCSA database, you must update or deactivate it.

Brokers and freight forwarders are NOT required to file the biennial update every two years. If you have any changes, such as a name or address change, you must file a 5889 form.