How to File an MCS-150 Biennial Update Online

Start with the record—not an empty form

Before changing anything, identify the exact legal entity, USDOT number, current status, registration types, and responsible company official. A routine active-record update is different from reactivation, New Entrant reapplication, authority reinstatement, name change, or an out-of-business notice.

Reviewing the current public record first also exposes disagreements that need documentation: an old legal name, an address no longer controlled by the company, outdated contacts, unrealistic fleet data, or a company official who no longer has access.

• Exact legal business name and any current DBA.
• USDOT number and separate MC/FF/MX authority identifiers, if applicable.
• Current USDOT and authority status.
• The person who is authorized to certify the company’s registration information.
• Whether the action is a scheduled update, a change, a reactivation, or another registration request.

Create the right Motus access path

FMCSA launched Motus as its modernized USDOT Registration System in May 2026. Old tutorials that direct carriers to make registration changes in the legacy Portal or begin a new application in URS are no longer a reliable filing map.

FMCSA’s current sequence is: create a user profile and complete identity verification; create or claim the company account; then manage registrations and submit the biennial update. Existing registrants should use the same Login.gov email that was associated with the company official in the former Portal when claiming the record.

1. Create or use the correct Login.gov credentials for the individual company official.
2. Complete the required identity-verification steps using accurate personal information and an acceptable ID.
3. Claim or enter the existing company account attached to the USDOT record.
4. Confirm that the user has the necessary company role or authorized access before starting the filing action.

Information to assemble before filing

Collecting the data first reduces guesswork and prevents a rushed update from replacing an old error with a new one. Use records that represent the exact legal entity and the correct reporting period.

The online filing flow

Screen names may evolve as Motus is refined, but the logical filing sequence remains stable. Follow the action shown in the company account rather than relying on a screenshot from an older system.

1. Open the correct company account and choose the biennial update or applicable record-change action.
2. Review the imported company and registration information instead of automatically accepting every existing value.
3. Correct changed information and complete every required field for the company’s registration type.
4. Resolve warnings and consistency checks before certification.
5. Have the authorized company official review the certification language and attest to accurate information.
6. Submit the transaction and save the confirmation or tracking reference.
7. Monitor the action status and confirm the updated public record after processing.

Review the fields that create the most downstream confusion

The largest mistakes are not always blank fields. A submission can be complete but still misdescribe the business. Pay special attention to mileage year, power units, driver counts, operation classifications, cargo, legal name, and principal place of business.

• Mileage should represent the requested reporting year—not a guess for the next 12 months.
• Power units and drivers should match the definitions used by the filing, not payroll labels or insurance terminology.
• Authorized-for-hire selections should be consistent with the authority the company actually holds.
• The legal name should match the entity record unless a documented name-change action is being requested.
• A principal place of business must be the company’s actual qualifying business location, not automatically a consultant’s or mail-service address.

Is the MCS-150 update free?

FMCSA does not charge a government processing fee for a company to complete its own routine biennial update. A private compliance provider may charge for reviewing information, preparing the transaction, resolving access issues, tracking the action, or filing with authorization.

A paid service should clearly disclose that it is a private company and that its fee is for assistance—not a government fee. The carrier remains responsible for providing truthful information and should receive a clear description of what the service includes.

What to do after submission

Do not treat the payment receipt from a private provider or the completion of an intake form as proof that FMCSA processed the registration action. Keep the Motus transaction reference, watch for requests or returned actions, and verify the resulting record.

• Save the Motus confirmation or provider submission confirmation.
• Monitor the email address controlled by the company official.
• Review Motus for pending, returned, or completed status.
• Check SAFER after processing for the MCS-150 date, USDOT status, and major public fields.
• Address a material discrepancy through the official support path before creating duplicate transactions.

Protect credentials and identity documents

Use the official Motus and Login.gov addresses, confirm the identity of any service provider, and do not send passwords or one-time security codes to someone who does not need them. FMCSA has warned carriers about phishing messages that imitate government notices.

A legitimate third-party provider should explain why it needs a document, how authorization works, and what action it will take. The company official should retain control of the core account and understand who has authorized access.

Official Sources

• FMCSA — Move into Motus
• FMCSA — Motus video library
• FMCSA — Registration forms and supporting documents
• FMCSA — Form MCS-150 instructions