How do I know my filing month?
Read it from your USDOT number. The last digit is the month, 1 through 9 for January through September and 0 for October. The next-to-last digit tells you whether you file in odd or even years.
Federal compliance
MCS-150 biennial update: your filing month, from your USDOT number
The form that keeps your USDOT registration current. It must be filed every two years even if nothing about your operation has changed, and even if you are not currently running.
Who this applies to
Every entity with a USDOT number. Being inactive does not remove the obligation.
How the date works
FMCSA reads the schedule straight out of your USDOT number. The last digit sets the month, running 1 through 9 for January through September and 0 for October. The next-to-last digit sets the year: odd files in odd-numbered years, even files in even-numbered years.
Where to file
There is no government fee. Filing is free at fmcsa.dot.gov. Third-party services charge to submit a form that costs nothing.
FAQs
Do I have to file if nothing changed?
Yes. The update is required every 24 months regardless of whether your information changed, and regardless of whether you are actively operating.
Does it cost anything?
No. FMCSA charges nothing for the biennial update. Any fee you are quoted is a third party charging to submit a free filing on your behalf.
Other deadlines
- California Clean Truck Check: when yours is due
Twice a year for most vehicles
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse: what you owe each year
Annual, plus per-driver queries
- UCR registration: the deadline and what it costs
Annual
- IFTA quarterly returns: the four dates, and the one that catches people
Quarterly
- Form 2290: the heavy vehicle use tax deadline
Annual
- California BIT inspections: the 90-day cycle
Every 90 days
- California Motor Carrier Permit: annual renewal
Annual