MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report)
Glossary · Last reviewed: November 1, 2026 · By VetCarrier
The MCS-150, the Motor Carrier Identification Report, is the form an interstate motor carrier files with FMCSA before it starts operating and then updates every 24 months. FMCSA issues the USDOT number once it has processed the form, and only the carrier’s legal name or a single trade name may be used on it.
The update schedule
The month of the update is set by the last digit of the USDOT number: 1 means January, 2 February, and so on through 9 for September, with 0 for October. The year is set by the next-to-last digit: odd digits update in odd-numbered years, even digits in even-numbered years. Example: USDOT number 80806 has 6 as its last digit and 0 before it, so its update falls due by the end of June in even-numbered years. The form is filed with FMCSA’s Office of Registration and Safety Information, electronically or by mail.
What happens if a carrier skips it
A carrier that does not complete the biennial update faces civil penalties and deactivation of its USDOT number. Furnishing misleading information or false statements on the form also carries penalties. SAFER prints the MCS-150 form date on every company snapshot.
What it looks like in a carrier check
VetCarrier does not print the form date, but when FMCSA marks a carrier’s MCS-150 as out of date the check shows an amber note: “The carrier’s registration update (MCS-150) is marked out of date.” If the USDOT number has already been deactivated, the check shows a red flag instead. A very recent form date on an old company can also mean contact details were just changed, which is a reason to call the carrier on a number you found yourself; see How do I spot a fake carrier?.
Check an MC number (3 free checks, no signup)
Criminals copy real carrier records, so a clean check does not prove the caller is that carrier: always confirm their phone, email and address another way. A VetCarrier check is not a guarantee that a carrier is safe or legitimate.
This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice.