FAQs

General Questions

• What forms must I submit in order to register with the FMCSA?
  Private and Exempt For-Hire motor carriers must submit:
  • The Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150)
  • The Safety Certification for Application (MCS-150A)
  
  Authorized For-Hire motor carriers must submit:
• The Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150)
• The Safety Certification for Application (MCS-150A)
• Proper applications for Motor Carrier Operating Authority. More information can be found at http://diy.dot.gov

• How long does it take to register with the FMCSA?
  • Registering Online:
    Motor carriers can file online and receive their USDOT number instantly. A notification letter will follow in the mail.
    
    Authorized For-Hire motor carriers can file their MC number applications online, but will not receive their MC number instantly. They will be notified of their MC number (Operating Authority) by mail once the Operating Authority has been granted. The amount of time this takes can vary greatly, as part of the process depends on the motor carrier's insurance coverage being properly filed with FMCSA and a properly filed BOC3 form (Designation of Process Agent).
  
  
  
  • Registering by fax or mail:
    It will take approximately 3-4 weeks to process paper copies of the MCS-150 and MCS-150A. The Application for Motor Carrier Operating Authority can sometimes take longer, as explained above. You will receive a notification letter in the mail.

• When will I be able to view my motor carrier information as a Carrier Snapshot on www.saferysys.org?
  The Safer website is refreshed weekly with all the most current registration information, so within a week of receiving your USDOT number you should be able to view your Carrier Snapshot.

• Should each terminal operation or branch of a larger corporation file MCS-150 and MCS-150A forms?
  NO. Generally the corporate office or headquarters should file all the necessary forms and inform its branches of the USDOT number. In the past, there have been examples of giant companies with thousands of trucks being reduced (in the eyes of the FMCSA) to small operations with a handful of trucks and drivers just because a branch office filed a MCS-150 form in error. This causes problems when it comes time to calculate safety ratings.
  
  For large companies with many branches, maintaining proper registration with the FMCSA requires good communication between the corporate headquarters and the terminal offices. The company's headquarters can then interact with the FMCSA to ensure that all of its branches are properly accounted for.

New Entrant

• Who is subject to this rule?
  Beginning January 1, 2003, all new motor carriers (private and for-hire) operating in interstate commerce must apply for registration (USDOT Number) as a “new entrant”.

• I'm an Authorized For-Hire motor carrier, and I've just submitted all the applications online. My USDOT number was displayed on the screen, but when will I receive my MC number (Operating Authority)?
  Authorized For-Hire motor carriers will receive two letters regarding their MC number. Notification letters are generated and mailed out once their applications for Operating Authority have been approved. This first letter indicates what the MC number will be. However, the Operating Authority only becomes effective when they receive a second letter notifying them of the activation of their Operating Authority.

• What happens after the 18-month new entrant registration?
  The carrier will be notified in writing that the “new entrant” designation will be removed from their registration at the end of the 18-month safety-monitoring period, if the carrier meets the following requirements:
• The new entrant has passed a safety audit, or has not been deemed “unfit” following a compliance review; and
• The new entrant does not have any outstanding civil penalties.

• Where will these safety audits be conducted?
  The safety audits will primarily be conducted on-site at the carrier’s principle place of business; however, some safety audits may be conducted at other locations.

• Where can carriers get more information?
  Carriers can get Educational and Technical Assistance (ETA) packages online at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/eta/index.html. Carriers without Internet access may need to contact J.J. Keller at (800) 327-6868 to purchase a copy of the ETA package.

• When does this rule go into effect?
  The rule becomes effective January 1, 2003.

• When will safety audits be conducted?
  New entrant motor carriers can expect to start receiving safety audits 3-6 months after they are granted new entrant registration.

• Why were these rules created?
  Congress required the FMCSA to establish minimum requirements for new motor carriers seeking federal interstate operating authority. These minimum requirements include having the carrier certify that it has systems in place to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and a safety audit conducted within the first 18 months of the carrier’s interstate operation.
  For more information, look at Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 92 / Monday, May 13, 2002

• How will the safety audits be conducted?
  The safety audit will be conducted by a Safety Auditor and will consist of a review of the carrier’s management system. The areas of review include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Driver Qualifications 
  • Driver Duty Status 
  • Vehicle Maintenance 
  • Accident Register, and
  • Controlled Substances and Alcohol use and testing requirements.

• Will a safety audit result in a safety fitness determination by the FMCSA?
  No. Carriers will either pass or fail the safety audit, depending on their level of compliance and whether they have basic safety management controls in place. Safety fitness determinations of satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory will only result from the completion of a compliance review.

• How will FMCSA notify a carrier of their safety audit results?
  FMCSA will notify the carrier in writing of the results of the safety audit within 45 days from the date it was completed.
  

• If a new entrant has a compliance review conducted, are they also subject to a safety audit?
  No. If the FMCSA conducts a compliance review, the new entrant will not also be subject to a safety audit. However, they are still subject to the 18-month safety- monitoring period.
  
  

• I am an intrastate motor carrier and I already have a USDOT number. I want to change my carrier operation to interstate. Do I have to file an MCS-150A?
  Yes. All motor carriers who register their carrier operation as interstate on or after January 1, 2003 must complete the MCS-150A. You will keep your existing USDOT number, but will be subject to the New Entrant regulations.
  

• I am a shipper and I want to change my operation to Carrier/Shipper. Do I have to file an MCS-150A?
  Yes. Everyone who registers as a carrier (including Carrier/Shippers) on or after January 1, 2003 must complete the MCS-150A. You will keep your existing USDOT number, but will be subject to the New Entrant regulations.
  

Applying Online

• What is this form MCS-150A that I’ve been hearing about? Is it the same as an MCS-150?
  The Safety Certification Application for USDOT Number (MCS-150A) is a requirement for all new (those applying on or after January 1, 2003) motor carriers seeking USDOT numbers. It supplements the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150). Whereas the MCS-150 collects information relating to the identity, cargo, and operations of a motor carrier, the MCS-150A certifies that applicants for USDOT numbers are familiar with safety regulations and programs before they begin operations.  Motor carriers can familiarize themselves with these regulations by downloading or obtaining an Educational and Technical Assistance (ETA) package.
  
  The MCS-150 and MCS-150A both need to be filed and should be filed together. They will not be accepted if they are filed separately.  They will be considered incomplete and sent back to the motor carrier if they are filed separately. 
  

• I’m having trouble with the questions on the MCS-150A. Where can I find some guidance to help with this application?
  You should first read the instructions (167K) to the MCS-150A form. If you have further questions, you can consult the Educational and Technical Assistance package (ETA). This informative package contains information regarding the safety programs that you will need to have in place before you begin operations.  You will be responsible for providing proof of your compliance with the MCS-150A questions during your safety audit.
  
  

• Why do I need to give you my credit card information?
  We use the validation of the credit card as a digital signature on the online MCS-150 and MCS-150A documents. Your card is processed just like it would be if you were at the store purchasing a product. Once your bank or card issuing authority approves the transaction, we then place your name on the signature lines of the MCS-150 and MCS-150A. There is no cost for submitting an update online, and your credit card will not be charged with any fee.
  
  

• I’m filing my applications online and I’ve printed copies of the forms for my records. Should I go ahead and mail and/or fax in a copy of my MCS-150 and MCS-150A form to help speed up the process?
  Absolutely not! While we highly encourage you to print and keep copies of the forms you've filed for future reference, if you send in your application forms in more than one media, confusion can arise from multiple forms with the same or similar data. This may cause a delay in the processing of your forms. 
  
  For instance, let’s say that you file online and through the mail, and you are assigned a USDOT number through the online registration process. When the second form is received by mail, it may cause problems while data entry specialists try to figure out which form is correct and which is the most current.
  
  Note: Due to the high volume of motor carriers filing paper copies at this time, we strongly encourage you to file on-line.
  

• I am an intrastate non-hazardous materials motor carrier. Can I still get a USDOT number?
  The answer varies from state to state. In most states, intrastate non-hazardous material motor carriers do not require a USDOT number, but several states participate in programs (such as the PRISM program) which do require intrastate motor carriers (with and without HazMat) to have a USDOT number. The list of states that require Intrastate motor carriers to have USDOT numbers is not set in stone; rather it is fluid, growing or shrinking based on the rules and regulations of each individual state. If you do not know whether your state requires Intrastate motor carriers to have a USDOT number, contact the Office of Motor Carrier Safety field office in your state. For a listing of State offices, go to the FMCSA Field Roster.

• I’m a motor carrier domiciled in Mexico, and I see that the online FMCSA Registration Process is not available to me. How should I go about applying for a USDOT number so that I can operate in the U.S.?
  Unfortunately, the online FMCSA Registration Process just isn't an option that is available to Mexican motor carriers. Motor carriers domiciled in Mexico have two options when it comes to filing their MCS-150 and MCS-150A form. They can download the printable version of the forms from this website and mail them to:
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Information Management, MC-RIS, 
  400 7th Street, SW,
  Washington, D. C. 20590,
  Or . . .
  Call the Trans-border office in San Diego at (619) 710-8400

• I’m an agent filing registration forms for a motor carrier. Should I put my mailing address or the motor carrier's mailing address on the forms?
  The MCS-150 is designed to be a Motor Carrier Identification Report. This means that we want address information for the motor carrier, and not information for their agents. The correct addresses are important for compiling statistics and reports as well as differentiating between companies when it comes to assigning safety ratings. Two companies with the same agent's address can really cause some confusion. However, we understand that in certain circumstances it may be more practical or even necessary for a motor carrier to use an agent's address on their MCS-150 and MCS-150A forms.
  
  For these reasons the FMCSA strongly encourages agents who file these forms to use the motor carrier's address information whenever possible.

---

• I do not have a valid credit card. Can I still use the online FMCSA Registration Process if, for example, I use a friend or relative's credit card?
  The answer is "no." Without a valid credit card to serve as a digital signature, you will have to use one of the other methods of obtaining and submitting an MCS-150 and MCS-150A. You might try the PDF version. If you choose this option, the application will have to be mailed or faxed in after you complete the form on your computer and print it out.
  
  Note: If a carrier is using an agent to file their MCS-150 and MCS-150A, the agent may use their credit card to sign the MCS-150 and MCS-150A.

• Why does the PDF of the MCS-150 or MCS-150A appear blank when I click on it from your web site? I have Adobe Acrobat 5.0 installed.
  It may have something to do with the way you have your system configured. Some configurations of Acrobat Reader do not support viewing documents over the Internet. In this situation it is best to right click on the link for the PDF and select “Save Target As…” This will allow you to save a copy of the PDF onto your hard drive (file size 289kb). Then you can open the PDF from where you’ve saved it and enter your information onto the form.
  
  IMPORTANT NOTE: With Adobe Acrobat Reader you will not be able to save any changes you make. Therefore you will need to print out your information and fax or mail a copy to the proper address.

• I do not want to submit my application over the Internet. Where do I mail or fax my application when it is complete?
  When completed, mail to: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Information Management, MC-RIS, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. 20590, or you may FAX to 703-280-4003.
  
  Please note: Mailing or Faxing the MCS-150 and MCS-150A to any other address may delay the processing of the forms. If you mail the forms, be sure to keep a copy for your records. Also please either mail or fax—if you send in multiple forms it can lead to delays in the processing of your USDOT number as we work to resolve the duplicate applications.

• If I file online will I get my USDOT number instantly, or will I receive it in the mail? What about my MC number?
  The USDOT number will be issued instantly and displayed on the screen once the MCS-150 and MCS-150A have been completely and correctly submitted. You should print the screen for your records. A USDOT notification letter will follow in the mail.
  
  If you are a For-Hire motor carrier who needs to apply for an MC number (Operating Authority), you will be notified of your MC number by mail. Applications for the MC number (Operating Authority) can be found at http://diy.dot.gov.

• I perform both for-hire and private carriage, and I have checked this on the registration page. Will I be able to operate once I get my USDOT number?
  Once, you have your USDOT number, you will be able to operate as a Private motor carrier. You will not be able to operate as a For-Hire motor carrier until you have operating authority (an active MC number).
  
  

• When I was submitting my MCS-150 and MCS-150A online I got a message saying that I may be in violation of FMCSR’s and that I need to contact my division office. What does this mean?
  This means that you answered one or more of the MCS-150A questions incorrectly. Please be sure to answer all the questions on the form—If a question does not apply to you, be sure to answer “N/A” rather than leaving it blank. Every question must have an answer. For guidance on how to answer the questions correctly, consult the Educational and Technical Assistance (ETA) packet. You must be familiar with all the safety measures detailed in the ETA before you can begin operation.
  
  

  ---

  
  
• My new entrant registration has been revoked. Can I reapply?
  Carriers who have had their USDOT numbers revoked can reapply under the new entrant rule 30 days after their USDOT registration has been revoked. They are once again subject to all of the regulations of being a new entrant.

Update Process

• The website tells me that I need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to submit an update. What is a PIN and where can I get it?
  The PIN is a unique, private number assigned to a motor carrier so that they may access and update their USDOT information.
  
  For new entrants who register, the PIN will be included with the notification letter that indicates your USDOT number (and MC number, for For-Hire carriers). For older motor carriers, the PIN number can be acquired on the Online Update Process page. You will need to enter your USDOT number and credit card information in order to request a PIN, though there is no charge associated with this process. Once you have entered your request, a letter notifying you of your PIN will be sent to the mailing address indicated in your MCMIS record.
  
  It is important to keep this PIN number secure as it provides you with the means of updating your motor carrier record. If your PIN is lost, forgotten, or compromised, you can follow the PIN link from the Online Update Process page to register for a new PIN.

• Why do I need to submit my credit card info in order to update?
  When you use the MCS-150 form online to update your motor carrier record, you need to submit your credit card to serve as a digital signature. This step serves as a proactive measure to ensure greater security in the handling of your company's information. There is no cost for submitting an update online, and your credit card will not be charged with any fee.

• Who needs to make updates? Why would I want to use the online update feature?
  You may update whenever you need to (for instance whenever there is a change in your address or number of vehicles or drivers), and you must update at least once every two years.
  
  First, it is important to keep your motor carrier record current. If, for example, you change addresses or acquire additional vehicles or begin carrying hazardous materials, we need to be informed of these changes. If we don’t have current contact information for you, you may miss out on important regulatory notices, industry surveys, and other mailings. If we don’t have accurate vehicle and driver statistics for you, the calculation of your safety rating might be skewed. So whenever a significant change in your operation occurs, it is best to update your information using the fast, easy, and free online process.
  
  Secondly, if you receive an update letter from the FMCSA, then it is time for your regularly scheduled update. You can complete this required update in the same easy way that you would submit a regular update online. In the past, this has been called the Biennial update. See more information on this topic below.
  

• I’ve heard of a biennial update-do I still need to do that?
  Yes. The FMCSA requires each motor carrier to file an update every 24 months. This action responds to Section 217 of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. This rule became effective January 1, 2001. You will receive an update letter in the mail that notifies you when it is time for your regularly scheduled update.

• Do I have to file a biennial update even if my company information has not changed?
  Yes. You still must file a biennial update even if your company information has not changed. The biennial update rule states that all motor carriers must file a biennial update every two years. You should access the system, review all the information and press the submit button. Once you've done this, the system will record that you've reviewed the information and you will be in compliance with the biennial update requirement.

• Are there any cases where a carrier would be exempted from having to file a Biennial Update?
  A motor carrier that submits similar information to a State as part of its annual vehicle registration requirement under the Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program complies if it files this information with the appropriate State commercial motor vehicle (CMV) registration office. The states that currently participate in the PRISM program are Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

• I want to inactivate or reactivate my USDOT number using my PIN. Can I do this?
  While carriers can make their USDOT number record inactive online using their PIN, they cannot reactivate inactive records. You will need to send a signed letter on your company letterhead, listing your USDOT number, the name of the company, and what you want to be done with your account. You should send this letter to: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Information Management, MC-RIS, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, D. C. 20590, or you may FAX to 703-280-4003.
  
  For further assistance, please contact your state division office or call FMCSA Support Services at 1-800-832-5660.
  

• My company has multiple locations. Which address should I use when updating my census information?
  You should always use the corporate or headquarters address of your company when submitting an updated MCS-150. Terminal office addresses should not be used.