How to Mark Your USDOT Number Out of Business

Why Updating Your USDOT Record Matters When You Close

When a motor carrier ceases operations, the USDOT record does not automatically update. Unless the carrier takes action to update the record, the USDOT number will remain in Active status — and the biennial update requirement will continue to apply. This means a carrier that has closed but not updated their record may receive compliance notices, and the USDOT number may eventually be placed in inactive status due to a missed biennial update.

Properly updating your USDOT record to reflect out-of-business status closes the loop on your compliance obligations and ensures your record accurately reflects your operational status.

How the Out-of-Business Update Works

Updating a USDOT record to reflect out-of-business status is done through an MCS-150 filing. The MCS-150 includes a field for indicating that the carrier has ceased operations. When this filing is submitted and processed by FMCSA, the USDOT record is updated to reflect Out of Business status.

The filing must include current information for the carrier, including the legal business name, address, and contact information. The person signing the filing certifies that the information is accurate and that the carrier has ceased operations.

What Happens After the Filing Is Processed?

After FMCSA processes the out-of-business update, the USDOT record status will reflect Out of Business. You can verify the status change in the FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Once the record reflects Out of Business status, the biennial update requirement no longer applies.

Does This Cancel My Operating Authority?

An out-of-business USDOT update addresses the USDOT number record. If you also hold operating authority (an MC number), that is a separate record. Depending on your situation, you may also need to address your operating authority separately. Contact us if you are unsure what steps apply to your specific situation.

Can I Reactivate a USDOT Number After Marking It Out of Business?

If you later decide to resume motor carrier operations, you would need to go through the appropriate process to reactivate or re-register your USDOT number. The specific steps depend on how long the number has been out of business and the current FMCSA requirements at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline for filing an out-of-business update?

FMCSA does not publish a specific deadline for filing an out-of-business update after ceasing operations. However, updating your record promptly after ceasing operations is the best practice to avoid ongoing compliance obligations and potential confusion.

Can I file the out-of-business update myself?

Yes. Carriers may file directly with FMCSA at no charge through the FMCSA Motus portal. DOT Compliance Specialists offers professional filing assistance for carriers who prefer to have a specialist handle the process.

What if my USDOT number is already inactive when I want to mark it out of business?

If your USDOT number is already inactive, you can still file an out-of-business update. The process is similar — you submit an MCS-150 indicating out-of-business status. Contact us if you have questions about your specific situation.