What Information Can Be Changed with an MCS-150 Filing?

The MCS-150 as a Record Maintenance Tool

The MCS-150 is not only used for the biennial update requirement — it is also the primary mechanism for updating certain information in your USDOT record. When your business information changes, filing an updated MCS-150 is how you keep your FMCSA record current. Keeping your record accurate is important for compliance and for ensuring that FMCSA correspondence reaches you.

Information That Can Be Updated Through an MCS-150 Filing

The following categories of information can be updated through an MCS-150 filing:

• Principal business address and mailing address
• Contact information (phone number, email address)
• Legal business name (subject to FMCSA review)
• DBA (doing business as) name
• Type of operation (interstate, intrastate hazmat, intrastate non-hazmat)
• Type of carrier (for-hire, private, both)
• Cargo types transported
• Number and type of vehicles operated
• Number of drivers employed
• Principal officer information

Information That May Require Additional Processes

Not every change to your motor carrier record is handled through a standard MCS-150 filing. Some changes may require additional documentation or separate filings:

• Changes to operating authority (MC number) — these are handled through the FMCSA licensing system, not the MCS-150
• Changes related to insurance filings — these are submitted by your insurance provider directly to FMCSA
• Process agent designations — these are filed separately through the BOC-3 process
• Significant changes to business structure (such as a change in legal entity type) may require additional review

If you are unsure whether a specific change requires an MCS-150 or a different process, contact DOT Compliance Specialists and we can help clarify.

Does Filing an Information Update Reset My Biennial Deadline?

Yes. Any accepted MCS-150 filing — whether for a biennial update or an information change — resets your biennial update clock. Your next biennial deadline will be calculated from the date of your most recent MCS-150 filing. This is worth knowing if you are planning an information update close to your existing biennial window.

How to File an MCS-150 Information Update

MCS-150 information updates are filed through the FMCSA Motus portal. Carriers may file directly at no charge. The process involves logging in or creating an account, locating your USDOT record, and submitting an updated MCS-150 with the corrected information.

DOT Compliance Specialists offers professional assistance with MCS-150 information updates for carriers who prefer to have a specialist handle the filing on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does FMCSA update my record after I file an MCS-150 information update?

Processing times are determined by FMCSA and can vary. Once processed, the updated information should be reflected in the FMCSA SAFER system. You can verify the update at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Can I update my business name through an MCS-150?

Legal business name changes can be submitted through an MCS-150, but they are subject to FMCSA review. The process may require supporting documentation depending on the nature of the name change.

What if I need to update my insurance information?

Insurance filings are submitted by your insurance provider directly to FMCSA — they are not updated through the MCS-150. Contact your insurance provider to update your FMCSA insurance filings.