If you operate a trucking company in the U.S., keeping your registration up to date with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) isn’t optional—it’s the law. Whether you’re a single owner-operator or manage a growing fleet, filing your Biennial Update (Form MCS-150) is a crucial part of staying compliant.
This guide explains everything truckers and fleet owners need to know about the FMCSA Biennial Update, including how to find your deadline and avoid costly penalties.
The Biennial Update is a federal requirement for all companies with a USDOT Number. It keeps your business information current with the FMCSA, including:
Even if nothing has changed, you must file every two years, based on your USDOT number. You can check all the details at the FMCSA website.
If your business has a USDOT Number, you’re required to file. This includes:
Your filing deadline is based on your USDOT number, specifically:
Here’s the full table to find your exact deadline:
| Second-to-Last Digit | Month Due | Last Digit (Even) | Last Digit (Odd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Even years (e.g. 2024) | Odd years (e.g. 2025) |
| 2 | February | Even years | Odd years |
| 3 | March | Even years | Odd years |
| 4 | April | Even years | Odd years |
| 5 | May | Even years | Odd years |
| 6 | June | Even years | Odd years |
| 7 | July | Even years | Odd years |
| 8 | August | Even years | Odd years |
| 9 | September | Even years | Odd years |
| 0 | October | Even years | Odd years |
🔍 Example: If your USDOT number is 302946, the second-to-last digit is 4 (April), and the last digit is 6 (even). Your next Biennial Update is due April 2024.
You can file Form MCS-150 for free in any of these ways:
Visit the FMCSA Registration Portal and follow the prompts.
FMCSA
Office of Registration and Safety Information
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590
Fax: 202-366-3477
🗂️ Keep proof of submission in case of future audits.
Failure to file your update can result in:
These penalties apply even if your information hasn't changed.
At Summar Financial, we understand that compliance tasks, such as the Biennial Update, IFTA reporting, and safety audits, can be overwhelming—especially for small carriers and new authorities.
While we focus on same-day freight factoring, risk protection, and fuel discounts, we also provide guidance to help you keep your business rolling legally and efficiently.
✅ Our clients benefit from access to a free TMS that helps organize key documents
✅ Our fuel card program simplifies tracking gallons per state—great for IFTA compliance
✅ Our support team is always happy to point you in the right direction
Visit summar.com to learn how we help truckers and fleets grow with access to your cash within 24 hours, fast funding, real support, and compliance-friendly tools.
👉 Contact us today and discover how Summar can support your business.