Use SAFER first
Search SAFER (the Company Snapshot) by USDOT number or company name. It is free and does not need a login. Look for the operating status line.
What this usually involves 5 steps
- Search SAFER by USDOT number, MC number or name
- Read the USDOT status
- Read the operating authority status
- Check the date of the last MCS-150 update
- Compare it with what you expect and note anything that looks off
Rather not deal with this? Hand it to a Personal Compliance Specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistRead the status correctly
SAFER's help page defines these labels:
- ACTIVE: the entity's USDOT number is active.
- Inactive USDOT Number: inactive per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4); biennial update of MCS-150 data not completed.
- OUT-OF-SERVICE: the carrier is under any type of out-of-service order and is not authorized to operate.
- AUTHORIZED FOR passenger, property or household goods: lists the operating authority the carrier or broker holds.
- NOT AUTHORIZED: the USDOT number is active, but the carrier has no operating authority and is not authorized to operate as an interstate, for-hire carrier. SAFER notes this does not apply to private or intrastate operations.
Source: SAFER Help. These are different situations. See what "not authorized" means and the status glossary.
Motus shows the status of filings
FMCSA says Motus lets you track the status of your registration actions, and it offers a public search of registration records. Source: Move into Motus. If you cannot get into Motus, fmcsamotus.help covers common sign-in problems.
What to do next, by status
- Inactive: inactive USDOT number, then reactivation
- Out of service: out-of-service orders
- Filing still in progress: stuck pending
- Not authorized: what "not authorized" means
- Cannot remember the number: find my DOT number
A public snapshot is not a legal opinion
If the snapshot looks wrong, do not apply for a new number to get around it. A company should have only one active USDOT number, according to SAFER's help page. If you already have two, see duplicatedot.com. Otherwise, tell us what you see using the form on this page.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Reading "Not authorized" as inactive. It refers to operating authority, not the USDOT number. (SAFER help: status definitions)
- Looking at a different company with a similar name.
Do it yourself
- Free to file in Motus
- You set up Login.gov and verify your identity
- You work out which form or request fits your record
- You match names, addresses and filings exactly
- You follow up until the change shows on SAFER
Have a specialist handle it
- A Personal Compliance Specialist reads your public record first
- You get a plain list of what is outstanding
- We prepare the filings with you and check they post
- You still complete Login.gov identity verification yourself
- Paid service. Any government fee is separate
Prefer to hand it off? A Personal Compliance Specialist can take it from here.
Talk to a Personal Compliance SpecialistCommon questions
Where can I check my USDOT number for free?
On FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot, by USDOT number or company name. No login is needed.
What does Inactive mean on SAFER?
SAFER defines an Inactive USDOT Number as inactive per 49 CFR 390.19(b)(4) because the biennial update of MCS-150 data was not completed.
What does it mean if my number is active but I have no authority?
SAFER shows NOT AUTHORIZED when the USDOT number is active but the carrier has no operating authority for interstate, for-hire operations. It does not apply to private or intrastate operations.
SAFER and Motus do not match. Which is right?
Both are FMCSA tools and they can update at different times. If they stay out of sync, contact FMCSA through its registration contact options rather than filing something new.
My number is inactive. Should I get a new one?
No. Reactivate the number you have. A company should have only one active USDOT number.
Still unsure after the questions above? Ask a Personal Compliance Specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistFMCSA sources
Checked November 15, 2026. FMCSA pages change; check the source before you rely on a detail. DOT Number Help is an independent service, not FMCSA, and you can file any of this directly with FMCSA.