How to Close or Inactivate a USDOT Number (Out of Business)

If this is an extra number, start somewhere else

This page is for a company that is stopping operations. If you are trying to get rid of a second, duplicate number, see duplicatedot.com first.

What this usually involves 5 steps

Complete an MCS-150 marked Out of Business
Include a copy of the signer's driver's license
If operating authority is active, add an OCE-46 (notarized or signed before FMCSA staff)
Submit it by ticket as FMCSA describes
Confirm the status on SAFER

From FMCSA: Inactivate a USDOT number.

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How FMCSA says to inactivate

FMCSA's inactivation FAQ says to submit the Form MCS-150 with the reason for filing marked "Out of Business," with a copy of the driver's license of the person who signed the certification. If active operating authority is linked to the USDOT number, you must also submit Form OCE-46, notarized or signed in the presence of an FMCSA staff member. That FAQ (last updated 2023) describes submitting through an FMCSA contact-center ticket. Source: How do I inactivate my USDOT number?.

FMCSA's newer Move into Motus page lists "inactivate or reactivate your USDOT number" as an action in Motus. Source: Move into Motus. The two pages describe different routes. Check which one applies when you file, and use the current form from FMCSA if a form is needed (about the MCS-150).

Do not just stop filing

FMCSA's standing rule says a missed biennial update will result in deactivation and may bring civil penalties. Letting a number lapse that way leaves an untidy record, and FMCSA has temporarily paused that inactivation during the Motus transition anyway. See missed update penalties and the pause.

After the number is closed

Take the number off trucks, insurance documents and advertising. FMCSA says a USDOT number belongs to the same legal person forever, and when a corporation is dissolved, its number should be deactivated on the MCS-150 using the "out-of-business" reason. Source: DO NOT Sell, Purchase, or Lease a USDOT or MC Number. If the same legal person returns to operation later, the path back is reactivation, not a new number; see reactivation.

You can file this yourself

Closing a record is something you can do directly with FMCSA. If you want help preparing it, use the form on this page.

Common mistakes that cause delays

Handing the number to a new owner. A USDOT number stays with the same legal person. (FMCSA: Do not sell, buy or lease a USDOT or MC number)
Leaving a dissolved company's number active instead of marking it out of business. (FMCSA: Do not sell, buy or lease a USDOT or MC number)

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.

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Common questions

How do I cancel my USDOT number?

FMCSA's inactivation FAQ says to file the MCS-150 with the reason "Out of Business" and a copy of the signer's driver's license. FMCSA's Move into Motus page also lists inactivating a USDOT number as an action in Motus.

Do I need the OCE-46 form?

Yes, if active operating authority is linked to your USDOT number. FMCSA says the OCE-46 must be notarized or signed in the presence of an FMCSA staff member.

Is there a fee to close the number?

FMCSA's inactivation FAQ does not list a fee for the MCS-150 itself.

If I close it, can I reopen it later?

FMCSA has a reactivation process for inactive numbers, but we cannot promise every closed number can be reopened. It depends on the record and whether the same legal person still exists.

Should I just get a new number if I start again next year?

Not if you are the same legal person with an existing number. That creates a duplicate record.

Still unsure after the questions above? Ask a Personal Compliance Specialist.