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Deactivate a duplicateHow to deactivate a duplicate USDOT number
This page is for the extra number, the one your company should not keep. If you are closing your only USDOT number because you are leaving the business, that is a different situation; see dotnumberhelp.com.
This site is not affiliated with FMCSA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Login.gov, or any government agency. You can contact FMCSA directly and file yourself. Help from this site is optional and paid.
Rather not deal with this? Hand it to a compliance specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistOnly deactivate the extra number, and only once you know which one it is
Before anyone files anything, confirm that both numbers belong to the same legal entity. Separate legal entities each need their own number, and inactivating the wrong one can take a needed number out of use. See can you have two DOT numbers and how to look up an existing number.
Why this takes time: confirming legal identity can mean comparing formation documents, tax ID and the details on each record.
What FMCSA's pages say today, and where they differ
FMCSA's inactivation FAQ (last updated May 20, 2023) says to submit Form MCS-150 with the reason for filing marked "Out of Business," and to attach a copy of the driver's license of the person who signed the certification. If active operating authority is linked to that USDOT number, it says to also submit Form OCE-46, which must be notarized or signed in the presence of an FMCSA staff member. It says the forms can be submitted by opening a ticket through FMCSA's registration contact page.
FMCSA's newer Move into Motus page lists "Inactivate or reactivate your USDOT Number" as something registrants can do in Motus. Check what Motus offers on your company account when you are ready to file, and use the path FMCSA currently describes.
Why this takes time: the filing needs a copy of the signer's driver's license, and if authority is linked, a Form OCE-46 that is notarized or signed in front of FMCSA staff.
Rather not deal with this? Hand it to a compliance specialist.
Consult with a Compliance Specialist"Out of Business" can sound worse than it is
"Out of Business" is the reason FMCSA uses on the MCS-150 to take a USDOT number out of use. FMCSA's own guidance uses it for a number that should be deactivated after a company change. Marking an extra number this way does not mean your operating company has to close or dissolve under state law.
Line up authority, insurance and markings with the number you keep
Insurance filings, operating authority, process agent filings and the number on your trucks should all point to the number you are keeping. See how resolution generally works and what can go wrong when they do not match.
Why this takes time: insurance filings, the BOC-3 and authority are each filed by different parties, and each one has to name the number you keep.
Recheck SAFER after the change
Once FMCSA processes the change, look both numbers up again on the SAFER Company Snapshot to confirm the status of each.
Why this takes time: you wait for FMCSA to process the change, then check both numbers again.
That is a lot of forms and logins for one fix. Hand it to a compliance specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistIs there a fee?
FMCSA's inactivation FAQ does not list a fee for inactivating a USDOT number, and FMCSA's registration update page says updating your information is free. If operating authority is attached, the extra OCE-46 step above applies. We are not aware of any FMCSA "duplicate removal fee."
You can do this yourself
You can file through FMCSA directly. If you want a second set of eyes first, you can request a record review.
Recurring deadline: FMCSA requires an MCS-150 update every 24 months, on a schedule set by the last two digits of the USDOT number, even if nothing changed. Each active number has its own schedule. FMCSA says a missed update will result in deactivation of the USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000 (source). FMCSA's Resources Hub has noted a temporary pause on inactivations for missed biennial updates, so check it for the current status.
Common mistakes that cause delays or inactivation
- Inactivating a number before confirming which legal person it belongs to.
- Leaving out the copy of the signer's driver's license that FMCSA asks for with an inactivation (FMCSA).
- Sending Form OCE-46 without notarization, or without signing it in front of FMCSA staff, when active authority is linked (FMCSA).
- Using an expired version of an MCS-150 series form, which FMCSA says it does not accept (FMCSA).
Rather not deal with this? Hand it to a compliance specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistCommon questions
Can I deactivate a USDOT number online?
FMCSA's Motus page lists inactivating a USDOT number as an action in Motus. An older FMCSA FAQ describes submitting Form MCS-150 through a registration ticket instead. Check which path FMCSA currently offers when you file.
Is there a fee to deactivate a number?
FMCSA's inactivation FAQ does not list a fee for the MCS-150 inactivation itself. If active authority is linked to the number, the FAQ says Form OCE-46 is also required.
What form do I use?
FMCSA's inactivation FAQ names Form MCS-150 with the reason "Out of Business," plus Form OCE-46 if active operating authority is linked. Motus may now handle this in the system.
Will deactivating the extra number delete its safety history?
Do not expect it to. Inspection and crash history on an inactivated number usually stays with that number. The goal is to stop using the extra number.
What if I deactivate the wrong number?
That can take a needed number out of use, and you may then need to reactivate it. Be sure which record is which before filing.
Still have questions about your record? Ask one of our Personal Compliance Specialists.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistRelated guides
- Applied for a DOT number twice
- Can you have two DOT numbers?
- Look up an existing USDOT number
- Safety history with two numbers
- New Motus registration instead of a claim
- Closing your only USDOT number (dotnumberhelp.com)
- Reactivating a USDOT number (dotnumberhelp.com)
You can sort this out yourself. Search the public record, including the SAFER company snapshot, and use FMCSA registration resources or Motus. Or request a record review and we will look at what appears on the public record.
Do it yourself
- Updating your USDOT information with FMCSA is free, according to FMCSA.
- You set up Login.gov and complete identity verification for Motus.
- You find the right forms, versions and supporting documents.
- You match names, numbers and addresses across the record, authority, insurance and BOC-3.
- You track the deadlines and follow up with FMCSA yourself.
Have a specialist handle it
- Our Personal Compliance Specialists review the public record and explain what they see.
- They help prepare the filings and gather the supporting documents.
- They help line up authority, insurance, BOC-3 and UCR with one number.
- Paid service. Government fees, where they apply, are separate.
- You still sign and certify, and FMCSA still decides.
Sources
Public pages checked on November 15, 2026. FMCSA can change its process at any time, so check the current page before you file.