Home / Name change
Name changeDo you need a new DOT number after a legal name change?
Usually no. If the same legal entity is just changing its name, the USDOT number stays the same and the record gets updated. Applying for a new number after a rename is one of the most common ways a company ends up with two.
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 SpecialistUsually no
FMCSA's guidance on name and form-of-business changes says USDOT numbers are not transferable and stay assigned to the same person forever. For a corporation, partnership or other business organization that continues as the same legal person, the number stays the same when company officers, address or other details change. The same guidance says the carrier must file an updated Form MCS-150 within 30 days of the change.
A name change is an update, not a new registration
FMCSA's Move into Motus page lists "Update business information, including company name and address" as a Motus action. FMCSA's name change FAQ (last updated April 8, 2026) describes updating the USDOT record with the MCS-150 series form free of charge, and, if the company has operating authority, also updating the authority record with Form MCSA-5889, which carries a $14 fee except for pending applications. It also lists supporting documents, such as amended articles for a corporation, and a copy of the signer's ID. Check which path applies to your record when you file.
That same FAQ notes that in some cases a legal name change, ownership change or change in form of business may require a new USDOT number. The question is whether the same legal person continues.
Why this takes time: the USDOT record and any authority record are updated separately, with different forms, supporting documents and a copy of the signer's ID.
If you already filed a new application after a rename
Treat it as a duplicate record. See what to do if you applied twice and how to deactivate a duplicate.
Why this takes time: you now have two records to sort out instead of one.
That is a lot of forms and logins for one fix. Hand it to a compliance specialist.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistWhen a new number may actually be needed
A new number is for a new, separate legal person, for example a new corporation that is not a continuation of the old one. A sole proprietor forming an LLC has its own FMCSA guidance; see sole proprietor to LLC. A company sale is covered in ownership changes.
A name change is not a way to leave a record behind
The record stays with the legal person. See what happens to safety history and why a USDOT number cannot be sold or handed off.
Recurring deadline: FMCSA says an updated MCS-150 is due within 30 days of a change in company details (source). For a name change on operating authority, FMCSA says the amended BOC-3 and proof of insurance must be filed within 30 days (source).
Common mistakes that cause delays or inactivation
- Filing a new application after a rename or a stalled filing, instead of updating the existing record (MCS-150 instructions).
- Not refiling the BOC-3 and insurance within 30 days after an authority name change, which FMCSA says puts the authority at risk of revocation (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
If I change my DBA, do I need a new USDOT number?
No. Update the existing record. A DBA change does not create a new legal person.
If the same corporation changes its legal name, do I need a new number?
No. FMCSA says the number stays with the same legal person. File an update.
How quickly do I have to update?
FMCSA's name and form-of-business guidance says to file an updated Form MCS-150 within 30 days of a change in demographic information. Motus may now be where you make the update.
Is there a name-change fee?
FMCSA's name change FAQ says updating the USDOT number record is free of charge, and updating the name on an operating authority record has a $14 fee, except for pending applications.
I already got a second number after a rename. Now what?
Treat it as a duplicate record and follow the steps on our applied-twice page.
Still have questions about your record? Ask one of our Personal Compliance Specialists.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistRelated guides
- Sole proprietor to LLC
- Company ownership changes
- Applied for a DOT number twice
- Can you have two DOT numbers?
- Deactivate a duplicate number
- Name and address changes (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.