Ask X3What does 49 CFR 390.201 (USDOT Registration) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 390.201 requires for motor-carrier owners:
* Initial Registration: You must electronically file Form MCSA-1 (the URS online application) on the FMCSA website *before* you begin operations to identify your operations, obtain operating authority, or get a hazardous materials safety permit, as applicable.
* Waiting for Activation: After applying, FMCSA will issue an inactive USDOT number. You cannot begin operations or mark your commercial motor vehicles with the USDOT number until you receive written notice from the Agency that your USDOT number has been activated.
* Vehicle Display: You must display your valid USDOT number on each self-propelled commercial motor vehicle in your fleet.
* Biennial Updates: You must file an updated Form MCSA-1 every 24 months based on the last digit and the next-to-last digit of your USDOT number:
* Last digit schedule: 1 = January, 2 = February, 3 = March, 4 = April, 5 = May, 6 = June, 7 = July, 8 = August, 9 = September, 0 = October (due by the last day of the assigned month).
* Next-to-last digit schedule: If the next-to-last digit is odd, update in odd-numbered calendar years. If it is even, update in even-numbered calendar years.
* Reporting Changes: If your legal name, form of business, or address changes, you must notify the Agency within 30 days by filing an updated Form MCSA-1.