A DOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor carriers. But what happens when you no longer need it? Whether you’re closing your business, changing operations, or transitioning away from interstate commerce, knowing how to deactivate DOT number is crucial to avoid unnecessary compliance issues and penalties.
Many carriers assume that simply stopping operations is enough, but failing to deactivate DOT number online can lead to unwanted fees and regulatory complications. This guide by Drivers Files Online will walk you through the process of how to cancel a DOT number, how much it costs, and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.
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Why Would You Need to Deactivate Your DOT Number?
There are several reasons why a company or individual might need to cancel DOT number registration.
1. Business Closure
If you are permanently closing your trucking business, you must deactivate your DOT number to avoid FMCSA audits or random compliance checks.
2. Change in Operations
If you are switching from interstate to intrastate operations, you may no longer require a federal DOT number. However, some states still require an intrastate DOT number.
3. No Longer Operating Commercial Vehicles
If your company has transitioned away from commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), you may no longer need an active DOT number.
4. Temporary Shutdown
If your business is only temporarily shutting down, you may be able to put your DOT number on inactive status instead of full deactivation.
RELATED: DOT Number Lookup Guide for CDL Companies and Drivers
How to Deactivate DOT Number: Step-by-Step Guide
Deactivating your DOT number isn’t as simple as just stopping operations. The FMCSA requires proper documentation to close your DOT number officially.
Step 1: Determine if You Need to Cancel Your DOT Number
Before starting the process, ask yourself:
- Do I need to deactivate my DOT number? (If your business is permanently closing or no longer operating CMVs, the answer is yes.)
- Do I plan to restart operations later? (If so, consider an inactive status instead.)
Step 2: File the MCS-150 Form
To cancel DOT number, you must submit an updated MCS-150 form to the FMCSA.
- You can familiarize yourself with this form on our blog post: ‘What is an MCS 150 Form?’
- Visit the FMCSA Registration Website and log into your USDOT account.
- Complete the MCS-150 form and select “Out of Business” under the operation status section.
- Submit the form electronically or mail it to FMCSA headquarters.
Step 3: Verify Deactivation Status
After submission, check the FMCSA SAFER website to confirm that your DOT number status reflects “Inactive” or “Out of Business.”
Step 4: Cancel Additional Registrations (If Applicable)
If you hold MC operating authority, Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), or International Registration Plan (IRP), these must also be deactivated separately.
How Much Does It Cost to Deactivate a DOT Number?
Many carriers wonder, how much does it cost to deactivate a DOT number?
The good news: Deactivating a DOT number is free. There are no FMCSA fees for canceling your DOT number, but failure to deactivate it properly may result in fines or penalties.
However, if you need assistance filing your deactivation paperwork, third-party service providers may charge a fee for processing.
How to Deactivate DOT Number Online
If you want to deactivate DOT number online, follow these steps:
- Log in to your FMCSA Portal at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
- Update the MCS-150 form to indicate that your company is “Out of Business.”
- Submit the form electronically and save your confirmation receipt.
- Verify status changes after a few business days.
Online deactivation is the fastest method, allowing you to close your DOT number within a few days.
What Happens If You Don’t Cancel Your DOT Number?
If you fail to cancel your DOT number, the FMCSA may still consider your business active. This could lead to:
- Random audits or safety compliance reviews
- Unnecessary renewal fees for Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
- Penalties for failure to submit biennial updates
If your company is no longer in business, properly deactivating your DOT number helps avoid future legal or financial complications.
How Drivers Files Online Helps CDL Companies Stay Compliant
Deactivating a DOT number is just one part of staying compliant with FMCSA regulations. At Drivers Files Online, we provide CDL businesses with comprehensive compliance solutions, ensuring they remain up to date with federal and state requirements.
Instant MVR Reports
Check driver qualifications and ensure compliance with Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reports before hiring. This helps employers identify past violations, license suspensions, or other red flags that could impact safety.
PSP Reports for Safer Hiring
Access Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports, which provide a five-year crash history and three-year inspection history for CDL drivers. These reports help businesses make informed hiring decisions and reduce risk.
Managed Services for Employment Verification
Verifying a driver’s past employment is a required step in DOT compliance. With Managed Services, we take care of previous employer background checks for the last three years, saving businesses valuable time and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Online Driver Applications
Our DOT-compliant online driver application portal allows businesses to collect, organize, and review applications digitally. This ensures all necessary driver details are submitted correctly before the hiring process moves forward.
Automated Compliance Tracking
Never miss important FMCSA updates. Our system provides automatic reminders for:
- License renewals
- Medical card expirations
- Annual MVR checks
- Biennial MCS-150 updates
This reduces the risk of compliance violations and ensures ongoing eligibility for DOT operations.
Secure Driver File Management
We help businesses keep all essential Driver Verification Files in one place, making audits and compliance easy. Employers can access digital records anytime, ensuring they are FMCSA-ready for inspections.
By using Drivers Files Online, businesses can streamline compliance, automate time-consuming tasks, and reduce the risk of DOT penalties. If you are transitioning away from FMCSA operations or need a more efficient way to manage driver compliance, we’re here to help every step of the way. View our pricing to see which option fits your needs best!
Properly Deactivating Your DOT Number Matters
Understanding how to cancel DOT number is an important step for any trucking business that is closing or shifting operations. Without proper deactivation, you could be subject to audits, fees, or legal issues.
To deactivate DOT number online, follow these steps:
- Determine if deactivation is needed
- File an updated MCS-150 form
- Verify the inactive status
- Cancel additional registrations (MC authority, UCR, etc.)
With Drivers Files Online, managing compliance is easier than ever. Whether you need assistance with MVR reports, PSP screenings, or DOT recordkeeping, we’re here to help.
Ensure compliance today with Drivers Files Online—your trusted partner in FMCSA regulations!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Check FMCSA guidelines for official requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Deactivate DOT Number?
To deactivate your DOT number, file an MCS-150 form, update your status to “Out of Business”, and submit it to the FMCSA.
How Much Does It Cost to Deactivate a DOT Number?
There is no cost to deactivate your DOT number, but third-party services may charge a fee for assistance.
How to Cancel a DOT Number Online?
Log into your FMCSA Portal, complete an MCS-150 update, select “Out of Business”, and submit your request.
Do I Need to Deactivate My DOT Number If I Stop Operations?
Yes, if your business is closing or no longer using CMVs, you must properly deactivate your DOT number to avoid compliance issues.
What Happens If I Don’t Cancel My DOT Number?
Failure to deactivate DOT number can result in audits, compliance penalties, and unnecessary renewal fees.
What is Drivers Files Online?
Drivers Files Online is a driver compliance management platform that helps CDL businesses stay compliant with FMCSA regulations. Our software provides instant MVR reports, PSP reports, automated compliance tracking, managed services for employment verification, and secure driver file management. With built-in online driver applications and automated reminders, we streamline the hiring process and ensure businesses meet all DOT qualification requirements.
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