Description
Reactivate USDOT Number
Reactivating your USDOT number allows your trucking business to resume operations if your number has been deactivated or marked “Out of Business.” Instead of applying for a new USDOT number, you can restore your existing number by completing the required MCS-150 filing with the FMCSA.
Your USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned to your business and remains with your company for its lifetime. Reactivation allows you to resume operations while keeping your established registration and compliance record intact.
Reactivating your USDOT number may require updating:
- Company name or address
- Driver or vehicle information
- Business operations and cargo classification
- Contact information
Need to Know
Why USDOT numbers become inactive
- Filing your status as Out of Business
- Missing a required MCS-150 Biennial Update
- Compliance issues or inactive operations
- To resume operations legally, your USDOT number must first be reactivated with the FMCSA.
Reactivation allows you to resume operations
- Reactivating your USDOT number restores your company’s ability to legally operate under your existing registration.
- This means you can continue operating using the same USDOT number instead of applying for a new one, helping maintain your business history and compliance records.
Operating without reactivation can lead to penalties
- Operating with an inactive USDOT number can lead to fines, enforcement actions, or being placed out of service.
- Reactivating your USDOT number ensures your business meets FMCSA requirements and can legally resume trucking operations.
Why DOT Compliance Group?
- We Simplify Complex Federal Requirements
- We File Quickly and Accurately
- We Help Prevent Fines and DOT Number Deactivation
- We Provide Real Support — Not Automated Bots
- We Stay With You Beyond a Single Filing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reactivate my USDOT number?
You can reactivate your USDOT number by completing the required MCS-150 filing with the FMCSA. This process involves updating your company information, including your business address, driver and vehicle details, and contact information. Once your filing is processed, your USDOT number will be restored to active status.
Why was my USDOT number deactivated?
A USDOT number may be deactivated for several reasons, including filing your status as Out of Business, missing a required MCS-150 Biennial Update, or compliance issues with the FMCSA. To resume operations legally, your USDOT number must first be reactivated.
Can I get a new USDOT number instead of reactivating my old one?
While you can apply for a new USDOT number, reactivating your existing number is generally the better option. Reactivation preserves your company’s established registration history and compliance records, and it avoids the time and paperwork involved in starting a completely new registration.
What happens if I operate with an inactive USDOT number?
Operating with an inactive USDOT number can lead to fines, enforcement actions, or being placed out of service by the FMCSA. It is essential to reactivate your USDOT number before resuming any commercial motor vehicle operations.

