Is This Notice Real?
Got a letter or email about your USDOT number, MCS-150 or UCR? Some mailers are made to look official. Check it against these red flags before you pay anyone, including us.
Red flags
- It asks you to pay to update your MCS-150.FMCSA does not charge to update your MCS-150.
- It threatens deactivation or fines "today".Real notices give you a date and a way to respond. Pressure to pay now is a warning sign.
- The fee is higher than the official one.Compare it with the official UCR fee for your fleet size, or the FMCSA fee schedule.
- Fine print says the sender is "not affiliated" with the government.That means it's a private company. That can be fine, but you can usually do it yourself for free.
- The payment link or return address isn't official.UCR is paid at ucr.gov. FMCSA web addresses end in .gov.
- It uses seals, eagles or agency-like names.Official-looking art proves nothing. Check the sender's name against the official site.
Check it at the source
- ucr.gov: UCR registration and fees
- FMCSA SAFER: your public USDOT record
- fmcsa.dot.gov/registration: registration and the MCS-150
Still not sure? Send us a photo of the notice and a specialist will look at it with you for free. You don't have to buy anything.
We're a private company tooDOT Services of America LLC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA. We'll always show you where to file for free.
Ask a specialist