When it is due
FMCSA sets the due month by the last digit of your USDOT number: 1 is January, 2 is February, and so on through 9 for September, with 0 for October. The next-to-last digit sets the year: odd means odd-numbered years, even means even-numbered years. The update is due by the last day of that month, even if nothing about your business has changed.
Updates when things change
FMCSA also asks you to update your record when your information changes, such as your address, phone, email, number of power units or drivers, or the type of cargo you haul. An update filed in the 12 months before your due date counts toward the biennial requirement.
What is different during the Motus transition
FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates, and the inactivation of USDOT numbers for not completing one, while carriers move to Motus. The requirement itself has not gone away, and FMCSA says it will give advance notice before enforcement resumes. Filing now keeps your record accurate and avoids a rush later.
Doing it yourself
Biennial updates are free to file yourself in Motus after you complete Login.gov sign-in and photo ID verification. Details are at fmcsa.dot.gov/registration.
Motus note: FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates and the inactivation of USDOT numbers for missed biennial updates during the Motus transition. Motus also requires Login.gov sign-in and photo ID verification. Check FMCSA for the current status.