Why was my MC revoked?
Common triggers are an insurance lapse (no BMC-91/91X on file), a missing BOC-3, unpaid civil penalties, a failed new-entrant safety audit, or an Unsatisfactory safety rating. The notice FMCSA sends states the specific cause, and each cause has a different reinstatement path.
Insurance lapse: when the insurer cancels the BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing and no replacement is on file when the cancellation takes effect, FMCSA revokes the operating authority. The path back: bind insurance, have the insurer file the BMC-91/91X, pay the $80 reinstatement fee, and submit the reinstatement. FMCSA controls the timing.
BOC-3 lapse: if the process-agent provider stops representing the carrier and no new BOC-3 is filed, FMCSA can revoke the authority. The fix is a new BOC-3 on file with FMCSA.
Unpaid civil penalties: a carrier that doesn't pay a final civil penalty, or keep to an agreed payment plan, can be prohibited from operating and have its registration suspended or revoked (49 CFR 386.83).
A missed MCS-150 leads to USDOT deactivation (49 CFR 390.19T(b)(4)), fixed by filing the update. FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement and USDOT inactivation for biennial updates due on or after June 1, 2026; the update is still required.
New-entrant safety audit failure: a new entrant that fails the safety audit and doesn't submit acceptable evidence of corrective action in time has its registration revoked (49 CFR 385.319 and 385.325). Reinstatement requires addressing the cited deficiencies.
An Unsatisfactory safety rating (separate from the new-entrant audit): unless the carrier documents corrective action and FMCSA upgrades the rating (49 CFR 385.17), the rating becomes final, an out-of-service order follows, and the registration is revoked (49 CFR 385.13).