Key FMCSA Updates & Changes – October 2025

UPDATE 10/15/25:  Despite FMCSA's announcement of MC numbers being eliminated on October 1, 2025 , this is not the case.  The FMCSA’s “About Registration Modernization” page now says that the first release of the new registration system will not include eliminating MC/FF numbers or changing BOC‑3 filing processes. FMCSA.     The agency indicates the phase‑out of MC numbers is “TBD” (to be determined), and according to its FAQs, FMCSA has proposed (not finalized) no longer assigning MC Numbers, but emphasizes that the change is under consideration and will be implemented in later releases—not immediately.   So FMCSA is clearly trying to manage expectations: the shift away from MC numbers is not “locked in” yet in terms of timing, though the intent is there.

What the industry is expecting / what planning is based on

Despite the caution from FMCSA, many in the industry are operating under the assumption (or expectation) that October 1, 2025 will be the target date for retiring MC numbers, or at least stopping new MC number issuance. Fast Forward TMS+3dqmconnect.com+3Overdrive+3

For example:

• Overdrive reported that FMCSA plans to “end MC numbers” and use USDOT as the sole identifier. Overdrive

• Several blogs and compliance firms discuss October 1, 2025, as the date MC numbers are eliminated. dqmconnect.com+2Fast Forward TMS+2

• Some industry news sites also mention that FMCSA intends that new authority will be granted under USDOT + suffixes, while existing MC numbers will be gradually phased out. Transport Digest+1

But—and this is key—those are interpretations, projections, and industry expectations. They are not definitive statements from FMCSA that the date is set.

Here’s a roundup of the latest developments at the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) as of October 2025,  See what’s new, what’s changing, and what carriers and drivers should watch:

1. Elimination of MC Numbers

• Starting October 1, 2025, the FMCSA plans to phase out Motor Carrier (MC) numbers entirely. All carriers will instead use their USDOT number as their sole identifier. Idealease, Inc.+3RouteMate+3OTR Solutions+3

• The new registration system will incorporate suffixes onto USDOT numbers to denote different types of operating authority (instead of issuing separate MC or FF docket numbers). FMCSA+1

• This change is intended to simplify regulatory processes and reduce fraud. OTR Solutions+1

2. All Paper Payments Phased Out

• As of September 30, 2025, FMCSA no longer accepts paper payments (e.g. checks or money orders) for any transactions including registration, reinstatement, civil penalties, name changes, etc. FMCSA+2FMCSA+2

• Going forward, payments must be made via debit/credit card through the FMCSA website or other approved electronic means. FMCSA

3. Stricter Rules on Non‑Domiciled CDLs / CLPs

• In response to audits revealing improper issuance of non‑domiciled CDLs (licenses for drivers living outside a state), FMCSA issued an interim final rule placing stricter eligibility requirements. FMCSA+3FMCSA+3FreightWaves+3

  • Applicants must now meet more stringent criteria (such as employment‑based visas and immigration verification through the SAVE system). FMCSA+1

  • States issuing non‑compliant non‑domiciled licenses may face consequences, such as funding repercussions or decertification. Overdrive+1

  • It’s estimated that ~200,000 non‑domiciled CDL holders might be affected. Overdrive+1

4. English Language Proficiency Enforcement

• Beginning June 25, 2025, English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations were reinstated as out‑of‑service criteria under FMCSA rules. FMCSA+1

• The current administration is pushing for stricter enforcement of driver English proficiency, and is even threatening to withhold federal funds from states that fail to comply. Reuters+1

5. Temporary Waiver for Medical Certificates

• FMCSA granted a temporary waiver (through October 12, 2025) allowing interstate CDL/CLP holders and carriers to rely on paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates for up to 15 days after issuance. FMCSA

• This is a bridge measure as FMCSA transitions to stricter electronic medical certificate requirements. FMCSA

6. Proposed Rule Changes & Regulatory Activity

• FMCSA has unveiled around 18 proposed changes covering areas such as:

  • Revisions to accident reporting definitions

  • Streamlining CDL standards (especially for military personnel)

  • Clarifying ELD (Electronic Logging Device) requirements

  • Adjusting vehicle examination rules

  • Removing outdated language referencing “water carriers” in regulations FreightWaves+1

• FMCSA is also working on a modernized registration system (Unified Registration System / URS) to consolidate and streamline registration, identity verification, data validation, and role‑based access for carriers, insurers, service providers, etc. FMCSA+1

7. Agency Operation During Federal Lapse

• Even though the U.S. Congress entered a government shutdown on October 1, 2025, FMCSA continues operating. That’s because it’s largely funded via authorized contract authority and the Highway Trust Fund, not solely via annual appropriations. CVSA+1

What This Means for Carriers & Drivers

• Update your USDOT records now — with MC numbers going away, all your registrations, contracts, insurance, and documentation will eventually use only the USDOT + suffix.

• Switch to electronic payments immediately — paper forms of payment will be returned unprocessed.

• If you’re a non‑domiciled CDL or CLP holder, review your status carefully — you may no longer qualify under the new stricter rules.

• Be fluent in English (or ensure drivers are) to avoid out-of-service penalties related to language compliance.

• Stay alert for final rules coming from the proposed changes — they could introduce new reporting, safety, or compliance obligations.

• For now, paper medical certificates are allowed under the limited waiver — but that’s expiring in October 2025.