FMCSA Transitions to Electronic-Only Payments: A New Era for the Motor Carrier Industry
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is ushering in a new era of digital efficiency for the motor carrier industry. Effective September 30, 2025, the agency will no longer accept paper payments, such as checks and money orders, for any agency transactions. This significant shift, which aligns with White House Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account," is designed to create a faster, more secure, and more efficient payment experience for all stakeholders.
The FMCSA has been actively working with the industry to ensure a smooth transition, and the following email provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming changes:
Subject: Important Update: FMCSA to Transition to Electronic Payments Only Effective September 30, 2025
Effective September 30, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will no longer accept paper payments, such as checks and money orders, for any agency transactions, including fees for initial application of operating authority registration, reinstatement or legal name changes, civil penalty payments, and other fee-based transactions.
FMCSA has actively engaged with stakeholders over the past several weeks to ensure broad awareness of this change and to support a smooth transition. The transition aligns with White House Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, and advances a faster, more secure, and more efficient payment experience for the motor carrier industry.
What’s Changing
Beginning September 30, 2025:
FMCSA will not process paper payments (such as checks and money orders) for any transactions.
Stakeholders must provide debit or credit card information to make payment.
For financial responsibility (insurance filing fees, entities should refer to their monthly invoice for instructions
For operating authority registration related fees such as initial applications, name changes, and reinstatements, entities should visit the FMCSA registration website.
Assistance is available through the FMCSA Contact Center: 1-800-832-5660.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is FMCSA eliminating paper transactions, such as checks and money orders? This change supports White House Executive Order 14247. Electronic payments are faster, more secure, and more efficient, reducing errors and administrative burden.
2. What types of electronic payments will FMCSA accept? FMCSA will accept debit or credit cards via secure online payments on its website. For financial responsibility (insurance filing fees, entities should refer to their monthly invoice for instructions For operating authority registration related fees such as initial applications, name changes, and reinstatements, entities should visit the FMCSA registration website.
3. What happens if I mail a paper check after September 30, 2025? Checks received after September 30, 2025, will not be processed and will be returned, potentially delaying services.
4. Are there any exceptions? If submitting a paper application, the applicant must complete the credit card information at the bottom of the form before submitting.
5. Where can I get help transitioning to electronic payments? Call the agency’s Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660 (8am to 8-pm, Monday-Friday) for assistance.
Regards, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration U.S. Department of Transportation
This move to electronic payments is a direct response to a broader government-wide initiative to modernize financial transactions. As highlighted in the email, this shift offers several key benefits. Electronic payments are processed more quickly than paper checks, which can significantly reduce delays in transactions, such as the processing of new operating authority applications or reinstatements.
Moreover, the use of electronic payments enhances security. Paper checks and money orders are susceptible to loss, theft, and fraud. By transitioning to a secure online payment system, the FMCSA is reducing these risks and protecting sensitive financial information.
The new policy also aims to reduce administrative burdens for both the FMCSA and the motor carrier industry. The manual processing of paper payments is labor-intensive and prone to human error. By automating this process, the agency can improve accuracy and allocate resources more efficiently.
For carriers and other stakeholders, the change requires a shift in practice. Businesses that have relied on mailing in checks must now prepare to use debit or credit cards for all transactions. The FMCSA has provided clear guidance, directing entities to their website for operating authority-related fees and to monthly invoices for financial responsibility fees. The agency's commitment to a smooth transition is further demonstrated by the availability of its Contact Center for assistance.
While the change may require an initial adjustment for some, it represents a positive step toward a more streamlined, secure, and modern regulatory environment for the trucking industry.
