FMCSA will no longer accept paper payments, including checks, starting this month

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will transition to electronic payments only later this month as the agency works to modernize operations.

Effective September 30, 2025, FMCSA will no longer accept paper payments like checks or money orders for any transactions, including fees for initial application of operating authority registration, reinstatement or legal name changes, civil penalty payments, and other fee-based transactions.

After the September 30 deadline, users will be required to make electronic payments by providing debit or credit card information.

Officials say that they are transitioning away from paper payments because electronic payments are “faster, more secure, and more efficient, reducing errors and administrative burden,” as well as being in alignment with White House Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.

Any paper check received after September 30 will not be processed and will be returned, potentially delaying services.

See below for additional guidance from FMCSA on the transition to electronic payments only:

• 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.