An “inactive” status means your USDOT number is deactivated, which could be the result of a manual deactivation / voluntary dissolution, failure to complete new entrant, failure to reinstate USDOT number after a "not authorized" status, lapse of insurance or no BOC-3 on file.
A ‘not authorized” status means the USDOT number is active, but your carrier’s authorization to operate has been suspended due to expired insurance or out-of-date files, such as the MCS-150 or BOC-3.