On May 19, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched Motus for both new and existing motor carrier registrations. With this launch, motor carriers are expected to use Motus to perform functions previously available across multiple outdated systems.
For trucking companies, the transition creates a new login process and a centralized company account. Existing carriers must claim their USDOT Number before managing their registration in Motus. New carriers can use the system to apply for a USDOT Number and operating authority.
Quick snapshot: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched an online registration system called “Motus”. All existing carriers are required to establish a Motus user profile, complete identity verification requirements, and assign their USDOT number. They can do this using the same company official’s email used to establish their FMCSA Portal Account. New Applicants may also register and receive the necessary registrations via Motus.
What is the FMCSA Motus registration system?
Motus is the new centralized platform for managing federal motor carrier registration. Motus allows one company account for multiple registrations that were previously separate systems, credentials, and forms. The portal will be open to brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers, and cargo tank facilities. All supporting entities will also be able to use Motus for authorized registration or filing activities.
- Apply for operating authority.
- Update a company name or address.
- Submit a required biennial update.
- Apply for additional operating authority.
- Track pending registration actions.
- Inactivate or reactivate a USDOT Number.
- Suspend or reinstate operating authority.
- Manage authorized users.
The main change: All of an organization’s federal registrations will be managed from a single company account, as opposed to accessing each registration separately.
FMCSA’s registration system supports a large and changing carrier population. The number of active motor carriers with a USDOT Number rose from 602,542 in 2019 to 787,189 in 2023. These figures show the scale of the carrier population currently using Motus for federal registration.
| Year | Active motor carriers with a USDOT Number |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 602,542 |
| 2020 | 637,721 |
| 2021 | 757,652 |
| 2022 | 813,844 |
| 2023 | 787,189 |
When did Motus launch?
New users and those currently registered can access Motus as of May 19, 2026. As of May 14, the agency will begin taking older registration functions offline and will transfer information into the new system. The Unified Registration System (which was replaced by Motus) is now permanently closed for registration. The registration option in the FMCSA portal has been taken down while the agency transitions to the new system.
The broader FMCSA Portal may remain available for other agency functions, but registration changes now take place in Motus.
What existing motor carriers need to do for Motus registration
An existing carrier does not need to create a new USDOT Number. The company official must claim the carrier’s current record in Motus. When claiming the record, all existing company information for the carrier will automatically populate into their new account. Once claimed, the representative may review the data, update the carrier’s old information as needed, and complete certification of the record.
- Use Login.gov
- Enable secure access
- Confirm identity
- Create one profile
- Use the correct email
- Import company data
- Update information
- Certify the record
The company official should use the same Login.gov email address associated with their FMCSA Portal account. FMCSA uses that email to confirm that the person claiming the USDOT Number has the proper authority.
Before claiming a USDOT Number
- Identify the company official. This person must complete the initial claim.
- Confirm the Login.gov email. Use the email previously associated with the company official in the FMCSA Portal.
- Collect business information. Have the legal name, DBA, address, and registration details ready.
- Review company access. Decide which employees or outside service providers need access after the claim.
- Use the official website. Access Motus through FMCSA or at motus.dot.gov.
What do new trucking companies need to do for Motus registration
A new motor carrier can begin the registration process directly in Motus. The applicant creates a user profile, completes identity verification, and establishes a company account. The company can then apply for a USDOT Number and any required operating authority. The required registrations depend on the carrier’s operations, cargo, service area, and business model.
Applicants who are unsure which type of registration their company needs to obtain can use the USDOT Wizard from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This application tool will ask questions about how you plan to operate your business and assist in determining whether the applicant is required to have a USDOT number, an operating authority, or both. It is highly recommended that carriers use this wizard prior to hauling interstate freight that requires an applicant to be actively registered under federal law. In addition to obtaining a USDOT number, carriers may need to file insurance documents, process agent documents, and/or other authority documents prior to commencing operations.
What information can carriers manage in Motus?
The Motus company account serves as the carrier’s registration dashboard. It displays the company’s registration information and gives authorized users access to available actions.
| Registration task | What the carrier can do |
|---|---|
| Company information | Update the legal name, DBA, address, and other business details. |
| Biennial update | Review and certify the registration information required every two years. |
| Operating authority | Apply for new authority or manage eligible suspension and reinstatement actions. |
| USDOT status | Request inactivation or reactivation through the company account. |
| Company users | Invite authorized users and control their account permissions. |
| Documents | Upload documents for FMCSA review and keep supported records available. |
| Application tracking | Review the status of registration requests and pending actions. |
Motus uses Login.gov instead of a USDOT PIN
In Motus, all login credentials are connected to your unique ID from Login.gov. Thus, carriers will not be required to obtain a USDOT PIN to establish a company account within Motus or to make electronic changes to their registration. Every user of Motus will create their own user profile. A user profile may allow access to multiple company accounts, provided they are authorized by someone who owns a company account listed under this profile.
The owner of the main company account can designate additional individuals as owners of the same main company account. Designated users, such as sub-account holders, cannot begin using their Motus profiles until they receive an invitation email. That email invites the new user to create a profile and connect it directly to the designated company account and its requisite permissions.
What changes under the new FMCSA system?
Motus introduces several features that were not available across the older registration tools.
One account manages multiple registrations
From a single account, carriers will be able to view their USDOT registration data and operating authority. In addition, Motus’s centralized interface will show any available update options and/or any pending tasks associated with the registration(s).
Identity verification strengthens account security
Motus requires users to verify themselves before granting access to sensitive company information. FMCSA developed this method for verifying users to help prevent unauthorized changes to registration records and identity-based fraud.
Registration numbers are randomized
FMCSA randomly assigns new USDOT numbers as well as operating authority docket number assignments. Randomizing these makes it more difficult for entities that wish to misuse these assigned numbers.
The system works on mobile devices
In addition to being accessible through your computer, you will be able to review all information, upload supported documentation, and take action (when applicable) regarding your registration using your smartphone/tablet.
Validation happens during the application
Auto-population, edit checking, and real-time validation are used to identify if required/missing/inconsistent information exists prior to submission. This could decrease the likelihood of errors that would delay processing.
What stays the same under Motus?
Motus changes the registration system. It does not erase existing registrations or remove the carrier’s compliance responsibilities.
What carriers should know
- Existing USDOT Numbers stay the same.
- Existing docket numbers stay the same.
- Registration duties continue.
- Insurance requirements continue.
- BOC-3 requirements continue.
- Safety compliance continues.
Do the new USDOT suffixes change truck markings?
The new U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number may have suffixes added to it by Motus that will be displayed within the Motus system. Suffixes can be used as identifiers for an organization or registration types in FMCSA’s database.
Marking reminder: A suffix shown inside Motus does not need to be added to the USDOT Number displayed on the truck.
How OFS supports trucking companies after registration
Outsource Financial Services helps trucking companies turn unpaid freight invoices into working cash. OFS advances 90% of the approved invoice amount upfront. The broker or shipper then sends payment directly to OFS.
After OFS receives the customer’s payment and deducts the agreed factoring fee, the remaining invoice value is added to the client’s reserves. OFS also provides free customer credit checks. A carrier can use this information before accepting a load from a new broker or shipper. The check helps the carrier assess the customer’s payment history before extending credit terms.
The service supports the carrier’s normal operating cycle. The carrier completes the load and gains earlier access to money it has already earned.
Keep cash flow moving between loads
Talk with the OFS team about factoring approved freight invoices after your carrier is registered and operating.
Get Invoice FundingFAQ
Do existing Carriers need to obtain a new USDOT Number in Motus?
The existing carrier will continue to use its current USDOT number. After the company official claims the existing record in Motus, they will be able to import all of the company’s data into Motus.
Do existing Carriers still need a USDOT PIN for registration in Motus?
Login.gov credentials and identity verification are used by Motus to electronically register with the FMCSA. Therefore, a USDOT PIN is not required to create a Motus company account or to complete any registration action within the new system.
Is it possible for another employee to manage my Motus account?
A main account holder may invite other authorized users. The company can assign another main account holder or grant an employee sub-account access (based on the responsibilities that the employee has).
Are Carriers still able to submit paper forms of their registrations?
Paper form submissions will continue to be accepted by FMCSA until a future rulemaking requires otherwise. Submission of paper forms may take longer than electronic submissions because agency staff must manually review and process the information entered on them.
What is the best way for a carrier to report a problem with Motus?
Carriers can file a support ticket through the FMCSA Contact Center or call 1-800-832-5660. It would appear that FMCSA would prefer to follow up on one active support ticket related to the same problem, rather than filing multiple duplicates.
Article sources
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. About FMCSA Registration Changes.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Move into Motus.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Temporary Suspension of USDOT Inactivation in Motus.
- U.S. Department of Transportation. Motus: USDOT Registration System.