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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is modernizing how motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders manage their registration records.
FMCSA launched Motus: USDOT Registration System for all users in May 2026. The new online platform is now used to apply for and manage USDOT Numbers, operating authority, biennial updates, and other FMCSA registration actions.
For years, businesses relied on separate systems to manage USDOT registrations and other critical information. These disconnected platforms created challenges such as duplicate records, outdated information, processing delays, and security risks.
Motus replaces the Unified Registration System as well as registration functions previously handled through parts of MCMIS, Licensing and Insurance, and the FMCSA Portal. It brings these services into one system and adds stronger identity and business verification to help protect registration records.
This guide explains what Motus is, who uses it, what changed from the legacy registration systems, and what new and existing registrants need to know.
What is the MOTUS USDOT Registration System?
Motus is FMCSA’s secure online system for completing and managing federal registration actions. Motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other registered entities can use one company account instead of moving between several separate registration systems.
With Motus, registrants can:
- Apply for a new USDOT Number or operating authority
- Submit a Biennial Update
- Update company information, including a business name or address
- Apply for additional registrations or operating authority
- Reinstate operating authority or reactivate a USDOT Number
- Track the status of registration actions
The name Motus comes from Latin words associated with movement or progress. The system changes how businesses complete and manage FMCSA registration actions, but it does not replace the underlying federal registration requirements.
Why Did FMCSA Create the MOTUS System?
FMCSA created Motus to replace registration functions that were spread across several aging systems, including the Unified Registration System and registration components of MCMIS, Licensing and Insurance, and the FMCSA Portal. The agency was also required by federal law to complete a unified registration system.
The previous setup made registration more difficult to manage and left greater opportunities for inaccurate information, unauthorized access, and fraud. Motus brings registration actions into one system designed to be easier to use and more secure.
Motus is designed to:
- Strengthen identity and business verification
- Validate registration submissions in real time
- Provide access from computers, tablets, and mobile devices
- Connect registration data with required federal and state systems
Who is Required to Use Motus?
Businesses and organizations that need a USDOT Number, operating authority, or another FMCSA registration use Motus to apply for and manage their records. FMCSA offers an online tool to help you determine if your business operations require Motus registration.
Motus is used by:
- Motor carriers
- Brokers
- Freight forwarders
- Intermodal equipment providers
- Cargo tank facilities
- Supporting companies, including BOC-3 blanket companies, insurance and surety filers, other financial responsibility filers, and transportation service providers
Motus does not create new federal registration requirements for carriers that operate only within one state. However, some states require intrastate carriers to obtain a USDOT Number. Those carriers can apply through Motus and must complete the same identity and business verification steps as other users.
Which Legacy Registration Systems Did Motus Replace?
Motus replaces the Unified Registration System and registration functions previously handled through parts of MCMIS, Licensing and Insurance, and the FMCSA Portal.
| Legacy System or Component | Previous Role | Status Under Motus (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Registration System (URS) | Processed applications for new USDOT Numbers and operating authority | Replaced by Motus |
| MCMIS registration components | Maintained registration information and supported company updates | Registration functions moved to Motus |
| Licensing and Insurance registration components | Managed operating authority and financial responsibility filings | Registration functions moved to Motus |
| FMCSA Portal registration functions | Provided access to registration updates and company-account permissions | Registration actions moved to Motus |
Key Features of Motus
1. Centralized Registration Dashboard
Motus brings FMCSA registration actions and company account management into one secure dashboard. Authorized users can:
- Apply for and manage FMCSA registrations
- Submit biennial updates
- Update company information
- Track registration actions
- Manage access to the company account
This reduces the need to move between several separate registration systems.
2. Stronger Identity and Business Verification
Motus requires users to sign in through Login.gov, create an individual user profile, and complete identity verification. FMCSA works with IDEMIA to capture and verify identity documents, while Motus also uses business-information checks to help protect company accounts and registration records.
These verification steps are designed to reduce unauthorized access and fraudulent registrations.
3. Mobile-Friendly Access
Motus is designed to work on desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. This allows carriers, brokers, and other users to complete registration actions without relying solely on a desktop computer.
4. Controlled Company Access
Each Motus user has an individual profile, while registration records are managed through company accounts. Company Officials can control who has access to the account and assign permissions to employees or approved service providers.
Differences Between the Legacy FMCSA System and Motus
Motus changes how users access and manage FMCSA registration services. The table below summarizes the main differences between Motus and the legacy registration tools it replaced.
| Feature | Legacy FMCSA Registration Systems | Motus |
|---|---|---|
| Registration access | Registration actions were handled through several separate systems | Registration actions are managed through one centralized dashboard |
| Account access | Access requirements varied depending on the system or transaction | Users sign in through Login.gov and access company records through individual user profiles |
| Identity verification | Verification processes varied across legacy systems | Users complete identity verification, and companies may also complete business verification |
| Data entry and review | Information could require manual entry across separate systems | Auto-population, edit checks, and real-time validation help users review submissions before filing |
| Mobile access | Legacy tools did not provide a consistent mobile experience | Motus offers a smartphone-friendly interface for registration actions and document uploads |
| Company access | Account access and permissions were managed through separate tools | Company Officials can manage authorized users and their account permissions |
| Status and notifications | Status information could be spread across different systems | Users can track pending registration actions and receive electronic notifications |
Is Motus Required?
Yes. Motus is now FMCSA’s system for applicable registration actions, including applying for a USDOT Number or operating authority, submitting a MCS150 Biennial Update, and updating company information. New and existing registrants have been able to create Motus profiles and company accounts since May 19, 2026.
Existing USDOT Numbers and operating authority docket numbers remain valid. Businesses should not apply for a new registration simply because Motus has launched. Instead, the Company Official must create a Motus account and claim the company’s existing registration record.
During the transition period:
- Existing registrations remain valid.
- Carriers can continue operating under their current registration information.
- Businesses will receive guidance from FMCSA when they are required to transition.
Once the account is connected, Motus is used to complete and manage future FMCSA registration actions.
Read our guide: How to Create a Motus Account: FMCSA Registration Guide
Will Motus Eliminate MC Numbers?
No. Motus did not eliminate MC, MX, or FF docket numbers when it launched. Existing numbers remain valid, and Motus continues to issue docket numbers using the same prefixes.
FMCSA is considering phasing out MC Numbers in the future and identifying operating authority types through suffixes connected to the USDOT Number. However, that change would require additional rulemaking and was not included in the initial Motus release.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Motus?
Existing USDOT Numbers and operating authority remain valid even if a business has not yet set up its Motus account. However, Motus is now FMCSA’s system for completing registration actions, including biennial updates, company-information changes, new authority applications, and reinstatements.
Waiting until you need to complete an urgent filing or update may cause delays, especially if you encounter problems verifying your identity, claiming your USDOT Number, or connecting your company’s existing records.
If a delay causes you to miss an underlying FMCSA requirement, your registration or operating authority could eventually be affected. Any penalties, deactivation, or operating restrictions would result from failing to meet that requirement, not simply from failing to create a Motus account.
How Does Motus Change Registration Management?
Motus does not change the safety, registration, or reporting requirements businesses must follow. It changes how users access their FMCSA records and complete registration actions.
Through Motus, authorized users can update company information, submit biennial updates, manage operating authority, track pending registration actions, and control access to company accounts.
Motus also uses identity and business verification to help protect registration records. Before completing an update, businesses should make sure information such as their legal name, address, contact information, ownership details, and authorized users is accurate. Missing or inconsistent information may need to be corrected before an action can be completed.
Once an existing company account has been successfully claimed in Motus, the business no longer needs to use the FMCSA Portal for registration changes.
