Set Up Your Motus Account the Right Way
The FMCSA has moved USDOT registration, company records, and biennial updates to its new Motus system.
Need help with accessing Motus? Truckopedia’s Motus Resource Center brings you step-by-step guides, videos, troubleshooting solutions, latest news and more.
Already Have a USDOT Number? Here's What Changed With Motus
Your USDOT number and registration remain valid.- Login.gov Identity Verification replaces the old PIN-based login.
- Identity verification connects you to your USDOT record.
- Manage and update your USDOT records in Motus.
- Use your old FMCSA Portal “Company Official” email to sign in.
Need Motus Instructions on the Go? Read Our Step-by-Step Guide or Download the PDF
Your USDOT Stays Valid
Login.gov Identity Check
Use Your Existing Portal Email
Official .gov Sites Only
Welcome to the Motus Resource Center From Truckopedia
We've heard from hundreds of customers struggling with Motus. That's why we created this free resource center, open to everyone, with step-by-step guides, practical advice, helpful resources, and ongoing updates to make navigating Motus easier.
Learn MoreHave These Three Things Ready
Most setup problems come from using the wrong email or running out of battery halfway through identity verification.
The email from your old FMCSA Portal account
With a working camera, charged before you begin
A valid government-issued ID. A driver's license works best.
Use the Email From Your Old FMCSA Portal Account
If you had an FMCSA Portal account, the primary email address associated with it (called the “Company Official” account) was transferred to your new Motus account. You must use that same email address to access Motus.
Start with the situation that matches yours:
You Had an FMCSA Portal Account
- Use the same email address associated with your “Company Official” Portal account.
- Already have a Login.gov account using that email? Sign in.
- Never registered that email with Login.gov? Create an account using it now.
You Can't Access That Email
Or Motus doesn't recognize it
- Submit a support ticket at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov or call (800) 832-5660 to request a manual update.
- Have your business information and USDOT number ready.
- Return to Motus registration once the issue is resolved.
You Need a New USDOT Number
- Use an email address you’ll always have access to.
- A personal email address is generally safer than a work email.
- Register that email address with Login.gov.
- Use the FMCSA USDOT Wizard to determine your business requirements.
More than one person needs access? Each person must use their own Login.gov account (don’t share login credentials). Once your Motus company account is set up, you can add users and give them access.
Connect Your USDOT Record to Motus in 6 Steps
Open each step for detailed instructions.
FMCSA is still updating Motus, so some screens may look slightly different from those described here.
Get Ready
Gather three items before you open a browser.
You’ll need: email, phone, photo ID
Show details
- The right email. The email address from your old FMCSA Portal “Company Official” account.
- A phone or tablet. With a working camera, charged before you begin.
- A valid photo ID. A government-issued ID. A driver’s license works best.
Create Login.gov
Start at FMCSA's official website and select “Regulated Entities & Supporting Companies,” then use your old FMCSA Portal email address to sign in to Login.gov or create an account. Set up a strong password and two sign-in methods.
You’ll need: email inbox, phone
Show details
- Always access Motus through FMCSA’s official website (motus.dot.gov).
- Avoid ads, Google links, or links in unexpected emails that could lead to fraudulent sites.
- “FMCSA Users” is for government staff only.
- Click “Sign in with Login.gov” to continue to Login.gov.
- Already have a Login.gov account with that email? Sign in.
- Don’t have an account? Select “Create an account,” enter your FMCSA Portal email address, and accept the rules of use.
- Verify your email. Click the confirmation link sent by Login.gov. Check your spam folder if it doesn’t arrive.
- Secure your account. Create a strong password and set up at least two sign-in methods. (our advice – Using an authentication app or security key offers strong protection.)
Verify Identity
Scan the QR code with your phone, photograph both sides of your ID, and take a live selfie.
You’ll need: phone camera, photo ID
Show details
- Identity verification is required. FMCSA uses IDEMIA to verify your identity and protect your records.
- Use your phone or tablet. If you’re on a computer, scan the displayed QR code to complete verification of your government issued ID.
- Photograph both sides of your ID. Make sure the entire ID is visible, including the barcode on the back.
- Can’t complete verification? If you don’t have a suitable device or verification keeps failing, check (and confirm) FMCSA’s in-person verification options.
Link in Motus
Back in Motus, select “Link USDOT Number” to connect your existing USDOT record to your new company account.
You’ll need: USDOT number, if you have one
Show details
- Find your USDOT number. Motus should display the USDOT number associated with your old FMCSA Portal “Company Official” email address.
- Select your USDOT number and click “Continue.”
- Check your email for a verification code from Motus.
- Enter the code in Motus and submit.
- No USDOT number yet? Choose “USDOT Wizard” to apply.
Sign & Submit
Review the user terms, add your electronic signature and click Submit.
You’ll need: a few minutes
Your Motus dashboard opens once you submit.
Add a TSP
(Optional)Designate a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) to help with your filings.
You’ll need: provider filer number
Show details
- Open your company account in Motus and locate the authorized relationships section.
- Enter the provider’s filer number. Truckopedia’s TSP filer number is 7415956.
- The provider must accept the designation. See how to add a provider
Get Your ID Photos Right the First Time
- Avoid GlareStay out of direct sunlight and away from bright indoor lights.
- Keep the Whole ID in FrameHold the phone steady and make sure the image is clear. You need the front and the back.
- Take Selfie at Eye LevelFollow every prompt to the end so Login.gov can match you to your ID.
- Use Your Side ButtonTapping the screen while holding the phone is awkward. Many phones let you take the photo with a side button. Search your phone model plus "selfie button".
Authorize a Service Provider
(Optional)If you want a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) such as Truckopedia to assist with filings, you must first authorize that provider in Motus.
- Open your company account and locate the authorized relationships section.
- Select the option to designate a Transportation Service Provider.
- Enter the provider’s filer number.
- Search for and designate the provider.
- The provider must accept the designation.
Common Motus Problems and What to Do
Some Motus issues are caused by FMCSA system problems that are still being resolved. Here are some common issues you may be able to fix yourself.
Use the email associated with your old FMCSA Portal “Company Official” account. If you can’t access that email or Motus doesn’t recognize it, contact FMCSA at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov or call (800) 832-5660 for assistance.
Check your spam or junk folder for an email from Login.gov. If it hasn’t arrived after a few minutes, return to Login.gov and request another confirmation email.
Avoid glare and shadows. Make sure your entire ID is visible and the photos are clear. Photograph both sides, including the barcode on the back.
The photo verification requires a phone or tablet with a camera. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen and follow the instructions on your mobile device.
You may be able to complete identity verification in person at an FMCSA-approved enrollment center. Visit FMCSA’s In-Person Identity Verification page or call (800) 832-5660 for assistance.
Be careful. Fake Motus emails and websites exist. Don’t click suspicious links. Instead, go directly to motus.dot.gov to access your account.
When the Road Gets Rough, You Can Count on Us.
At Truckopedia, we spend our days talking to truckers. We laugh at the dad jokes from the owner-operator who calls us every quarter. We practice deep breathing with the fleet compliance manager who’s juggling a dozen things at once.
Over the last few months, we’ve heard from hundreds of customers struggling with Motus. And we’ve heard just how frustrating the transition has been.
So, we got to work. We researched, wrote guides, made videos, shared updates, and answered calls. Along the way, our superstar support team became some pretty serious Motus experts.
We can’t prevent or fix every Motus problem. But we can help you understand the process, avoid common issues, and regain control of your company’s compliance records.
That’s why we created Truckopedia’s Motus Resource Center. One place for step-by-step instructions, practical advice, real human support, and the latest Motus updates. Completely free and open to every trucking business, not just our customers.
We’re proud to be part of the trucking community. You’ve trusted us with your business, shared your frustrations, and let us get to know you along the way.
We’re grateful for all of you. This is one way we can return the favor.
Motus Resource Center
Stay informed about system changes, technical updates, FMCSA policy updates and other announcements.
Our step-by-step written guide to Motus registration, kept current as FMCSA updates the system.
Read the blog →Download the full Motus setup guide to keep open while you work through each step.
Download the PDF →Stuck on a step? Tell us where, and our team will help you work out what to do next.
Ask a question →Our Compliance Advocates Can Help
Our compliance specialists can walk you through Motus setup, answer questions about the process, and explain the steps involved in FMCSA filings. You complete the Login.gov sign-in and identity check yourself; we help you get through it.
- Step-by-step guidance by phone
- Answers by email
Talk to a Compliance Advocate
(855) 222-4142
Email us at
support@truckopedia.com
Use Only Official .gov Websites
Type these addresses yourself rather than following links in unsolicited email messages or search returns.
Have your FMCSA Portal email, your phone and your photo ID ready. Keep our step-by-step guide open while you work.
Need Help? Call FMCSA at (800) 832-5660Truckopedia and eForm2290 are private compliance filing services, not affiliated with or endorsed by FMCSA, Login.gov or any government agency. Information on this page reflects FMCSA and Login.gov guidance as of October 2026 and may change as FMCSA updates Motus.