Federal registration
FMCSA Motus: the new registration system, explained
Motus handles FMCSA registration applications and updates. New applicants create a company account; existing carriers claim their USDOT record. The FMCSA Portal continues to serve other functions, while registration work moves through Motus. This guide explains the account steps, identifiers, and transition notices that affect a carrier’s filings.
By Evan Reid, Founder of Haul Handbook · Updated Sep 7, 2026
The dated record so far
Newest first. Each entry cites the notice or announcement it came from; we re-check the Federal Register and FMCSA's hub on a fixed cadence and add entries as they publish.
Jun 22, 2026
Temporary pause on some USDOT inactivations
FMCSA’s June 22, 2026 notice temporarily pauses USDOT inactivation for entities with required biennial updates outstanding since June 1 during the Motus transition. The update remains required; the notice provides extra time for access and system issues and directs registrants to FMCSA for help.
May 19, 2026
Motus opens for carrier registration
FMCSA identifies May 19 as the Motus launch date. Its current guidance directs registrants to use Motus for company records and registration work.
May 14, 2026
Portal registration options retired
The FMCSA Portal’s registration options ended on May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM Eastern. The Portal remains operational for other functions.
May 6, 2026
Docket number corrected
A correction notice fixed the April 29 notice's docket number to FMCSA-2026-1255.
Apr 29, 2026
Notice of policy published (91 FR 23144)
FMCSA published the Motus notice of policy: Phase II, planned for the second quarter of 2026, opens Motus to all regulated entities, and using Motus satisfies the URS-related statutory and regulatory registration requirements. FMCSA also said it anticipates a rulemaking in spring 2026 proposing to require Motus for all registrants and to eliminate the legacy forms.
Dec 8, 2025
Phase I released for supporting companies
FMCSA implemented Motus Phase I with limited access for supporting companies: blanket companies (Form BOC-3 filers), financial responsibility filers such as insurance and surety companies, and transportation service providers. These companies could set up user profiles, create company accounts, and invite authorized users.
What Motus is
Motus is FMCSA’s online system for applying for and managing USDOT registrations and operating authority. Users create a personal profile and a company account, with identity verification for access.
Motus replaces URS for new registration applications and the registration functions formerly handled through the FMCSA Portal. The Portal continues to operate for other functions; its registration options ended on May 14, 2026.
Who files what in Motus
- First-time registrants: Create a user profile, complete identity verification, and create a company account in Motus to apply for a USDOT number and the registrations your operation needs. The paperwork itself follows the same sequence as before; see the filing sequence for new authority.
- Existing registrants: Claim your existing USDOT record in Motus using the company official’s Login.gov email, then manage registrations or apply for additional authority. That list includes the biennial update every carrier owes on a fixed schedule.
What changes for filers
- Identity verification for applicants: Motus uses Login.gov and identity verification for access. A personal user profile connects a company official to the company account.
- Create or claim the company account: FMCSA now directs registration applicants to Motus. Existing carriers claim their record rather than create a second USDOT number.
- Identifiers and status reasons: Existing USDOT and docket numbers remain unchanged. Motus continues to issue MC, MX and FF docket numbers and assigns a separate docket number to each newly granted authority. Its status display adds reasons for pending actions.
- Electronic payment: FMCSA no longer accepts checks or money orders for agency transactions. Its registration alert gives electronic-payment instructions and addresses card information for accepted paper applications.
What stays the same, for now
Existing USDOT and docket numbers do not change. MC, MX and FF prefixes continue, and authorities already sharing a docket number retain that docket number. USDOT suffixes shown in Motus are not a vehicle-marking requirement. So your MC number keeps its meaning, and a BOC-3 filing still works the way it did before the cutover.
How to prepare, and where updates post
Existing registrants can claim their USDOT record in Motus with the company official’s Login.gov email, review the imported business information, and manage authorized users.
FMCSA posts development updates and Phase II information on its Registration Modernization Resources Hub. The hub lives at FMCSA's Registration Modernization Resources Hub. For the identifier the system is built around, see how the USDOT number works.