FMCSA Motus – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I designate a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) in Motus?
Step 1: Log in to Motus.
Step 2: Open the company account associated with your USDOT Number.
Step 3: Navigate to the section used for managing registrations, supporting companies, or authorized relationships.
Step 4: Select Transportation Service Provider (TSP) or Designate a Transportation Service Provider.
Step 5: Enter the TSP's Filer Number.
Step 6: Click Search.
Step 7: Verify that the correct TSP company information is displayed.
Step 8: Click Designate.
Step 9: The designated TSP will receive a notification request.
Step 10: The TSP logs into its own Motus account and accepts the designation.
Step 11: Once accepted, the TSP can assist with registration-related activities on behalf of the company, subject to FMCSA permissions and requirements.
Will existing registrants get new USDOT Numbers or will they keep their current USDOT Number?
Existing registrants will keep their current USDOT Number.
Previously registered brokers, freight forwarders, and motor carriers operating non-commercial vehicles who have never received a USDOT Number will be assigned one, as required by statute.
What is a main account holder in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
A main account holder creates and maintains the company account (business profile) in Motus.
Main account holders have full access to company information and all functionality within the company account. They are responsible for managing account access, including inviting additional main account holders and sub-account holders to access the company account.
For financial responsibility and blanket company (BOC-3) filers, main account holders can claim an existing Licensing and Insurance (L&I) filer account during company account creation.
What is a sub-account holder in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
Sub-account holders are authorized users associated with a company account in Motus.
A sub-account holder may be any employee or associate who requires access to the company account. These users must be invited by a main account holder and should not create a user profile in Motus until they receive an invitation.
Once a main account holder initiates an invitation in Motus, the sub-account holder will receive an automated email from the system to begin creating their user profile.
Sub-account holders cannot manage other users' access to the company account.
Will the current FMCSA Portal go away?
Motus: USDOT Registration System is part of a larger IT modernization effort that aims to eventually eliminate the FMCSA Portal and create a more centralized solution for all FMCSA regulated entities. While the FMCSA Portal will be operational upon Motus launch, registration options in the FMCSA Portal will no longer be available beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
Will I need a Login.gov account to use the new registration system?
Yes. Any individual, business, insurance or financial institution, blanket company (BOC-3 filer), transportation service provider, or authorized agent using the new system will need Login.gov account credentials to access the system. Executive Order (EO) 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum (OMB) memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy), requires federal agencies to use multi-factor authentication for access to government systems. The new registration system will use Login.gov to provide this required multi-factor authentication.
What happens if I can’t complete identity verification when creating an account?
FMCSA is introducing identity verification to maintain data integrity and to fulfill the Agency mandate to only register entities who are willing and able to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. If you have issues completing identity verification, you can reach out to the FMCSA Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660 and may be referred to a designated physical location to complete the process.
Will I need a USDOT PIN to create a company account?
No, you will not be required to use a USDOT PIN to create a company account or register in the new registration system.
What can I do in Motus?
Motus is now available for submitting and managing filings. Users can enter new filings and manage existing ones directly within the Motus system. For any filing or motor carrier record activity after May 18, 2026, please use the Motus search function.
What is Motus: USDOT Registration System?
Motus is USDOT’s new registration system for FMCSA customers. The new system will provide tools to support all parts of the registration lifecycle, streamline processes, enhance fraud prevention, and provide a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for supporting companies, motor carriers, brokers, and other registrants.
I received an error when trying to verify my identity. What is happening and what can I do next?
There are several reasons for an error when attempting to complete the identity proofing and verification check. For example, ID’s that are worn or damaged, with scratch marks are difficult to scan. It’s important that the ID is placed on a light, flat surface with good lighting in the room when the picture is taken. Other common errors include low internet signals that “time out” the enrollment session, or that the “selfie” was captured poorly.
Customers will not be limited to any number of attempts to complete the identity verification process. However, they may need to generate a new QR code by logging out and back into their URS account. If you need assistance or receive errors while attempting to complete the verification process, you may contact the FMCSA Contact Center online by submitting a ticket or calling 1-800-832-5660. Please be ready to provide the reference number (ex: RN9820).
The FMCSA Contact Center may recommend you visit an Enrollment Center. Staff located at an Enrollment Center can also help troubleshoot common issues.
Who Can Use Motus?
Any entity that requires a USDOT Number and/or operating authority can use Motus, including:
- Motor Carriers
- Brokers
- Freight Forwarders
- Intermodal Equipment Providers
- Cargo Tank Facilities
Supporting companies that assist entities with registration include:
- Blanket Companies (BOC-3 filers)
- Financial Responsibility Filers (insurance/surety companies and other financial institutions)
- Transportation Service Providers
Why is the "Link USDOT Number" button greyed out in Motus?
The "Link USDOT Number" button may be disabled if required information has not been completed or if the account does not meet the eligibility requirements for claiming a USDOT Number. The Company Official must use the same Login.gov email associated with the FMCSA Portal account, and all required verification steps must be completed before the USDOT Number can be linked.
Why can't Motus find my USDOT Number?
Motus may be unable to locate your USDOT Number if you are using a different Login.gov email than the one associated with the Company Official in the FMCSA Portal, or if your USDOT information has not been properly linked to your Motus account. Verify your company information and ensure you are signing in with the correct email address.
What happens after I successfully link my USDOT Number in Motus?
After your USDOT Number is successfully linked, your company information is imported into Motus. You can then review and certify your business information, manage authorized users, submit biennial updates, update company records, and perform other registration-related actions directly within Motus.
Will my USDOT number change?
The notice describes MOTUS as streamlining identification, not reassigning existing USDOT numbers. Verify that your number and legal name carry over correctly when you create your account.
What if my legal name does not match across systems?
Reconcile the name before relying on the account. Name mismatches are the most common cause of failed identity verification and can stall a filing.