FMCSA’s transition to Motus changed how transportation companies access their federal registration records.
For existing USDOT holders, one of the most important actions is establishing an individual profile and claiming the company’s registration record.
That process gives authorized officials access to company information and supported filing functions.
A correctly configured account can also make it easier to manage MCS-150 updates, operating authority actions, and outside service-provider permissions.
What Is Motus?
Motus is FMCSA’s USDOT Registration System.
The system officially launched for new and existing registrants on May 19, 2026.
It supports registration applications, updates, company account administration, and authorized filing activity.
Businesses should use the official Motus resources rather than older instructions for discontinued registration tools.
Who Needs to Set Up an Account?
New applicants can create individual profiles and company accounts.
Existing USDOT holders can claim their registration records.
Brokers, freight forwarders, motor carriers, and other regulated entities may use Motus for applicable transactions.
Supporting companies can also establish accounts for authorized services.
Step 1: Identify Your Company Official
Determine who is authorized to represent the company in FMCSA registration matters.
This should be a legitimate company official with authority over the business’s registration information.
Do not assign control solely to an outside provider.
The company should maintain access even if its service relationships change.
Step 2: Confirm Your The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov Email
FMCSA instructs existing registrants to use the same The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov email associated with their company official account in the FMCSA Portal when claiming an existing USDOT number.
Check that the email is accessible.
If the former official is unavailable or the email is incorrect, use FMCSA’s official account recovery or support instructions.
Avoid creating unnecessary duplicate company records.
Step 3: Visit the Official Motus Website
Go to MOTUS .
Follow the prompts to create an individual user profile.
Use the official government website and verify that the address is correct.
Do not provide The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov passwords or verification codes to an untrusted party.
Step 4: Complete Identity Verification
Motus uses The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov and identity verification to protect registration access.
Users should be prepared to complete the required verification steps with their own information.
A company official should not ask a service provider to impersonate them.
The purpose is to establish accountable access to the registration system.
Step 5: Claim the Existing USDOT Record
An existing registrant can link its USDOT number to the new Motus company account.
The claim process imports existing company information.
The authorized official reviews the record and completes the required certification.
Claiming a record does not mean the company receives a new USDOT number.
Step 6: Review Imported Company Information
Verify the legal business name, DBA, physical address, mailing address, contact information, and operating classification.
Review the reported vehicles, drivers, and other available registration details.
Do not certify information that you know is inaccurate.
Determine whether a separate update or supporting documentation is needed.
Step 7: Review Authorized Users
Motus allows companies to manage user access.
Confirm who should have permission to view or act on the registration record.
Remove unnecessary access for former employees or outside representatives.
Use the system’s authorized access features rather than sharing individual credentials.
Step 8: Add a Supporting Company When Appropriate
FMCSA permits supporting companies, including transportation service providers, to perform authorized filings for registrants.
The company should understand what permissions are being granted.
Outside assistance can support administrative work, but the registrant remains responsible for accurate information.
Keep an internal record of who is authorized to act for the business.
Step 9: Review MCS-150 Responsibilities
The MCS-150 maintains important federal company information.
It includes legal name, addresses, operating classification, power units, drivers, mileage, and cargo categories.
Motus supports biennial updates and company information changes.
The correct process depends on the transaction and current FMCSA instructions.
Step 10: Understand the 2026 Biennial Update Suspension
FMCSA temporarily suspended enforcement and related USDOT-number inactivation for biennial updates due on or after June 1, 2026.
The temporary relief was introduced during the Motus transition.
It does not permanently eliminate the underlying update requirement.
Companies should continue maintaining accurate information and monitoring agency guidance.
Step 11: Check Operating Authority Separately
A USDOT number is not the same as federal operating authority.
Certain interstate for-hire motor carriers and brokers need separate authority.
Motus supports operating authority applications, additional authorities, and certain reinstatement actions.
Verify the actual status of each applicable authority.
Step 12: Use Current Registration Search Tools
FMCSA directs users to Motus search for filings and motor carrier record activity after May 18, 2026.
Legacy registration search tools may not show newer Motus transactions.
Use the appropriate current source when confirming whether an application was accepted or authority was granted.
Step 13: Understand MC Numbers and Suffixes
Motus continues to issue MC, FF, and MX docket numbers.
Existing numbers remain unchanged.
Newly issued USDOT and authority numbers are randomized.
Motus also displays registration-type suffixes for certain new registrants.
Suffixes are not required vehicle markings.
Step 14: Keep Confirmation Records
Retain records showing completed account setup, accepted filings, authorization changes, and registration actions.
A submission confirmation does not always establish that a filing has been approved.
Monitor the status until the relevant action is completed.
Step 15: Review Other Registrations
Motus does not replace annual UCR registration, state vehicle credentials, or applicable tax registrations.
Covered entities must complete 2027 UCR registration and payment before January 1, 2027.
These obligations should be tracked separately.
Common Motus Setup Problems
A company may encounter difficulties when the wrong official attempts to claim a USDOT number.
Other issues include inaccessible The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov accounts, outdated registration information, duplicate user profiles, or unclear service-provider permissions.
Use FMCSA’s official support resources to resolve account ownership and identity issues.
Do not create a new USDOT registration merely to avoid an existing account problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new USDOT number for Motus?
No. Existing registrants can claim their current USDOT record.
Which The public’s one account for government. | Login.gov email should I use?
FMCSA instructs existing company officials to use the email associated with their prior FMCSA Portal access.
Can a compliance provider file on my behalf?
Yes, with appropriate authorization.
Does Motus support MCS-150 updates?
Yes. It supports applicable biennial and company information updates.
Can I check new Motus filings in legacy L&I?
FMCSA directs users to Motus search for new filings and record activity after May 18, 2026.
Does Motus automatically renew UCR?
No. UCR remains a separate program.
Keep Control of Your USDOT Registration
Motus offers a more centralized way to manage federal registration information, but accurate company records and authorized account access remain essential.
MOTUS – MCS-150 Prepayment provides private assistance with USDOT registration administration, MCS-150 updates, and related filing processes.
Visit MOTUS – MCS-150 Prepayment or call (800) 924-1130 for assistance reviewing your Motus setup and USDOT record responsibilities.
MOTUS – MCS-150 Prepayment is a private third-party service and is not affiliated with FMCSA or the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eligible businesses may complete applicable government actions directly without paying a private service fee.
