MOTUS: A Guide for Motor Carriers
FMCSA's MOTUS platform brings carrier registration and account management into a new online system. This resource center is designed to help motor carriers understand the platform, navigate registration requirements, and resolve common account issues.
What Is MOTUS?
MOTUS is FMCSA's new USDOT Registration System, designed to modernize how motor carriers and other regulated entities manage their federal registrations.
Through MOTUS, carriers can apply for a USDOT number and operating authority, update company information, submit biennial updates, manage registrations, and track the status of registration requests.
The platform also introduces individual user profiles and company accounts, allowing businesses to manage authorized access to their registration information.
Who Needs to Use MOTUS?
MOTUS is designed for businesses and organizations that need a USDOT Number, operating authority, or other FMCSA registration services.
This includes:
Motor carriers and trucking companies
Freight brokers
Freight forwarders
Intermodal equipment providers
Cargo tank facilities
BOC-3 filing companies
Insurance companies and financial responsibility filers
Transportation service providers assisting carriers with registration and compliance
For motor carriers, MOTUS provides a centralized place to establish company accounts, manage registration information, submit required updates, and track registration activity.
How to Create Your MOTUS Account
Getting started with MOTUS requires an individual user profile through Login.gov. Each person accessing the system must establish their own login credentials and complete identity verification.
Before You Begin
Have the following ready:
An existing Login.gov account or an email address to create one.
A valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera.
Your business information and USDOT Number, if you are an existing carrier.
Step-by-Step Account Setup
Visit the MOTUS registration website.
Under Regulated Entities & Supporting Companies, select Sign In Login.gov.
Sign in with your existing Login.gov account or follow the instructions to create one.
Complete the required two-factor authentication.
Review and accept FMCSA's Rules of Behavior.
Follow the identity verification prompts. You will be asked to capture images of your government-issued ID and your face.
Complete your personal MOTUS user profile, including your contact information.
Select the appropriate next step based on your business.
Important for Existing Carriers
Creating your individual user profile is not the same as establishing your company account. Existing carriers must also link and verify their company record before managing their registrations through MOTUS.
Official MOTUS Resources
Important: If your company already has a USDOT Number, the company official should use the same Login.gov email address previously associated with their FMCSA Portal Company Official account when claiming the existing USDOT record.
For new carriers without a USDOT Number, select the option to start a new registration.
If you are a transportation service provider assisting carriers with registrations, select the supporting company workflow rather than attempting to claim a carrier's USDOT Number.
How to Claim an Existing USDOT Number
If your business already has a USDOT Number, you do not need to start a new registration. The company official can claim the existing record in MOTUS and transfer the company's information into the new system.
Before You Begin
Have your existing USDOT Number available.
Sign in using the same Login.gov email associated with your Company Official role in the FMCSA Portal.
Make sure your identity verification is complete.
You must be the company owner, an official partner, or an authorized corporate officer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Visit MOTUS and sign in through Login.gov.
Complete your user profile and identity verification.
Look for the notification showing USDOT Numbers associated with your Login.gov account.
Select Link USDOT Number.
Choose the USDOT Number you want to claim and click Continue.
Check your email for the verification code and enter it into MOTUS.
Review the certification statement confirming your authority to claim the company record.
Enter your name as your electronic signature and click Accept.
Once your company account opens, carefully review all business information.
Update any outdated or incorrect information.
Click Certify in the orange notification banner.
Review the final certification statement, check the confirmation box, and click Accept.
You should receive a confirmation that the claiming process is complete.
Important for carriers
Your compliance service provider cannot claim your USDOT Number on your behalf.
FMCSA requires the appropriate company official to complete the claim. Once your company account is established, you can connect authorized service providers through the appropriate MOTUS access process.
Official FMCSA resources:
These instructions follow FMCSA's May 2026 claiming guide. FMCSA
Managing Your Company Account
Once your company has been linked to MOTUS, you can use your company account to manage registration information and monitor important account activity.
Company officials should regularly review:
Business name, address, and contact information.
USDOT registration details.
Operating authority information.
Biennial update requirements.
Authorized users and account access.
Pending registration requests and notifications.
Tip: Keep your company information current and make sure only authorized individuals have access to your account.
Adding Authorized Users to MOTUS
MOTUS allows company officials to grant account access to employees and other authorized individuals.
The main account holder can invite additional users through the Manage Authorized Users section of the company account.
Important things to know:
Each user must have their own Login.gov account.
Users must accept an invitation before accessing the company account.
Access levels determine what each person can view or manage.
Sub-account holders cannot manage other users' permissions.
Company officials should regularly review account access.
Only provide access to individuals who need it for their role.
Official resource:FMCSA – Manage Authorized Users Video Tutorials
Completing Your Biennial Update
Motor carriers are required to update their USDOT registration information every two years, even if their company information has not changed.
Through MOTUS, carriers can submit their Biennial Update (MCS-150), review company information, and certify their registration.
Remember:
Updates are required every two years.
Filing is required even when information remains unchanged.
Late or missed updates can result in deactivation of your USDOT Number.
Don't wait until the deadline to review your registration information.
Official resource: FMCSA – Biennial Update Information