Episode 202 | Can We Talk About MOTUS?

MOTUS: What’s Really Going On with FMCSA’s New Registration System?

If you’ve dealt with the FMCSA lately, you’ve probably heard a lot about MOTUS—and possibly experienced some of its problems firsthand.

FMCSA began moving its registration services into MOTUS in May. This wasn’t simply a website redesign. MOTUS is intended to become the central system carriers use to apply for USDOT numbers and operating authority, complete MCS-150 updates, update company information, reinstate authority, and make other registration changes.

The goal is to simplify registration, improve security, and reduce carrier identity theft. Those improvements are needed, but the transition has been difficult for many carriers.

In this episode, we break down what has changed, why FMCSA created MOTUS, and what motor carriers should do while the system’s issues are being resolved.

Common MOTUS Problems

Carriers and new applicants have reported several frustrating issues, including:

• Being unable to claim an existing USDOT number
• Verification codes that never arrive
• Old phone numbers or email addresses preventing account access
• Login.gov accounts not connecting correctly
• New authorities getting stuck in business verification
• Company information failing to match FMCSA records
• Confusion about which email address or login to use
• Long wait times for help through FMCSA chat
• Error messages appearing during the certification process

MOTUS requires users to prove they are authorized to access a company’s registration information. This added security can help prevent fraud, but it can also lock legitimate carriers out when the information on file is outdated or doesn’t match.

Connecting Your USDOT Number

To access your business through MOTUS, you will generally need to:

1. Register or sign in through Login.gov.
2. Link your USDOT number to your account.
3. Receive a verification code using contact information FMCSA already has on file.
4. Enter the verification code.
5. Certify that you are an authorized company official.
6. Complete the electronic signature process.

The verification step has created problems for people who no longer have access to the phone number or email address connected to an older account. This may be especially common for drivers who previously created Login.gov credentials for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Avoid creating several new accounts in an attempt to force the system to work. Multiple accounts or mismatched information could make the situation more complicated.

Why FMCSA Created MOTUS

Carrier identity theft and registration fraud have become serious industry problems. Bad actors may attempt to steal USDOT numbers, change legitimate carrier information, create fraudulent companies, or gain access to businesses they don’t represent.

MOTUS adds identity and business-verification requirements to make these activities more difficult. The security improvements make sense, but carriers are currently dealing with a system that still appears to have unresolved technical problems.

What’s Happening with MCS-150 Updates?

Motor carriers are normally required to update their USDOT information every two years through the MCS-150 biennial update. Some states, insurance companies, and other organizations may require more frequent updates.

Because of the MOTUS transition, FMCSA has temporarily suspended USDOT-number inactivation for carriers that miss their biennial update. This gives carriers additional breathing room while system problems are addressed.

MOTUS accounts have reportedly displayed future biennial update dates in 2027 or 2028. However, FMCSA has not confirmed exactly when its normal enforcement procedures will resume.

Carriers should continue monitoring their registration status and watching for official FMCSA updates. Insurance providers and local agencies may still expect an MCS-150 update to be completed on schedule, even while federal inactivation actions are suspended.

Should You Log Into MOTUS Right Now?

If you don’t currently need to use MOTUS, waiting may be the simplest option.

You may not need immediate access if:

• Your USDOT number is active.
• Your company information is accurate.
• You aren’t applying for new authority.
• You don’t need to change your address.
• You don’t need to reinstate authority.
• You don’t have an urgent registration problem.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore your compliance responsibilities. It means you may not want to create an unnecessary issue while MOTUS is still experiencing problems.

If you must complete a registration change, verify your information before beginning and make sure it matches what FMCSA already has on file.

Important Reminder

Only use the official MOTUS website:

https://motus.dot.gov

Be careful with websites that look or sound official. FMCSA.com is not the official FMCSA website, and carriers should verify the web address before entering company or personal information.

Key Takeaways

• MOTUS is FMCSA’s new registration platform.
• Its purpose is to improve security and reduce carrier fraud.
• Many legitimate carriers are struggling to claim and verify their businesses.
• Outdated contact information can prevent verification codes from arriving.
• Creating multiple accounts may cause additional problems.
• FMCSA has temporarily suspended inactivation for missed biennial updates.
• Other organizations may still require MCS-150 filings on schedule.
• If you don’t need to make an immediate change, consider waiting.
• Always use the official website at motus.dot.gov.

In this episode, we explain the biggest MOTUS problems we’re seeing, what the changes mean for motor carriers, and how to avoid making an already frustrating situation worse.