☰

Annual Filings

UCR RegistrationUCR 2026 RegistrationUCR Correction or RefundMCS-150 Biennial UpdateBOC-3 Process Agent Filing

New Carriers

New Authority Package (MC Number)New USDOT NumberClearinghouse Registration

Fix a Problem

USDOT ReactivationAuthority ReinstatementCompliance Check

State Permits

Kentucky KYU NumberNew Mexico Weight Distance PermitCalifornia CA NumberTexas TxDMV Number

Other Services

SCAC CodeOperating Authority LetterLost Authority Letter RecoveryCancel USDOT or MC Number

More

Check USDOTPricingFiling PlanGuidesContact Us
Home / Guides

What Is Motus? FMCSA's New Registration System and What Changed for Carriers

Reviewed by Austin Park, founder of ICR Filings · Updated October 27, 2026

The short answer
  • Motus (motus.dot.gov) is FMCSA's registration system for USDOT numbers, operating authority, updates, and reinstatements. It launched to all users in May 2026.
  • You sign in with Login.gov. USDOT PINs are no longer used, and existing registrants verify their identity and business before doing anything.
  • Registration options in the old FMCSA Portal were shut off May 14, 2026. Your history in L&I is still viewable.
  • New MC numbers issued in Motus are 8 digits and not in sequence. FMCSA has proposed phasing out MC numbers, but it has not happened.

Motus: USDOT Registration System is where FMCSA registration happens now. FMCSA describes it as its new registration system for FMCSA customers, with tools for every part of the registration life cycle. It opened to all carriers, brokers, and other registrants in May 2026, replacing the URS online application and the registration options in the old FMCSA Portal.

What you do in Motus

  • Apply for a new USDOT number or operating authority (see how to get a USDOT number)
  • Update your company record, including the biennial MCS-150
  • Apply for reinstatement of a suspended authority (see reinstating MC authority)
  • Request a voluntary suspension or revocation
  • Designate a service provider who can file for you

Process agent companies file and cancel BOC-3s in Motus, and insurance companies file proof of insurance there (BMC-91, BMC-91X, BMC-85).

What changed for carriers

Login.gov instead of a USDOT PIN

Everyone who makes a filing, including carriers, brokers, insurance companies, and filing services, signs in through Login.gov, which requires multi-factor authentication. FMCSA's FAQ says this removes the need for USDOT PINs. See FMCSA login help if you are stuck signing in.

Identity and business verification

Existing registrants complete identity and business verification before making any transaction in Motus. Then you claim your USDOT number into your company account. The steps are in how to set up Motus and claim your USDOT number.

The old FMCSA Portal

Registration options in the FMCSA Portal were permanently turned off on May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET. Your L&I and Portal history stays available to view, and FMCSA says it will announce when that history moves into Motus.

Notices

Motus sends automated electronic notifications. Unless you opt in to electronic service, orders and notices that could change your registration status are still mailed, so keep your mailing address current.

New MC numbers look different

FMCSA still issues MC numbers, but the format changed. In FMCSA's public authority history, all 46,351 MC numbers first issued from May 20 through October 2026 have 8 digits (for example MC-12345678), spread between 45 million and 99 million rather than counting up. Older MC numbers have 7 digits or fewer, like MC-123456. If your new number looks unusual, that is why.

FMCSA has also proposed no longer assigning MC numbers at all and using the USDOT number with a suffix for each registration type, such as C for a property carrier and B for a broker (USDOT 1234567C). That change is under consideration through a proposed rule. Existing MC numbers would not be replaced.

Fees did not change

FMCSA's FAQ says there were no planned changes to registration fees with the first release of Motus. Applying for a USDOT number and filing the MCS-150 still carry no government fee; operating authority is $300 per type.

Watch for fake Motus sites

Scammers send emails that look like Motus notices and link to look-alike sites. Type motus.dot.gov yourself. See fake Motus and FMCSA websites.

Before you start, read Motus problems and what to have ready. Landed on a page with a Filer Number where your USDOT number should be? See Motus set you up as a service provider.

Common questions

Is Motus a real FMCSA site?

Yes. Motus: USDOT Registration System is at motus.dot.gov. Scam emails and look-alike sites use the Motus name, so type the address yourself instead of clicking links in emails.

Do I need a Motus account?

Yes, to make any filing or update. Anyone can view public data without an account, but changes require a Motus account through Login.gov.

What happened to my USDOT PIN?

FMCSA's FAQ says Motus uses Login.gov instead, removing the need for USDOT PINs.

Will my USDOT number change?

No. Existing registrants keep their USDOT number.

Why is my new MC number 8 digits?

MC numbers issued since Motus launched are 8 digits and are not assigned in order. MC numbers issued before Motus keep their original format, 7 digits or fewer.

Who do I call about Motus?

FMCSA's FAQ lists the FMCSA Contact Center, 1-800-832-5660, for help with identity verification.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you file.

Related guides

Want us to handle it?

Your required USDOT update, reviewed and filed. Our turnaround: 1 business day after Motus access.

See MCS-150 Biennial Update
GET HELP