Dear Friends,

The FMCSA is preparing to launch one of its most significant modernization efforts in decades: the introduction of MOTUS, the Modernization of Unique Tracking and Systems platform. MOTUS replaces FMCSA’s disjointed collection of registration portals with a unified, secure, and accountable system designed to combat fraud, improve data accuracy, and streamline the way motor carriers interact with the federal government. A mouthful to say the least.

This modernization is driven by increases in fraudulent carriers, identity theft, and misuse of virtual or nonphysical business addresses. MOTUS is intended to close these gaps. Carriers should expect far stronger identity verification, business validation, and account-security measures, including mandatory Login.gov access with multi-factor authentication—the new federal standard under the government’s Zero Trust cybersecurity framework.

FMCSA’s official update page outlining what is coming next can be found here:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/whats-coming

MOTUS will become the central system for USDOT Number applications, operating authority requests, corporate updates, and user access management. The system introduces clear, role-based permissions so carriers can authorize safety managers, DERs, compliance partners, insurers, and third-party administrators without compromising security.

A major change is FMCSA’s identity-verification requirement. Applicants and authorized users will need to upload government-issued identification and complete facial-recognition matching. All filings—new registrations, updates, or authority requests—must come from a verified individual. In addition, FMCSA will scrutinize physical business addresses, principal place of business requirements, and corporate ownership. Virtual mail drops, forwarding services, and similar locations may be rejected or require additional documentation.

In terms of user experience, MOTUS improves functionality by introducing real-time data validation, smart logic, auto-populated fields, edit checks, electronic notifications, mobile-friendly design, and the ability to download official FMCSA letters and orders directly from the portal. These features should reduce the errors and delays carriers frequently encounter under the current system.

FMCSA is clear that early stages of MOTUS will not include changes to Safety Registration, the elimination of MC or FF docket numbers, or modifications to the BOC-3 process. Those updates may come later following industry feedback, but they are not part of the initial rollout.

Carriers applying for new USDOT Numbers should anticipate longer approval times due to added verification steps and security requirements. Existing carriers will be transitioned into MOTUS in phases and may be required to revalidate identity, ownership, and business-location information.

MOTUS ROLLOUT TIMELINE

Phase 1 – Already Underway:

New applicants must complete mandatory identity verification, including ID upload, facial matching, and Login.gov access.

Phase 2 – Full Portal Launch (Expected 2026):

The full MOTUS platform goes live. All new USDOT Number applications, operating authority filings, and registration updates must be completed through MOTUS.

Phase 3 – Migration of Existing Registrants (2025–2026):

Carriers will be prompted to migrate into MOTUS, complete identity verification, validate business addresses, and confirm corporate officers and responsible individuals.

Phase 4 – System Consolidation and Legacy Shutdown (Unknown):

Older registration tools and portals will be phased out once all users complete migration and verification.

WHAT MOTOR CARRIERS NEED TO DO NOW

Verify all FMCSA contact information and ensure listed officers, phone numbers, and emails are current.

Confirm your physical business address meets FMCSA requirements and can receive mail; avoid virtual addresses.

Identify every individual who will need MOTUS access, including safety leaders, DERs, administrative staff, insurers, and compliance partners.

Prepare for mandatory identity verification, including verified Login.gov accounts and use of multi-factor authentication.

Review ownership, corporate structure, and affiliated entities to ensure FMCSA’s records are accurate.

Plan ahead for any new USDOT Numbers, as applications will require more documentation and may take longer to process.

Coordinate with third-party vendors and compliance partners to structure access roles within MOTUS once it is live.

Monitor FMCSA announcements and MOTUS implementation updates here:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/whats-coming

 

CLOSING NOTE

MOTUS represents a major step forward in the modernization of FMCSA’s registration and compliance systems. While it will bring long-term clarity, security, and fraud reduction, every new federal technology rollout brings delays, growing pains, and friction as systems stabilize. Organizations that prepare now—by validating their information, establishing user roles, and aligning internal processes—will hopefully experience the smoothest transition.

Best,

Yoni Hirt, Esq.