As part of FMCSA’s new iteration of a unified registration system rebranded “Motus,” the second phase of the roll-out requires applicants and existing motor carrier, broker, freight forwarder, intermodal equipment provider, and cargo tank facility registrants to enroll in Motus; whether as a first-time registrant or currently registered.[1]
FMCSA advises, by May 14, 2026, current registrants must:
- Log into their FMCSA Portal account; review data to ensure company and contact information, operation classification, and authorized individuals are correct; and
- “Claim” their Motus account by following prescribed steps the first time the authorized individual attempts to log into the FMCSA Portal account (summarized below).[2]
When successfully linked, the currently registered regulated entity will no longer need to access the FMCSA Portal account to make required changes and reports. Instead, data management will be conducted through the regulated entity’s Motus account. IT systems currently linked to the user’s FMCSA Portal account such as the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) and DataQs for use by the registrant will be linked to and accessible in Motus.
Once fully implemented, Motus will replace the legacy system – Unified Registration System (URS) and FMCSA Portal accounts.
Important Considerations Before Linking FMCSA Portal Account to Motus
FMCSA advises to review and make updates to your records in the FMCSA Portal account now and to save a copy of the records to enable the later match against the registrant’s data in Motus. Presumably, this includes information on SAFER (for carriers, MCS-150 “Company Snapshot” census data and registration components of Motor Carrier Management Information System – MCMIS) and all the links in the registrant’s licensing and insurance (L&I) webpage (i.e., BOC-3, Active/Pending Insurance, Authority History, Pending Application, Revocation, etc.).
FMCSA explains the review and retention of a copy of legacy information in the FMCSA Portal account is for safety and security purposes. While unstated, it also suggests that FMCSA is not completely confident that current registration data (including operating authority) may be correctly carried over to Motus. In this writer’s experience, it is helpful to have evidence of, for example, an accurate historical record of operating authority issued to the carrier to then be able to justify correction requests to FMCSA, if necessary.
Consider saving your data first.
Changes to Expect Immediately When Transitioning to Motus
The individual who logs into the FMCSA Portal account to then claim the registrant’s Motus account for the first time, will among other things, have to “pass” identity proofing and verification. The new process requires the individual to upload a personal identity document and photograph of their face. FMCSA describes the face-photo step as requiring the individual to “scan” his or her face with a smartphone or tablet.
In addition, the individual will be required to furnish information about the entity (such as legal name and legal status) with applicable State and Federal business registration to verify the entity.
New suffixes will be assigned to the USDOT to identify the registrant’s operating authority registration. These single letter suffixes (there are eleven of them) will follow the registrant’s USDOT number, will be visible in Motus only and will not be required to appear on the CMV’s placarding. The USDOT number (without the suffix or suffixes) must continue to be on the CMV.
What Has Not Changed (For Now)
A carrier’s motor carrier (MC) or freight forwarder (FF) number remains unchanged. The BOC-3 filing requirement remains the same. Additionally, until some future rulemaking is completed, eligible users may continue to use the OP-1 (Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority) registration forms, MCS-150 (Motor Carrier Identification Report) series forms, the MCSA-5889 (Motor Carrier Records Change Form), OCE-46 (Request for Revocation of Authority Granted) and BOC-3 (Designation of Agents for Service of Process).
Looking Forward
FMCSA advises further updates to Motus will appear on its Registration Modernization Resources Hub (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/resources-hub).
Takeaway
With more than thirty years representing carriers before the FMCSA for issues including licensing, registration and insurance transactions, it is my view that having counsel assist in interfacing with the agency in these matters may well be a worthwhile engagement.
Dated: Sudbury, MA
May 12, 2026
Andresen & Borovick, LLP
323 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776
www.abmasslaw.com
Tel: (978) 443-6868
The foregoing is designed to provide general information based on a summary of legal principles for clients and friends of the firm. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice, or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. Companies and individuals should consult with legal counsel before taking any action based on these principles to ensure their applicability in a given situation. The information presented here and on our website should not be construed to be legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Copyright © 2026 Andresen & Borovick, LLP. All rights reserved.
[1] In Matter Availability of Motus, FMCSA’s New Registration System, Dock. No. FMCSA-2013-0161-0300 (Notice of policy regarding use of Motus, FMCSA’s new registration system), 91 Fed. Reg. 23144 (Apr. 29, 2026).
[2] Id. at 23144; FMCSA Bulletin, Important Steps You Must Take to Prepare for FMCSA’s New Registration System dated May 11, 2026 (checked 5/12/26).