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Motus, FMCSA's registration system

Motus is FMCSA's USDOT registration system, at motus.dot.gov. It launched on May 19, 2026 and replaces FMCSA's older registration systems: it is where carriers, brokers and freight forwarders now apply for a USDOT number or operating authority, file the MCS-150 biennial update and change their company details.

3 min readReviewed September 30, 2026By Stephanie Bane, Product Manager

What you can do in Motus

For registrants, FMCSA lists (Move into Motus):

  • apply for a new USDOT number, operating authority or another type of registration;
  • submit the biennial update (the MCS-150);
  • update business information, including the company name and address;
  • apply for more types of authority;
  • reinstate a suspended authority, or reapply after revocation;
  • inactivate or reactivate a USDOT number;
  • track the status of what you filed.

Insurance companies, process agents (BOC-3 filers) and other service providers file for their clients in Motus too. And anyone can search a company's registration record there, without logging in, by USDOT number, legal name or DBA name (Motus public search).

Who uses it

Any entity that needs a USDOT number or operating authority: motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodal equipment providers and cargo tank facilities.

Getting in for the first time

  1. Create a user profile with Login.gov and complete identity verification. A profile belongs to one person.
  2. Create or claim the company account. If your company already has a USDOT number, the company official claims it: that imports the record, so you review, update and certify it instead of typing it all again. Use the same Login.gov email you used as the company official in the FMCSA Portal.
  3. File. New registrations, biennial updates and changes are done from the company account.

For the update itself, step by step, see how to update MCS-150 online in Motus. New to FMCSA? See how to get a DOT number.

Motus or SAFER: which is which?

They do different jobs. Motus is where you register and keep your registration up to date, and its public search shows a company's registration record. SAFER's Company Snapshot is FMCSA's older public page for a carrier's identification and safety record, and FMCSA says updates to your USDOT number show there (FMCSA). You file in Motus, not in SAFER.

The biennial update pause

Right now: FMCSA has temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial updates, and USDOT number inactivation for missing them, while carriers move to Motus. Carriers whose update was due on or after June 1, 2026 get extra time. The update is still required. (FMCSA notice, updated September 10, 2026.)

Your due date has not changed: it still comes from your USDOT number. Check yours.

Getting help

FMCSA's registration contact center answers on 1-800-832-5660, or through its web form; FMCSA says it now answers from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern on weekdays, plus Saturdays (FMCSA).

Questions

Is Motus the same as the FMCSA Portal?

No. Motus is the new registration system. You claim your existing USDOT number in Motus with the same Login.gov email you used as company official in the Portal.

Do I need a new USDOT number for Motus?

No. Claim the number you have; only new companies apply for one.

Does Motus cost anything?

There is no fee for a USDOT number or for the biennial update. Operating authority is 300 dollars for each type.

Is the biennial update still required?

Yes. FMCSA has paused enforcement for updates due on or after June 1, 2026, but the requirement in 49 CFR 390.19T stands.

Sources

Last reviewed September 30, 2026.