Motus: FMCSA Updates on New Registration System

FMCSA Motus Phase II Launch Will Replace Key Registration Systems in 2026

FMCSA Confirms Motus as its New Registration Center

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has now formally confirmed that its new online registration platform, Motus, will move into Phase II during the second quarter of 2026. This marks a major change in how trucking companies, brokers, freight forwarders, and other regulated businesses handle federal registration.

The notice confirming this is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on April 29.

In the notice, FMCSA explains that Motus will become the agency’s new unified registration system. It will begin replacing several older systems that carriers currently use.

Those systems include:

• the current Unified Registration System (URS),
• registration portions of the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS),
• and the old Licensing and Insurance system that has been in place since 1994.

For the trucking industry, this means many registration jobs that are now spread across different websites will soon be handled in one place.

Motus Puts more FMCSA Tasks Under One Account

FMCSA says Motus will work as a single online dashboard for registration.

Instead of switching between several FMCSA systems, users will be able to handle many tasks under one account. The agency says the new platform will include mobile access, built-in data checks, auto-filled fields, smart prompts, payment processing, account alerts, and expanded user profiles.

FMCSA says this should make the filing process easier and help cut down on mistakes.

Inside Motus, carriers and other users will be able to:

• apply for a new USDOT Number,
• apply for operating authority,
• file biennial updates,
• request reinstatement,
• update company names or addresses,
• suspend or revoke authority,
• reactivate inactive authority,
• renew certain permits,
• and manage who can access the account.

Right now, many of those tasks require different systems or separate filings.

Phase II Will Now Open Motus to all Regulated Entities

Motus first opened in a limited form on December 8, 2025.

That first phase was only for supporting companies. FMCSA says this included:

• BOC-3 blanket companies,
• insurance and surety filers,
• financial institutions,
• and transportation service providers that help carriers with FMCSA paperwork.

Those groups were allowed to create company accounts, build user profiles, and prepare for the larger rollout.

Now FMCSA says the second phase is planned for the second quarter of 2026. At that point, Motus will become available to all regulated entities.

This includes:

• motor carriers,
• brokers,
• freight forwarders,
• intermodal equipment providers,
• hazardous materials permit holders,
• cargo tank facilities,
• and certain Mexico-domiciled carriers.

Once this phase begins, most major FMCSA registration actions will be handled inside Motus.

New ID Checks and Business Checks

One of the biggest new details in the Federal Register notice involves fraud prevention.

FMCSA says Motus will use both identity verification and business verification.

This is a major change from the older filing systems.

For identity verification, users completing a new registration will need a smartphone or tablet and a valid government-issued ID. FMCSA also says existing registrants will go through identity verification when they enter Motus for the first time.

The process will require the user to:

1. scan a QR code inside Motus,
2. take a picture of an ID document,
3. complete a facial scan,
4. and then return to finish the registration.

FMCSA says this process is being added to help stop fake filings, stolen identities, and account takeovers.

The agency is also adding business verification.

Under that step, Motus will check legal business names, office addresses, ownership records, company officials, and registration compliance.

FMCSA says these stronger checks are being added after the agency saw a major rise in cargo theft, account hijacking, fake registrations, and other fraudulent carrier activity.

Current FMCSA Forms Remain for Now

FMCSA says Motus will pull most registration forms into one digital process.

Instead of filling out separate forms and sending documents one by one, users will enter information directly into online fields.

Even so, FMCSA says the current forms will still be accepted during this transition until later rule changes remove them.

FMCSA warns that manual or paper submissions should be expected to take at least eight business days just for the first review. More time may be needed if the filing is flagged for deeper review.

The agency also says users who choose Motus during this period will not be cited or penalized, even though some current regulations still mention the older forms.

FMCSA Delays Some Bigger Registration Changes

FMCSA says it heard concerns from industry groups during stakeholder meetings and listening sessions.

Because of that feedback, the agency is delaying some larger changes that had been expected with Motus.

Phase II will not include:

• removal of MC docket numbers,
• removal of FF docket numbers,
• safety registration changes,
• or changes to the BOC-3 filing process.

FMCSA says those issues may be handled in future Motus releases after more discussion with the industry.

For now, carriers will continue using MC numbers during this first stage.

FMCSA Says Carriers Should Clean Up Records Now

FMCSA is urging current registrants to prepare before Motus opens to everyone.

The agency says companies should:

• review all registration records,
• make any needed updates,
• confirm insurance filings are current,
• confirm process agent filings are current,
• save copies of all existing records,
• and review every authorized user listed on the FMCSA Portal account.

FMCSA specifically says carriers should remove users who no longer work for the company, changed positions, or no longer need account access.

This step matters because Motus will use tighter security controls and verified permissions.

Carriers that clean up their information now may avoid delays once the transition begins.

What This Means for Truck Drivers and Carriers

For most company drivers, this change will not affect daily driving rules.

There are no new roadside inspection rules or hours-of-service rules tied to Motus.

The larger effect will be on carriers, owner-operators with their own authority, brokers, and fleets that manage FMCSA filings.

Those businesses will likely see:

• stronger account security,
• stricter filing verification,
• less use of mailed forms,
• faster online updates,
• and better visibility into registration status.

Tasks like biennial updates, authority reinstatements, emergency authority requests, and company record changes are expected to move into one easier location.

Still, carriers with outdated or messy records may face a rougher transition.

2026: Major FMCSA Registration Transition Year

The new Federal Register notice makes it clear that FMCSA is now entering the most important stage of its registration modernization plan.

Motus is no longer just a future project. It is now moving toward full industry use.

FMCSA says the goal is to reduce burden, improve record accuracy, tighten security, and cut down on fraud.

For trucking companies, that means now is the time to make sure FMCSA records, user access, and company information are accurate before the new system becomes the main registration hub.