New FMCSA ID Verification Aims to Reduce Fraud

FMCSA Launches ID Verification to Fight Trucking Fraud

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is rolling out a new kind of ID verification. This update is part of the registration process for new applicants in the trucking industry.

Anyone applying for a USDOT Number through the Unified Registration System (URS) will now need to prove their identity. This will include taking a photo of their ID and a “selfie” that will be compared to the photo on the ID. FMCSA says this change will help stop fraud, protect data, and improve safety on U.S. roads.

FMCSA Takes Action Against Fraud

The trucking industry has seen a rise in fraud. Some people use fake names or stolen identities to register as trucking companies. This makes it harder for FMCSA to track safety issues and enforce rules.

To fix the problem, FMCSA is adding identity verification to the registration process. This step will help make sure applicants are who they say they are. It also supports the agency’s goal of reducing crashes and deaths on the road.

New Steps for ID Verification

Beginning in April 2025, all new USDOT Number applicants must go through an identity check. This will happen during the URS registration process. FMCSA is working with IDEMIA, a company that focuses on secure ID and biometric technology.

The steps include:

1. Scan a QR Code: After starting the registration, applicants will see a QR code. They must scan this code using a smartphone or tablet. It will open a secure website for the ID check.
2. Pick Document Settings: Users choose a language, the country that issued their ID, and the type of ID. Accepted types include driver’s licenses, passports, identity cards, and resident cards.
3. Take Photos of ID: Applicants must take pictures of both the front and back of their ID.
4. Take a Selfie: The system will ask for a photo of the applicant’s face. This photo will be compared to the ID to confirm identity.
5. Finish Registration: Once the identity check is done, users return to URS to complete their application.

What Trucking Applicants Will Need for ID Verification

To complete this process, applicants need a few things:

• A smartphone or tablet with a working camera
• A stable internet connection
• A valid, government-issued photo ID

FMCSA says the process is fast and simple. Most people can complete it in just a few minutes.

This identity check is only for new applicants. If someone already has a USDOT Number, they do not need to go through this process again.

FMCSA’s Goals for the New Process

FMCSA says the new system will make the trucking industry safer and more secure. The agency gave four main reasons for the change:

• “Verify legitimacy of an applicant’s identity”
• “Reduce fraudulent activity”
• “Enhance security of FMCSA systems”
• “Protect sensitive data”

By confirming each applicant’s identity, FMCSA can better track carriers. This makes it easier to enforce safety rules and harder for dishonest people to cheat the system.

Where to Get Help with ID Verification

FMCSA is offering support to help people complete the new process.

• Phone Support: Call the FMCSA Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660.
• Online Chat and Help Page: Visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa.
• Step-by-Step Video: A short how-to video is available at https://youtu.be/sUVnlMZNiQQ. It walks applicants through the identity check process.
• More Info: Visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/identity-verification for updates, tools, and more guidance.

ID Verification: A Step Toward a Safer System

FMCSA says this new process is part of a larger effort to update the URS. The agency wants to keep bad actors out of the trucking system. It also wants to make it easier to track and manage safety data.

While the identity check may be new to some users, FMCSA believes it will help build trust in the system. In the long run, it could make trucking safer and more secure for everyone.