What Is Motus?
Motus is FMCSA's new official registration system, announced in a Federal Register notice on April 29, 2026. It replaces the Unified Registration System (URS) and the FMCSA Portal, the web-based system carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders have used for years to register, update company information, and access safety and inspection data.
Motus is rolling out in phases. Phase I opened December 8, 2025 for supporting companies: BOC-3 process agents, insurance and surety companies, and third-party filers who assist motor carriers with registration. Phase II, opening Motus to all regulated entities, is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
The new system adds enhanced identity verification and security tools meant to cut down on fraudulent registrations, which means sign-up and login are more involved than the old Portal.
Who Needs This
- Every current USDOT-registered motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder
- New businesses applying for a USDOT number for the first time
- Carriers who used the old FMCSA Portal for MCS-150 updates, UCR, or other filings
- Anyone who works with a process agent, insurance filer, or third-party filer that has already moved to Motus
This Transition Is Mandatory
There is no opt-out. FMCSA has stated Motus will fully replace the old Portal and URS as the single system of record for registration. Existing accounts and credentials need to be re-verified in the new system, and carriers who put off the migration risk delays on future filings, biennial updates, and registration changes. We track FMCSA's rollout schedule so you don't have to.