MOTUS: Biggest FMCSA Registration Change in Decades, 2026 Rollout Timeline

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially begun the soft launch of Motus, its long-awaited, modernized USDOT registration platform.

The new system is designed to simplify and streamline registration processes, improve data accuracy, prevent fraud, and ultimately support safer trucking operations across the U.S.

Motus represents the first major overhaul to FMCSA’s registration systems in decades, replacing older platforms and consolidating multiple tools into a single, intuitive, user-friendly environment.

Here’s everything motor carriers, brokers, transportation service providers, insurers, and BOC-3 filers need to know.

Why Is FMCSA Launching Motus And What Is It?

FMCSA’s registration processes, such as USDOT number applications, updates, insurance filings, and BOC-3 submissions, currently rely on older, fragmented systems. These outdated tools make it challenging for users to maintain accurate information and create gaps that can increase fraud risks.

Motus aims to fix these long-standing issues with a modernized platform that offers:

Enhanced Data Accuracy: Clear workflows, more efficient updates, and better verification help ensure safer, more reliable registration records.

Stronger Fraud Prevention: Improved identity verification and streamlined filer management reduces the risk of fraudulent filings, unauthorized updates, or identity theft.

Simplified Registration Processes: Users will manage all registration activities—USDOT numbers, insurance filings, BOC-3 forms, and more—under one secure login.

Increased Safety Oversight: Better data and fewer registration loopholes help FMCSA identify high-risk entities earlier.

Motus isn’t just a facelift, it’s a full system modernization aimed at supporting the safety and integrity of the trucking industry for decades to come.

Motus Rollout Timeline: Three Major Phases

FMCSA is intentionally rolling out Motus in stages to ensure a smooth transition:

Phase 1 (Live Now – December 2025): Supporting Companies Only

As of December, the first users allowed into Motus are supporting companies, the entities responsible for maintaining filings on behalf of carriers. These include:

• Transportation service providers
• Blanket companies (BOC-3 process agent filers)
• Financial responsibility filers (insurance companies, surety companies, financial institutions)

These companies now have limited access to Motus to:

• Create user profiles
• Create business/company accounts
• Verify identity
• Invite additional authorized users
• Claim existing Licensing & Insurance (L&I) filer accounts
• Upload eligibility documentation (insurance licenses, banking certificates, etc.)

Important: Supporting companies must still make all official filings (BOC-3, insurance, etc.) using FMCSA’s existing systems until those functions become active in Motus.

Related: Deregulation or Disruption? Inside the FMCSA Rule Changes That Could Reshape Trucking in 2026

Phase 2 (2026): Motus Opens to All Users

In 2026, FMCSA will open Motus to:

• Motor carriers
• Brokers
• Freight forwarders
• Intermodal equipment providers
• New registrants
• Existing registrants needing updates

This will introduce a user-friendly, modern registration experience, including:

• More intuitive application workflows
• A simplified USDOT registration process
• Consolidated company profiles
• Easier update and biennial MCS-150 management
• Faster and more secure filing processes

FMCSA will issue onboarding instructions closer to rollout time, along with training and support resources.

Phase 3 (Ongoing After 2026): Continuous Improvements & Future Rulemaking

After the system opens broadly, FMCSA will continue:

• Adding new functionalities
• Improving workflows
• Collecting user feedback
• Making system refinements

FMCSA has also noted some potential future changes under consideration, although NONE will be implemented with the Motus launch:

• Safety Registration (replacing MCS-150 updates)
• Eliminating docket numbers
• Modifying the BOC-3 filing process

These items will require formal rulemaking and public comment. The current regulatory agenda estimates a proposed rulemaking in March 2026.

Who Is Affected by Motus—Right Now and Later

Currently Affected (Phase 1): Supporting Companies

Those with access right now include:

1. Blanket Companies (BOC-3 Filers)

Can:

• Create profiles
• Add process agents
• Claim their L&I filer account
• Invite authorized users
• Manage and update process agent information

2. Insurance & Surety Companies (Financial Responsibility Filers)

Can:

• Create profiles
• Provide eligibility information
• Claim their L&I filer account
• Invite authorized users
• Upload licenses or certification documents

3. Transportation Service Providers

Can:

• Create user profiles
• Create company accounts
• Invite sub-account holders

These companies need this early access because they will support thousands of carriers once the system fully opens.

Not Yet Affected (Phase 2): Motor Carriers, Brokers & Other Entities

FMCSA has been clear:

There is no action required from motor carriers or brokers at this time.

Motor carriers cannot yet:

• File a BOC-3 through Motus
• Update USDOT information
• File or update insurance
• Make registration changes

All standard filings must continue using current FMCSA systems, such as:

• UR System
• L&I System
• SAFER
• Legacy BOC-3 systems

FMCSA will announce when and how carriers should begin accessing Motus in 2026.

What Supporting Companies Need to Do Now (Step-by-Step)

FMCSA has provided clear instructions for the main account holder at each supporting company:

Step 1 — Establish a User Profile (Including Identity Verification)

• Visit motus.dot.gov
• Create a secure user account
• Complete identity verification

Only main account holders should register at this stage. Sub-users must wait for an invitation.

Step 2 — Create the Supporting Company Account

Designate your company as:

• Transportation service provider
• BOC-3 filer
• Insurance/surety filer

If applicable, claim your Licensing & Insurance (L&I) filer account to migrate existing filings later.

Step 3 — Invite Authorized Users

Main account holders can add:

• Staff members
• Filing administrators
• Additional L&I users
• Process agents (for BOC-3 filers)

Sub-account holders may only access Motus after receiving an invitation.

What Motus Will Change for the Industry

Motus will reshape how the industry manages registration. Key improvements include:

1. A Single Platform for All Registration Activity: Reducing confusion, duplicate entries, and outdated data.

2. Faster and More Accurate Filings: Standardized steps and identity verification reduce errors.

3. Better Fraud Detection: A growing issue in recent years—including fraudulent carrier identity changes, fake insurance filings, and unauthorized updates.

4. Streamlined Support for Carriers: Service providers will be better equipped to assist once fully onboarded in 2026.

5. A More Modern, Intuitive Experience: Replacing FMCSA systems built decades ago.

What Motus Will NOT Change at Launch

FMCSA has clarified that Motus will NOT implement the following, at least initially:

• No removal of docket numbers
• No changes to BOC-3 filing rules
• No new “safety registration” system
• No elimination or replacement of the MCS-150 just yet

These potential changes are undergoing separate rulemaking and cannot be implemented without public comment.

What Carriers Should Do Today (and What They Should Avoid)

• Do Not Attempt to Access Motus: Carriers cannot create accounts yet.
• Continue Using Current Systems: All USDOT and insurance filings remain unchanged.
• Stay Informed: FMCSA will release training materials, FAQs, and instructions as the 2026 launch approaches.

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