On April, 29 2026, FMCSA published the official notice on the Federal Register announcing Motus, the new USDOT Registration System. The notice summarizes how Motus will satisfy regulatory requirements related to the Unified Registration System, the new system’s capabilities, and how the system will simplify existing registration processes.

As of May 14, 2026, Licensing and Insurance -L&I is currently available only for reviewing historical motor carrier records. Motus filings are not currently reflected in the Licensing and Insurance -L&I system.P

Motus is now available for submitting and managing filings. Users can enter new filings and manage existing ones directly within the Motus system. For any filing or motor carrier record activity after May 18, 2026, please use the Motus search function.

Yes.  A job aid with step-by-step instructions for submitting filings is available. Please visit the Motus Supporting Company Job Aid and search the pages below for assistance with making filings.

For insurance filings, please refer to page 10.
For BOC-3 filings, please refer to page 19.

FMCSA has proposed no longer assigning MC Numbers. Consistent with statutory requirements, the USDOT Number would become the sole identifier for all FMCSA registrants. Individual registrations held by a distinct employer or person would be identified by unique suffixes within FMCSA’s systems, as required by MAP-21. This change is under consideration and will be available to comment on in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. It will not go into effect with the first release of the new registration system.

• Suffixes will help easily identify entity type and/or registrations granted by FMCSA. Suffixes will be displayed in Motus for reference but will not be a vehicle marking requirement. Suffixes are as follows:
  • Property Carrier Operating Authority: C
  • Private Carrier: V
  • Passenger Operating Authority: P
  • Household Goods Carrier Operating Authority: H
  • Broker Operating Authority: B
  • Freight Forwarder Operating Authority: F
  • Enterprise Operating Authority: E
  • MX Long-Haul: X
  • MX Commercial Zone: Z
  • Non-North America Domiciled: N
  • Intrastate Carrier: R
  • Cargo Tank, Intermodal Equipment Provider, and Hazardous Materials entities do not have their own suffixes.

• Yes, a registrant may have multiple suffixes after their USDOT Number to identify specific registrations they hold. An entity with multiple operating authorities will have more than one suffix reflected in FMCSA systems. Suffixes would not be required for marking commercial motor vehicles but would be required by statute for identification on documents for business transactions involving freight forwarders, brokers, or motor carriers (for-hire non-exempt carriers). Here are some examples of how multiple suffixes may be displayed:
  • Property Carrier: USDOT Number 1234567C
  • Property Carrier + Household Goods: USDOT Number 1234567CH
  • Property Carrier + Freight Forwarder: USDOT Number 1234567CF
  • Broker: USDOT Number 1234567B

No. If FMCSA stops issuing MC Numbers, existing MC Numbers will not be replaced by USDOT Numbers. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141) (MAP-21) requires all FMCSA regulated entities to have a USDOT Number. To comply with MAP-21, FMCSA began assigning USDOT Numbers to brokers, freight forwarders, and motor carriers who operate non-commercial motor vehicles and did not already hold a USDOT Number. Motor Carrier Docket Numbers (MC Numbers) were never a statutory or regulatory requirement. Historically, MC Numbers were used by FMCSA to track proceedings related to a single operating authority registration and not to identify a specific person, employer, operator, motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder. The need for separate tracking numbers for each type of registration became unnecessary when all operating authorities became nationwide, with the elimination of route-specific and common or contract authorities, and with the newer requirement for all regulated entities to hold a USDOT Number. Rather than being replaced by USDOT Numbers, FMCSA is considering phasing out MC Numbers. Specific types of operating authority registration would instead be indicated by a suffix to the USDOT Number for each type an entity may hold.

The USDOT Number is a unique identifier that FMCSA uses to identify an employer or person’s operations. MAP-21 added a new requirement for safety registration for every employer or person operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. All distinct registrations or permits (e.g., operating authority registrations, safety registration, cargo tank facility registration, hazardous materials safety permits) held by one entity will eventually be associated with the USDOT Number. Safety registration is required for any employer or person operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Safety registration is distinct from the USDOT Number. Before the Agency will issue safety registration, it must first determine that the applicant is willing and able to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, is not affiliated with an unfit registrant or applicant, and has disclosed all relevant affiliations. In addition, MAP-21 requires every broker, freight forwarder, or motor carrier (whether operating commercial motor vehicles or not) to obtain a USDOT Number. FMCSA is modernizing its registration systems and process to eventually implement these MAP-21 requirements, however, safety registration will not be implemented with the first release of the new registration system.

Existing registrants will keep their current USDOT Number. Previously registered brokers, freight forwarders, and motor carriers operating non-commercial vehicles who never received a USDOT Number in the past will receive a USDOT Number, as required by statute

Motus is USDOT’s new registration system for FMCSA customers. The new system will provide tools to support all parts of the registration lifecycle, streamline processes, enhance fraud prevention, and provide a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for supporting companies, motor carriers, brokers, and other registrants.

FMCSA is mandated by statute to build a unified registration system. FMCSA first established the system through rulemaking and with the completion of the Unified Registration System (URS) online application. FMCSA’s current modernization project will complete the system mandated in 49 USC 13908 and will allow FMCSA to incorporate key registration features required by MAP-21 over time. FMCSA is also developing the new registration system to improve the registration experience and processes for users. The new system will provide a user-friendly, streamlined approach to managing the registration life cycle of regulated entities. It will be designed to provide fraud-resistant security features, validate submissions in real time, and integrate data with all required State and Federal systems. It will also provide role-based access to easily navigate accurate registration data.

Supporting companies—transportation service providers, blanket companies (BOC-3 filers), and financial responsibility filers (insurance/surety companies and other financial institutions)—now have limited access to Motus: USDOT Registration System to create user profiles and company accounts. All other customers, including new and existing registrants, will be able to access the system and take advantage of enhanced, user-friendly registration tools and information when Motus launches to all users in May 2026. After Motus launches, FMCSA will continue to release additional functionalities and collect feedback to identify new refinements and enhancements.

Yes, FMCSA will use the new registration system to provide automated electronic notifications. FMCSA also intends to allow registrants to opt in to receive automated service of registration related notices and orders by electronic means. If a registrant does not opt in for service, they will receive routine communications electronically, but any order (or a notice that could result in a change to registration status) will continue to be mailed.

Yes, the new registration system will be simple, secure, and seamless, and will be able to be accessed on mobile devices, tablets, and computers.

Yes, the goal of the new system is to make changing information more intuitive and seamless. However, some changes require additional evidence or documentation, and FMCSA must review certain changes before allowing them to be reflected in the system.

The system will still allow intrastate carriers to obtain a USDOT Number if their State requires it. Those carriers can submit an application for a USDOT Number as intrastate carriers and go through the same identity verification and business verification processes as other system users. Please note that FMCSA will not track or monitor State requirements in the new FMCSA registration system.

There are no planned changes to the registration fees associated with the initial release of the new system. Any adjustments to registration fees will be proposed during the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the Unified Registration System Enhancements and Updates.

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To change the Legal/DBA name associated with your company’s FMCSA Registration, you will need to submit the appropriate form(s) and supporting documentation to update your USDOT number record and (where applicable) your Operating Authority record(s). Please see the instructions below.

1. Update your USDOT number Record (free of charge).
   1. Obtain the necessary form: To update your USDOT number record you will need to download the appropriate MCS-150 Series form: MCS-150 (Motor Carriers), MCS-150B (Motor Carrier with HazMat Permit), or MCS-150C (Intermodal Equipment Providers).
   2. Fill out the form: Please follow the instructions on the form to ensure all required information is completed accurately.
2. Update the name on your Operating Authority record($14 fee required except for “pending” applications). If your company has a USDOT number only, skip to step 3.
   1. Obtain the necessary form: To complete a name change request, you will need to submit the MCSA-5889 - Motor Carrier Records Change Form.
   2. Fill out the form: Fill out the MCSA-5889 form with accurate and up-to-date information. To complete the MCSA-5589 form for a name change request, complete the following sections:
      • Section A – Complete Section A with the current Legal Business and/or DBA name on file with FMCSA.
      • Section C – Complete Section C with the updated Legal Business and/or DBA name.
      • Section E – Provide your payment information so FMCSA may process the $14 fee associated with a name change request. Please note, if your operating authority application is “Pending,” there is no fee required, and Section E can be left blank.
3. Gather supporting documents: Along with the MCS-150 and/or MCSA-5889 form, you will need to provide supporting documents that verify the name change.
   1. Sole Proprietors/Partnerships: Documents may include a marriage/death certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal documentation.
   2. Corporations: Documents may include Certificates of Amendment (typically includes the old and new company names); Amended Articles of Incorporation; Articles of Incorporation in cases where the Secretary of State does not provide Articles of Amendment.
   3. All Requestors: The Company Officer signing the Certification Statement on the MCS-150 form and (where applicable) the Applicant’s Oath in Section A of Form MCSA-5889 must also submit a copy of his/her current government-issued ID (such as a U.S. passport, driver’s license, or resident card).
4. Submit the request: Once you have completed the appropriate form(s) and gathered all the required supporting documents, submit the request and documentation to FMCSA via a ticket to the FMCSA Contact Center (complete the required fields and upload your documents).
5. After the documents are submitted: Once you have submitted the name change request along with all the required documentation, the form will be reviewed for processing.
   1. Requests are processed in the order that they are received. For additional information about processing times for registration forms, please see our FMCSA Registration Forms page.
   2. Once FMCSA notifies you that your request has been processed, please allow 24-48 hours for the new name to be visible on FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot website and (if the company has Operating Authority) the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Public website. You can verify the updated information there.
   3. Additionally, for name changes to an Operating Authority record, a hard copy of the Re-entitlement letter will be mailed to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can also print the letter via the Daily FMCSA Registration Decisions.

In some cases, a legal name change, ownership change, or change in form of business may require a new USDOT number. For more information on this, click here. FMCSA may contact you for additional information regarding your name change request.

6. After FMCSA issues your Re-entitlement letter for name changes to Operating Authority: The amended BOC-3 form, and proof of insurance filings need to be filed with FMCSA within thirty (30) days of the name change. Your operating authority registration will be at risk of being revoked if the amended BOC-3 form and insurance requirement are not updated in a timely manner. For more information on insurance requirements, visit our Insurance Requirements webpage.

DO NOT Sell, Purchase, or Lease a USDOT Number or Operating Authority (MC Number) online or elsewhere from an unknown person or outside of a legitimate corporate transaction.

This notice applies to the purported sale or lease of registration or operating authority itself—not to the leasing of equipment (e.g., trucks or drivers) under compliant arrangements such as those governed by 49 CFR Part 376 and 49 CFR Part 390, Subpart G. Equipment leasing arrangements between motor carriers and owner-operators remain permissible and are distinct from the prohibited sale, purchase, or lease of USDOT Numbers or operating authority registration.

Upon discovery of attempts to sell, purchase, or lease a USDOT Number or Operating Authority outside of a legitimate corporate transaction, FMCSA will initiate proceedings to inactivate the USDOT Number and revoke all related registrations, including safety registration required under 49 U.S.C. 31134 and any operating authority registration required under 49 U.S.C. 13901-13905.

USDOT Numbers are like a driver’s license or identification card number, and they identify who a motor carrier, broker, freight forwarder, or other entity is. The USDOT Number belongs to the same legal person forever and may not be sold, transferred, rented, or leased. FMCSA will inactivate USDOT Numbers upon discovery that the number is being used by anyone other than the assigned legal person.

Sole Proprietor: If a motor carrier is a sole proprietor (e.g., John Doe d/b/a Doe Trucking), John Doe will always be the owner and only one who can ever use his USDOT Number. If John decides to sell his business, the buyer will need their own USDOT Number because no one else can ever “become” John Doe. If you attempt to purchase, rent, or lease, and use John’s USDOT Number, FMCSA is authorized to inactivate your number and revoke the safety registration associated with the USDOT Number.

Corporation (or any legal Business Organization): If John, however, forms a corporation (e.g., John Doe, Inc.), John can sell the company and the USDOT Number goes with the company – John Doe, Inc., is a separate legal person from John Doe. The new corporate owners should update FMCSA records immediately to note the change in ownership, and any other demographic information that might change as a result of the corporate ownership change. If John Doe, Inc., merges with Jim Smith, Inc., or is acquired by Jim Smith, Inc., the status of John Doe, Inc.’s USDOT Number depends on how the parties decide to continue business operations. If John Doe, Inc. continues operations as a corporation after the transaction, the USDOT Number stays with John Doe, Inc. If, however, John Doe Inc., is dissolved under state law and all operations only continue under Jim Smith, Inc., or another new combined company like Jim and John, Inc., then the continuing company requires its own USDOT Number and may not use the USDOT Number assigned to John Doe, Inc. John Doe, Inc.’s USDOT Number should be deactivated on Form MCS-150 using the reason “out-of-business.”

Operating Authority (MC Number) is required to perform specific for-hire transportation operations by motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Under the Interstate Commerce Commission, operating authority was often transferred because it was limited, i.e., only a certain number of motor carriers were authorized to provide a specific type of transportation along a specific route. With the sunset of the Interstate Commerce Commission, Congress removed the limitations on operating authority, allowing motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to hold interstate operating authority – meaning separate authority was no longer required for specific routes.

Once a carrier holds operating authority, they are permitted to operate along any route across the country. Because of this change, transfers of operating authority are of little benefit and are less common, but there are some circumstances where FMCSA will still record a transfer following a legitimate business transaction.

Operating authority is not a distinct commodity and may not be sold, leased, or rented to another party for use as if that party were the registered entity responsible for safety management and regulatory compliance, outside of a legitimate corporate transaction.

Sole Proprietor: If a sole proprietor (i.e., John Doe d/b/a Doe Trucking) sells his business, FMCSA may require the purchaser to obtain separate operating authority or may record a transfer of operating authority, depending on the details of the transaction. In every instance, however, John Doe will be required to file an out-of-business notification. FMCSA will initiate proceedings to revoke operating authority, despite the intent of the parties, for failure to make filings to update the company record.

Corporation: In corporate transactions, FMCSA will record a transfer of operating authority only if motor carrier operations will continue with the same safety management oversight and controls after the corporate transaction. In many cases, following a corporate transaction, motor carriers are only required to report ownership or corporate officer changes – no transfer is required. In other cases, if a new entity is formed, a transfer may be recorded, or new operating authority may be required. FMCSA will initiate proceedings to revoke operating authority, despite the intent of the parties, for failure to apply for new authority or record a transfer.

If you fail to follow these rules and sell, purchase, or lease a USDOT Number or Operating Authority outside of a legitimate corporate transaction, FMCSA will initiate proceedings to inactivate the USDOT Number and revoke all related registrations, including safety registration required under 49 U.S.C. 31134 and any operating authority registration required under 49 U.S.C. 13901-13905.