FMCSA is modernizing the registration experience by simplifying the registration process, streamlining identification, developing a new, user-friendly registration system, and incorporating enhanced verification tools. Read the following FAQs to learn more about registration modernization efforts.
- USDOT Numbers, MC Numbers, and Safety Registration
- New Registration System Release and Functionalities
- Account Creation, Identity Verification, and Business Verification
- Legacy Systems and Processes
- Supporting Companies
- Communications
USDOT Numbers, MC Numbers, and Safety Registration
- Will FMCSA stop issuing MC Numbers?
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.
- If FMCSA stops issuing MC Numbers, will existing MC Numbers be replaced by USDOT Numbers?
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.
- What is the difference between a USDOT Number and safety registration?
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.
- Can a registrant have multiple suffixes after their USDOT Number?
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).
- Will existing registrants get new USDOT Numbers or will they keep their current USDOT Number?
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.
New Registration System Release and Functionalities
- What is Motus: USDOT Registration System?
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.
- Why is a new registration system being developed?
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.
- When will the new registration system go live?
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. Download the fact sheet for a summary of this early access. 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 2026. After Motus launches, FMCSA will continue to release additional functionalities and collect feedback to identify new refinements and enhancements.
- Will the new registration system send automated notifications to users when updates are required?
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.
- Will I be able to access the new registration system from my mobile device?
Yes, the new registration system will be simple, secure, and seamless, and will be able to be accessed on mobile devices, tablets, and computers.
- Will a carrier be able to make changes to their information in the new registration system?
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.
- Will I be able to download my own FMCSA letters and orders in the new registration system?
Registered entities will be able to download letters and orders related to registration actions using the new registration system. All documents will show original service dates. The information in the system is authoritative. Certificates or communications from the Agency are only valid to establish what information was in the system on the date that document was printed.
- How will the new registration system impact intrastate carriers?
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.
- Is the registration fee expected to go up with the new 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.
- When will we learn more about the functionality in the new registration system?
A Federal Register Notice about the functionality of the new registration system will be published prior to the release of the new system. In addition, it is the intent of FMCSA to continue to share progress of development with the public.
Account Creation, Identity Verification, and Business Verification
- Will I need a Login.gov account to use the new registration system?
Yes. Any individual, business, insurance or financial institution, blanket company (BOC-3 filer), transportation service provider, or authorized agent using the new system will need Login.gov account credentials to access the system. Executive Order (EO) 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum (OMB) memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy), requires federal agencies to use multi-factor authentication for access to government systems. The new registration system will use Login.gov to provide this required multi-factor authentication.
- If I’m not a regulated entity, do I still need an account to take action in the new registration system to support my clients?
Yes, all users who make filings or submissions with FMCSA will need an account to access the new registration system. Public users may access and view public data through the system's website without an account. FMCSA will allow all service providers, financial responsibility filers, blanket companies, and process agents to establish accounts in the new system before it is actively used for regulated entity registration management.
- Will existing registrants have to go through identity verification and business verification?
To ensure data integrity and accuracy in the new registration system, all existing registrants will complete identity and business verification before completing any transactions in the new system. FMCSA will share more information on when and how to complete this process in the future.
- What happens if I can’t complete identity verification when creating an account?
FMCSA is introducing identity verification to maintain data and integrity and to fulfill the Agency mandate to only register entities who are willing and able to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. If you have issues completing identity verification, you can reach out to the FMCSA Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660 and may be referred to a designated physical location to complete the process.
- What does FMCSA consider a valid PPOB? And how will PPOB validation work in the new registration system?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) require employers and persons subject to the Agency’s safety jurisdiction to maintain records at the principal place of business (PPOB), or if the entity operates multiple locations those records must be available at the PPOB within 48 hours following a demand. The FMCSRs specifically define a principal place of business as “the single location designated by the motor carrier, normally its headquarters, for purposes of identification under this subchapter.” Further, in 2009, FMCSA published “Regulatory Guidance on the Definition of Principal Place of Business,” articulating how the Agency determines whether a designated location meets the definition of PPOB. The Agency reviews all applications for correctness and accuracy, and is required to review all applications for the applicant’s willingness and ability to comply with all applicable statutes and regulations. If FMCSA discovers evidence through the validation process or through registration vetting that an address submitted on an application could never satisfy the requirements of the FMCSRs, FMCSA is required to reject the application for registration.
- When can I create my user profile and company account?
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 (see FAQs for Supporting Companies). All other customers, including new and existing registrants, will be able to create profiles when Motus fully launches in 2026.
- What is a user profile in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
The user profile is a collection of information associated with each individual user. Each user will only need one user profile to access multiple company accounts in Motus, if applicable. To create a user profile, you will either sign in with an existing Login.gov account or create a new Login.gov account (only one Login.gov account is required), enter your information, and complete identity verification. For more information on the identity verification process, please visit our identity verification page. Note that sub-account holders should wait to receive an invitation from a company’s main account holder before creating a user profile in Motus. During the early limited access period beginning December 2025, only supporting company personnel should create user profiles in Motus.
- What is a company account in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
The company account is an account established by a business or organization to access and manage its information within Motus. When Motus launches for all users in 2026, motor carriers, brokers, and other entities will be required to enter business information and complete business verification to create a company account. The company account will enable authorized users to perform administrative and operational functions, such as managing user access, maintaining company information, applying for and managing registrations, and/or submitting required filings. During the early limited access period beginning December 2025, only supporting companies should create company accounts in Motus.
- Will I need a USDOT PIN to create a company account?
No, you will not be required to use a USDOT PIN to create a company account or register in the new registration system.
- What is a main account holder in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
A main account holder creates and maintains the company account (business profile) in Motus. Main account holders will have full access to company information and all functionality within the company account. These users are responsible for managing account access, including inviting additional main account holders or sub-account holders to access the company account. For financial responsibility and blanket company (BOC-3) filers, main account holders will have the ability to claim an existing Licensing and Insurance (L&I) filer account during company account creation.
- What is a sub-account holder in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
Sub-account holders are authorized users associated with a company account in Motus. Sub-account holders may be any employee or associate who needs access to the company account. These users must be invited to access the account by a main account holder; sub-account holders should not create user profiles in Motus until invited by a main account holder. Once a main account holder initiates an invitation in Motus, the sub-account holder will receive an automated email from the system to begin user profile creation. Sub-account holders cannot manage other users’ access to a company account.
- Will the current FMCSA Portal go away?
The development of the new registration system is part of a larger IT modernization effort that aims to eventually eliminate the FMCSA Portal and create a more centralized solution for all FMCSA regulated entities.
- Will the information displayed in the new registration system be in sync with information in other FMCSA systems?
Yes. There are significant data modernization and centralization efforts occurring in conjunction with the development of the new registration system, which will allow FMCSA to eventually maintain data in one central system and avoid conflicting information.
- Will registration updates, reactivations, and deactivations still require use of the USDOT PIN?
Registrants will be required to access the new registration system through Login.gov, removing the need for USDOT PINs. All electronic updates to company records, applications for reinstatement, applications for new registration, and requests for voluntary suspension or voluntary revocation, will be managed directly within the new system.
- What about customers that are unable to complete transactions electronically? Will paper forms still be allowed?
The new registration system will make the registration process more efficient and will be easy to use on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Currently, updates submitted on paper take days to process, and conducting business online is cumbersome with multiple logins in addition to a personal identification number. The goal of the new registration system is to transition from a paper-based registration system to a completely online process where common transactions can be completed in minutes. We recognize, however, that a small percentage of applicants may not have a computer or smart device, Internet access, computer skills, or a combination of the above. The elimination of paper-based forms is a subject for future Agency rulemaking. Until there is a regulatory change, FMCSA will continue to accept the forms in place today after system launch. Paper-based requests are expected to take longer to process than those completed online in the new system. The additional time is needed for the Agency to manually review, verify/confirm, and process information that otherwise would be conducted automatically and electronically by the system.
- Will users still be able to use SAFER to search carrier information?
In the first phase of the new registration system’s release, which begins with limited access for supporting companies in December 2025, SAFER will remain operational.
- Will users still be able to use the public Licensing and Insurance (L&I) site to verify the status of a carrier’s registrations and filings?
In the first phase of the new registration system’s release, which begins with limited access for supporting companies in December 2025, L&I will remain operational and financial responsibility filers will continue to make insurance filings in L&I.
- What is a supporting company?
A supporting company is a blanket company, financial responsibility filer, transportation service provider, or business that identifies as any combination of the three. Blanket companies, or BOC-3 filers, provide blanket designation of process agents electronically for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. They designate process agents in all U.S. States and the District of Columbia. Financial responsibility filers are insurance companies, surety companies, or financial institutions that register with FMCSA to file proof of insurance (i.e., BMC-91, BMC-91X, BMC-85) for entities applying for operating authority. Transportation service providers assist individuals or companies applying for and/or maintaining their FMCSA registration (USDOT Number or operating authority registration, biennial updates, reinstatements, etc.).
- What can supporting companies do in Motus: USDOT Registration System during the early limited access period beginning in December 2025?
Supporting companies will have early limited access to Motus to create user profiles and company accounts and manage user access. During the early limited access period, supporting companies must continue to use the FMCSA Portal/L&I to make BOC-3, insurance, surety, and financial-related filings and/or assist with motor carrier registration and updates until these functionalities are introduced in Motus. Please also keep business information (billing information, process agent listings, etc.) updated in both FMCSA’s current L&I system and in Motus until further notice.
- Why do supporting companies need to create user profiles and company accounts in the new registration system now?
This early action will ensure supporting companies are prepared to continue delivering essential support to the industry, such as making timely filings, when the new system launches.
- Will my company get a new filer number in the new registration system?
Each supporting company, including transportation service providers, will be issued a new, unique filer number during company account creation that identifies all of that company’s capabilities in the new system (e.g., filing BOC-3 forms and submitting insurance filings). This will allow the company to view and manage all filings via one account when the system fully launches.
During company account creation in Motus: USDOT Registration System, blanket companies and financial responsibility filers will be able to claim their existing Licensing and Insurance (L&I) filer account to link existing L&I filings to the new company account with the new filer number. The new filer number will not be used to make filings until the new system fully launches in 2026.
- Can I update the business or billing information that was entered during company account creation in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
During the early limited access period for supporting companies, any updates to a company’s business or billing information must be requested by contacting FMCSAInsurance@dot.gov. The ability to update this information in Motus will be added in a future release.
- How can I link my existing L&I filer account to my company account in Motus: USDOT Registration System?
During company account creation in Motus, the main account holder will be able to claim an existing L&I Filer Account by entering the filer number and branch number (if any). For more information on how to complete this process, please see the Supporting Company Job Aid. Completing this action now will ensure that your existing financial responsibility filings are successfully linked and displayed in Motus when it launches for all users in 2026.
Blanket Companies (BOC-3 Filers)
- What will blanket companies be able to do in Motus: USDOT Registration System during the limited access period beginning December 2025?
During the early limited access period, blanket companies will only be able to create user profiles and company accounts, add and manage process agent information, and add and manage company users. Blanket companies must continue to use the FMCSA Portal/L&I to make BOC-3 filings. Please also keep business information and process agent listings updated in both FMCSA’s current L&I system and in Motus during this period.
- What will blanket companies need to set up a company account?
To create a company account for a blanket company, the main account holder will need full access to company information, including process agent information (name, address, phone number, email). Be sure to claim your Licensing and Insurance (L&I) filer account during account creation (this will link your existing L&I filings to your account when Motus opens for filings).
- What will blanket companies be able to do when the new system fully launches in 2026?
Blanket companies will be able to manage their company account (including editing process agent information), view current filing information, and submit and cancel BOC-3 filings in Motus when the system launches for all customers.
- Can process agent information be updated in the new system?
Yes, beginning in December 2025, blanket companies can update their process agent information directly through their Motus company account. For more information on how to complete this process, please see the Supporting Company Job Aid.
Financial Responsibility Filers
- Will financial responsibility filers (insurance companies and financial institutions) use the new registration system?
Yes, insurance companies and financial institutions will be able to use the new system to submit the required financial responsibility filings, similar to the way they are electronically filed today.
- What will financial responsibility filers be able to do in Motus: USDOT Registration System during the limited access period beginning December 2025?
During the early limited access period, financial responsibility filers will only be able to create user profiles and company accounts and add and manage company users. Financial responsibility filers must continue to use the FMCSA Portal/L&I to submit and manage insurance, surety, and financial-related filings. Please also keep business information and billing information updated in both FMCSA’s current L&I system and in Motus during this period.
- What will financial responsibility filers need to set up a company account?
To create a company account for a financial responsibility filer, the main account holder will need full access to company information, including identifying numbers (e.g., NAIC, FDIC, State License Number, EIN), and a copy of your eligibility documents (e.g., State insurance license, banking certificate, or Federal/State charter). This must be submitted as a PDF file and must be a copy of the original document, not a screenshot or screen capture of a web page. This documentation verifies your institution’s eligibility to act as a financial responsibility filer with the FMCSA. Failure to provide adequate supporting documentation may result in processing delays. Be sure to claim your Licensing and Insurance (L&I) filer account during account creation as well, which will link your existing L&I filings to your account when Motus opens for filings. For more information on how to complete these actions, see the Supporting Company Job Aid.
Transportation Service Providers
- What will transportation service providers have to do when the new registration system is released?
Prior to launch of the new registration system, transportation service providers will be able to use their Login.gov accounts to access the system and proceed through the identity verification process to set up their user profiles and accounts. Both the Login.gov and identity verification process work in tandem to limit system access to authorized users and to secure FMCSA data. The Login.gov process authenticates the email that is used to create the account in the new registration system while the identity verification service confirms the identity of the individual creating the account using an acceptable form of identification. Once the required system checks have passed, the service provider can finish completing their registration system user profile and add client information to their account. After the service provider account is established in the new registration system, regulated entities will have the ability to authorize the service provider to assist in their registration. The new system will require regulated entities to review and submit data entry completed by service providers before FMCSA will begin processing any registration requests.
- Will transportation service providers be able to start the registration application process on behalf of a registrant?
When the new registration system is released to all users, new registrants will be required to start the application process and complete certain required information, including identity and business verification checks, before designating a transportation service provider to complete actions within the registration system on their behalf. The system will notify the service provider to confirm their relationship with the registrant. Once the transportation service provider has accepted the designation from the registrant, they will be able to complete actions on the registrant’s behalf in the registration system, including completing data entry for an application for registration. Note that the registrant (company official) will also need to review the transportation service provider’s entries and submit final oaths and certifications to complete a new application.
- Has FMCSA solicited feedback on the new registration system from transportation service providers given their role in helping registrants?
Yes. All feedback is important and is used to inform FMCSA’s decision making. Valuable feedback was received from the industry, including transportation service providers, at Stakeholder Days in January, May, and October 2024. Feedback can be also shared via email at NewRegSys@dot.gov.
- Will transportation service providers be vetted by FMCSA before being authorized to work with registrants?
While FMCSA does not have a separate vetting process for transportation service providers, all service providers will be required to create user profiles and company accounts and complete identity verification to access the new registration system. Registrants will be required to designate a service provider, and the provider must accept the designation before receiving access to any registrant’s company account. This process ensures that only authorized parties can access an entity’s company information after receiving the entity’s permission.
- Who can I contact if I have questions or feedback?
Email us at NewRegSys@dot.gov if you have questions or need additional information about the new registration system or the changes coming to FMCSA registration. Please note that this email account is intended to gather feedback regarding registration modernization. For inquiries not related to registration modernization or any issues that need immediate attention regarding FMCSA registration, please contact the FMCSA Registration Customer Service Center.
- How can I prepare for the launch of the new registration system?
You can prepare for the first release of the new registration system by following news and information shared on the Registration Modernization Resources Hub. We encourage you to subscribe to email updates based on your role in registration for information specific to your business operations. FMCSA will continue to share ways that you can prepare as the launch of the new registration system approaches.