FMCSA’s MOTUS Registration System Launch: Motor Carrier Access Updates
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will launch the Motus Registration System, replacing several legacy platforms, including the Unified Registration System (URS). FMCSA expects to grant full access to motor carriers and brokers in late May and required all carriers to complete key actions by May 14, 2026. If you have not already done so, you can still complete these key actions in the existing system. Doing so before the “go live” date will be critical to keep access to your account.
What Is MOTUS?
Motus, meaning movement in Latin, is FMCSA’s unified online system for USDOT Numbers and operating authority registration. It is intended to replace parts of URS, the Licensing and Insurance system, and other legacy platforms with a secure, single platform.
Late‑May 2026 Go‑Live for Motor Carriers
Supporting companies have had limited access to Motus since December of 2025. FMCSA recently announced that motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders will gain access in late May 2026. Once live, Motus will be the primary system for registration updates and authority management.
Action by May 14, 2026
In advance of the Phase II launch, FMCSA issued a formal notice requiring all carriers to update and verify their registration information in the FMCSA Portal no later than May 14, 2026. You can still complete these actions after the May 14th date but should do so as soon as possible to keep access to your account.
- Confirm FMCSA Portal account is active.
- If your account has been disabled or archived, reach out to FMCSA’s contact center. At http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa
- Ensure company information, operating classification, and contact details including individuals authorized to access your record are accurate
- Verify that the correct Company Official is designated, as only the FMCSA Portal Company Official using the same FMCSA Portal login.gov email will be permitted to claim an account in Motus for the first time.
- Update records using the Biennial Update (MCS‑150) function if needed
What Is Not Changing (for Now)
At launch, Motus will not eliminate MC/FF/MX numbers, introduce Safety Registration, or change BOC‑3 filing requirements. Those issues remain subject to future rulemaking.
Our Take
The May 14 deadline was not optional housekeeping—it was a prerequisite to a smooth transition. If you missed the deadline, complete the actions as soon as possible to avoid access issues on the “go-live” date.
If you have questions about Motus readiness or risk mitigation, we are actively advising clients on transition planning.
A quarterly newsletter of legal news for the clients and friends of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.
FMCSA’s MOTUS Registration System Launch: Motor Carrier Access Updates
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will launch the Motus Registration System, replacing several legacy platforms, including the Unified Registration System (URS). FMCSA expects to grant full access to motor carriers and brokers in late May and required all carriers to complete key actions by May 14, 2026. If you have not already done so, you can still complete these key actions in the existing system. Doing so before the “go live” date will be critical to keep access to your account.
What Is MOTUS?
Motus, meaning movement in Latin, is FMCSA’s unified online system for USDOT Numbers and operating authority registration. It is intended to replace parts of URS, the Licensing and Insurance system, and other legacy platforms with a secure, single platform.
Late‑May 2026 Go‑Live for Motor Carriers
Supporting companies have had limited access to Motus since December of 2025. FMCSA recently announced that motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders will gain access in late May 2026. Once live, Motus will be the primary system for registration updates and authority management.
Action by May 14, 2026
In advance of the Phase II launch, FMCSA issued a formal notice requiring all carriers to update and verify their registration information in the FMCSA Portal no later than May 14, 2026. You can still complete these actions after the May 14th date but should do so as soon as possible to keep access to your account.
- Confirm FMCSA Portal account is active.
- If your account has been disabled or archived, reach out to FMCSA’s contact center. At http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa
- Ensure company information, operating classification, and contact details including individuals authorized to access your record are accurate
- Verify that the correct Company Official is designated, as only the FMCSA Portal Company Official using the same FMCSA Portal login.gov email will be permitted to claim an account in Motus for the first time.
- Update records using the Biennial Update (MCS‑150) function if needed
What Is Not Changing (for Now)
At launch, Motus will not eliminate MC/FF/MX numbers, introduce Safety Registration, or change BOC‑3 filing requirements. Those issues remain subject to future rulemaking.
Our Take
The May 14 deadline was not optional housekeeping—it was a prerequisite to a smooth transition. If you missed the deadline, complete the actions as soon as possible to avoid access issues on the “go-live” date.
If you have questions about Motus readiness or risk mitigation, we are actively advising clients on transition planning.
News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.