FMCSA Plans to Expand Motus Registration System Reform Scope in Q2
FMCSA plans to further promote its new registration system, Motus, in the second quarter of 2026, which will replace multiple existing registration platforms and introduce new business verification mechanisms to reduce fraud risk. The next phase will launch on May 19 and involve various transportation-related entities.
Quick Overview
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plans to expand deployment of its new unified registration system in the second quarter, part of a streamlining reform effort.
- According to anoticefiled last month, the new system, Motus, promises enhanced security, including new business verification aimed at reducing fraud, and is expected to save carriers time.
- The system will replace the Unified Registration System required for new applicants, the registration component of the Motor Carrier Management Information System, and the former Interstate Commerce Commission licensing and insurance system.
In-Depth Analysis
FMCSA stated that Motus aims to "streamline the registration process, simplify identity management, improve user experience, and integrate enhanced verification tools."
According to the notice, through the new system, the agency aims to better curb cargo and currency theft affecting the trucking industry, such as FMCSA carrier account hijacking, carrier number sales, and fraudulent initial registrations.
"The project team likes to time themselves to see how quickly they can complete testing from start to finish," Julie Otto of the FMCSA Registration Office told Trucking Dive. "From login to user profile, to linking accounts and accessing a new customer page, we timed it at about 5 minutes and 15 seconds."
Motus began deployment in December 2025 to certain industry users, such as BOC-3 designated agents. FMCSA stated that the next phase of the Motus registration system will apply to:
- For-hire motor carriers of regulated commodities under 49 U.S.C. 13902(a)
- Surface freight forwarders under 49 U.S.C. 13903
- Property brokers under 49 U.S.C. 13904
- Certain Mexico-domiciled motor carriers under 49 U.S.C. 13902(c)
- Engineers involved in cargo tank manufacturing, assembly, repair, inspection, testing, and design certification under 49 U.S.C. 5121a, 49 CFR 1.87, and 49 CFR Part 107 Subpart F
FMCSA said it will encourage certain stakeholders not subject to the mandate to voluntarily use Motus. The agency plans to submit a rulemaking this spring to "require all registrants to use Motus," among other measures. Otto told Trucking Dive that remaining groups may include private carriers.
Otto stated that the next phase of Motus will launch on May 19, while legacy registration functions will beretired on May 14。