FMCSA Plans to Expand Motus Registration System Reform Scope in Q2
FMCSA will expand the application scope of the Motus registration system in Q2, which aims to simplify the registration process, enhance security verification, and gradually replace multiple existing registration systems. The new phase will begin 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 as part of a streamlining reform.
- The new system, Motus, promises enhanced security, including new business verification measures aimed at reducing fraud and saving carriers time, according to anotice。
- The system will replace the Unified Registration System (URS), which currently applies to new applicants, while also replacing the registration portion of the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) and the former Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) licensing and insurance systems.
In-Depth Analysis
FMCSA said Motus is designed to "streamline the registration process, simplify identification, improve user experience, and integrate enhanced verification tools."
Through the new system, the agency aims to better combat cargo and currency theft affecting the trucking industry, such as FMCSA carrier account hijacking, carrier number sales, and fraudulent initial registrations, according to the notice.
"The project team likes to time themselves to see how quickly they can complete testing from start to finish," Julie Otto of FMCSA's 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 deploying to some industry users in December 2025, such as BOC-3 designated agents. FMCSA said the next phase of the Motus registration system will apply to the following entities:
- For-hire motor carriers operating regulated commodity transport under 49 U.S.C. 13902(a)
- Surface freight forwarders operating under 49 U.S.C. 13903
- Property brokers operating under 49 U.S.C. 13904
- Certain Mexico-domiciled motor carriers operating under 49 U.S.C. 13902(c)
- Cargo tank manufacturers, assemblers, repairers, inspectors, testers, and design certifying engineers under 49 U.S.C. 5121a, 49 CFR 1.87, and 49 CFR Part 107 Subpart F
FMCSA said certain stakeholders not included in the mandatory scope will be encouraged 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 said the next phase of Motus will open on May 19, while legacy registration features will beretired on May 14。