FMCSA finally launches new registration system: Motus

After 30 years, FMCSA has launched its unified registration system: Motus. The system combines ease of use and identity verification to make motor carriers' lives easier.
May 20, 2026
2 min read
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Key takeaways

  • FMCSA announced the rollout of its centralized, online registration system: Motus.
  • The system employs digital face scans, government-issued IDs, and third-party validation to combat fraud.
  • Motus features a mobile-friendly interface and streamlined processes for easier registration.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Motus registration system

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA's) new unified registration system is finally live. After many years of waiting, motor carriers can now use Motus to receive their federal trucking registration number.

The new registration system is an upgrade to the previously outdated, scattered, and exploitable system. Motus combines FMCSA’s scattered applications into a single dashboard with all the trappings of modern identity verification.

“FMCSA’s registration modernization effort represents a major advancement in how the agency oversees and supports the commercial motor vehicle industry,” Derek D. Barrs, FMCSA administrator, stated. “This system improves efficiency for legitimate carriers while strengthening FMCSA’s ability to detect fraud, improve data quality, and identify unsafe operators.”

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Brief history of FMCSA registration systems

FMCSA has tried to develop an online registration system for nearly 30 years now. The agency first announced plans to develop a single, unified registration system back in 1996.

That first system—aptly named the Unified Registration System (URS)—was eventually abandoned as a partially implemented tool in 2015. URS had only basic functionality for first-time applicants, while existing carriers had to use disparate paper forms.

FMCSA proposed another new registration system in 2024. The agency first called it the FMCSA Registration System and, later, changed the name to Motus. The public had a chance to preview the system’s forms in mid-2024 and look at its new identity verification process in mid-2025.

The system uses government-issued IDs, digital face scans, and third-party business validation to limit fraud. It also has a mobile-friendly interface and streamlined processes for ease of use.

Motus launch keeps focus on fraud

Keeping momentum with its enforcement focus, FMCSA is framing the new registration primarily around fraud prevention.

“For decades, commercial trucking in America has been overseen by a fractured, legacy IT system,” the Motus launch press release stated. “This outdated registration system operates on a low-barrier, minimal-validation framework—making it alarmingly simple for fraudsters to register as motor carriers. All they needed was an email, name, and physical address.”

The new system’s verification protocols will, hopefully, close many of the loopholes that promoted fraud in commercial trucking.

Carriers can find Motus guidance, training resources, and customer support through FMCSA's website.

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe
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Jeremy Wolfe

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Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

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