A major change is coming to how carrier registration is handled, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is urging fleets to get ahead of it now. The agency is preparing to roll out its new Motus system in 2026, a platform designed to bring registration tasks into one place.
Motus is expected to replace parts of the current process with what FMCSA describes as a more streamlined, mobile-friendly system for handling registration activity.
What Motus Will Change
According to FMCSA, the new system will function as a centralized dashboard where carriers and other registered entities can manage their information and complete required actions.
FMCSA said Motus will be a “single, secure, and mobile-friendly online dashboard for registration actions” that is rolling out in 2026 for all users.
The shift is part of a broader push to simplify how registration data is managed and accessed.
What Carriers Need to Do Now
Before the system officially launches, FMCSA is asking carriers to take a few specific steps inside the existing FMCSA Portal to avoid issues during the transition.
“To facilitate the transition into the new system, motor carriers and other registered entities should ensure their FMCSA Portal account is active, the correct Portal Company Official is listed, and business information is updated,” the agency said.
The agency outlined the following actions
- Make sure your FMCSA Portal account is active by logging in here. If no account exists, create one
- Confirm the correct Company Official is listed in the Portal. This must be the person authorized to act on behalf of the business
- Use the same Login.gov email for both the FMCSA Portal and Motus to ensure access carries over
- Update company records by completing a Biennial Update using the MCS 150 form in the Registration tab
Why This Step Matters
The Company Official listed in the Portal will be responsible for claiming the USDOT number once Motus goes live. If that information is incorrect or outdated, it could delay access to the new system and slow down registration-related tasks.
Keeping company records current also allows existing data to transfer into Motus more smoothly, reducing setup time once the system is active.
Additional Resources Available
FMCSA has also put together a Registration Modernization Resources Hub that includes frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and other materials to help carriers understand what to expect and how to prepare.
What to Expect Next
The rollout is expected to take place in 2026, and preparation now will determine how smooth that transition is for individual carriers.
Taking a few minutes to confirm account access, verify contacts, and update records can prevent delays once the system goes live and becomes the primary way to manage registration.
