FMCSA Motus Transition: Common Issues, FAQs & Next Steps

No large technology rollout is perfect, and Motus, the new USDOT registration system, has been no exception.

Since launch, the FMCSA has acknowledged several issues affecting users, including login problems, company claims, insurance filings, and operating authority workflows. The agency has continued releasing updates as those issues are identified and resolved.

Some of the most common problems include:

Difficulty claiming an existing company. This is often tied to outdated company records or information that no longer matches what's on file with the FMCSA.

Identity verification delays. Some users have experienced issues completing Login.gov verification or accessing Motus for the first time.

Questions about insurance or operating authority. Certain authority and insurance workflows experienced delays during the early stages of the rollout, though the FMCSA has prioritized those issues.

If you experience any of these problems, do not submit multiple requests for the same issue.

Instead:

• Save screenshots of any error messages

• Keep confirmation emails and support ticket numbers

• Document when you attempted the transaction

• Follow the FMCSA's current guidance for technical support

Your documentation can go a long way if you need to demonstrate that a filing or update was delayed because of a system issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Motus

As more companies move into Motus, the same questions continue to come up. Here are some of the answers that matter most.

Do I still need my USDOT PIN?

In some cases, yes.

The FMCSA still maintains PIN-related resources, and some legacy processes continue to rely on them. But for most registration activities, Motus is shifting access toward verified user accounts and company permissions rather than PINs alone.

Can multiple people access the same company?

Yes.

Instead of sharing one company login, Motus allows businesses to assign access based on each person's role. That means owners, safety managers, office staff, and outside compliance partners can each have the permissions they need without sharing passwords.

Do I need to create a new registration if I already have a USDOT Number?

No.

If your company already has a USDOT Number, you should claim your existing registration in Motus. Creating a second registration can create duplicate records and unnecessary delays.

What if my company information is incorrect?

Review your registration carefully after claiming your company.

If you notice outdated addresses, contact information, or company officials, update them through the appropriate Motus workflow. If you can't complete the update because of a system issue, document the problem and follow the FMCSA's support process.

Is SAFER still available?

Yes.

SAFER remains an important public resource for viewing carrier registration information, and the FMCSA also provides public search capabilities through Motus.

What to Do in Motus Now

Even if you don't have a registration filing due today, it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure your company is ready to use Motus.

A good place to start is this checklist:

• Create a Login.gov account, if you don't already have one

• Claim your company's existing USDOT Number

• Review your registration information for accuracy

• Confirm the right employees have access to your account

• Remove users who no longer need access

• Complete any required registration updates that are due

If you work with a compliance provider, it's also a good idea to confirm who's responsible for different registration tasks. For example:

• Who manages your Motus account?

• Who completes biennial updates?

• Who monitors operating authority?

• Who contacts the FMCSA if a registration issue comes up?

Knowing those answers now can save a lot of frustration later.

Where Foley Can Help with Motus

For many companies, Motus will eventually simplify the registration process. But registration is only one part of staying compliant with the FMCSA.

Whether you're applying for a new USDOT Number, updating your registration, maintaining operating authority, or working through an issue with Motus, Foley's compliance specialists can help you navigate the process.

We also support transportation companies with a wide range of ongoing compliance programs, including:

• Driver qualification files

• Drug and alcohol testing

• Background screening

• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Our goal is to help you spend less time navigating compliance requirements and more time running your business.

What's Coming Next with Motus?

Motus is no longer something carriers need to prepare for. It's the new registration system, and it's here to stay.

The FMCSA will continue refining the platform as more companies make the transition, but the fundamentals aren't expected to change. Going forward, carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders will manage their registration through Motus, keep their company information up to date, and use Login.gov to securely access their accounts.

If you haven't claimed your company yet, now's a good time to do it. Getting your account set up before you need to file an update or respond to an FMCSA request can save time and help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Like any major technology transition, there may still be a few bumps along the way. But once you're familiar with how Motus works, managing your FMCSA registration should become a more straightforward process than it was under the agency's legacy systems. 

Have more questions about Motus or feeling stuck? Talk to a Foley compliance specialist today.