FMCSA Portal Login and Registration Guide (2026 Update)
If you are trying to log into the FMCSA Portal, there is something important you need to know first: as of May 14, 2026, the FMCSA Portal has been replaced by Motus -- the new USDOT Registration System. The old portal at portal.fmcsa.dot.gov is no longer where you manage your registration. Everything has moved to motus.dot.gov.
This guide covers what changed, how to access the new system, and what you need to do if you are registering for the first time or migrating an existing record.
What Happened to the FMCSA Portal?
The FMCSA Portal was the legacy web-based system carriers used to manage registration, update company information, and access FMCSA systems including the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. On May 14, 2026, FMCSA launched Motus as the replacement for both the Portal and the Unified Registration System (URS).
Motus consolidates everything into one unified platform -- new USDOT registrations, operating authority applications, biennial updates, BOC-3 management, insurance filings, and more. If you are looking for the old FMCSA Portal, you now need to use Motus instead.
How to Log Into Motus (The New FMCSA System)
Motus uses Login.gov for authentication. Here is what you need before your first login:
- A Login.gov account -- use the same email you used as the Company Official in the old FMCSA Portal if you are an existing carrier. If you are new, create a free Login.gov account first.
- A device with a camera -- Motus requires identity verification through IDEMIA, which involves scanning a government-issued ID. You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam.
- A valid government-issued ID -- driver's license, passport, or resident card.
Once you have those ready, go to motus.dot.gov and follow the login and identity verification steps.
First-Time Registration in Motus (New Carriers)
If you do not have a USDOT number yet, Motus is your starting point. Here is the process:
Create a Login.gov account
Go to login.gov if you do not already have one.
Create a Motus user profile
Visit motus.dot.gov and create a user profile. Your name will prepopulate from your government ID -- make sure it matches exactly.
Complete identity verification through IDEMIA
Have your government ID and a device with a camera ready.
Create a company account and apply for your USDOT number
If you need interstate operating authority to haul freight for hire, apply for your MC number at the same time. There is a $300 federal fee for operating authority -- a USDOT number alone is free.
Wait through the 10-day protest period
Once your application is submitted, it enters a standard 10-day protest window. It rarely causes issues for typical carrier applications.
Migrating an Existing Record to Motus
If you already have a USDOT number from the old system, you need to claim your record in Motus. Here is how:
Log into Motus with your original Company Official email
Use the same Login.gov email that was associated with your Company Official account in the old FMCSA Portal. This is critical -- if the emails do not match, Motus will not recognize the account as yours.
Claim your existing USDOT number
Once logged in, find the option to claim your existing USDOT number. This imports your company data automatically so you do not have to re-enter everything.
Review and certify all information
Confirm your legal name, address, operation classification, insurance status, and BOC-3 filing are accurate.
Common problem: Many carriers find their BOC-3 or insurance information did not migrate cleanly. If your SAFER profile shows gaps after migration, contact the FMCSA Registration Contact Center at 800-832-5660.
Common Motus Login Problems and Fixes
Identity verification failing
Make sure your legal name in Motus matches exactly what is on your government ID. Even a middle initial difference can cause a failure.
Can't claim your USDOT number
You must log in with the same Login.gov email used by the original Company Official. If that person has changed or the email is no longer accessible, contact FMCSA directly to resolve it.
Account disabled or archived
FMCSA Portal accounts were disabled after 90 days of inactivity and archived after 12 months. If your old Portal account was inactive, your Motus migration may require FMCSA support to unlock.
Authority showing inactive after migration
Verify your BOC-3 and insurance (BMC-91) are both showing active on your SAFER profile. Processing delays between filing and system updates can take a few business days.
What You Still Need After Getting Your USDOT Number
Getting your USDOT number through Motus is step one, not the finish line. Before you are legally operational, you also need:
- Your BOC-3 filed in all 50 states through a registered blanket process agent -- this cannot be filed by you directly as a carrier.
- Your insurance filed (BMC-91) meeting FMCSA minimums -- $750,000 for general freight.
- UCR registration completed for the current year.
- A compliant Drug and Alcohol Testing Program in place before any driver operates.
- Driver Qualification Files built for every driver.
Your authority will not activate until the BOC-3 and insurance are both confirmed on your SAFER profile.
Need Help Getting Set Up?
Navigating Motus is just the first step. Once your USDOT number is active, you still need a complete compliance program in place before FMCSA audits you -- which happens within 12 to 18 months of your first interstate trip.
We handle your BOC-3 filing, UCR registration, drug and alcohol testing program, and complete compliance documentation so you are audit-ready from day one.
FAQ
Where do I log into the FMCSA Portal now?
The FMCSA Portal has been replaced by Motus. Log in at motus.dot.gov using your Login.gov credentials.
Is Login.gov the same as the FMCSA Portal login?
No. Login.gov is a separate federal authentication system. You need a Login.gov account to access Motus. Create one free at login.gov.
Do I need to re-register if I already have a USDOT number?
No -- but you do need to claim your existing record in Motus using the same Login.gov email as your original Company Official account.
What if I can't log into Motus?
Contact the FMCSA Registration Contact Center at 800-832-5660 or visit fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/ask-fmcsa for support.
Does getting a USDOT number mean I can start hauling freight?
Not yet. You need operating authority (MC number), BOC-3, insurance, and UCR registration before you are legally operational.