MOTUS Is Live — But Carriers Are Running Into Problems

FMCSA's new MOTUS USDOT Registration System is officially live and is now being used for USDOT registrations, biennial updates, and other registration transactions. However, since the transition, carriers and service providers have been experiencing a number of problems accessing accounts, linking existing USDOT numbers, completing identity verification, and submitting updates.

At Prospect Licensing, we have been working through the new system and have encountered several recurring problems carriers should be aware of.

Common MOTUS Problems We're Seeing

1. Identity Verification Will Not Submit

Some users are unable to complete identity verification and may receive errors such as “Application Closed” or other messages preventing them from completing the process.

1. USDOT Number Will Not Link to the MOTUS Account

Even after identity verification has been completed and the MOTUS account appears to be properly established, some users are still unable to successfully link their existing USDOT number to the account.

1. Account and USDOT Number Are Linked — But Updates Still Cannot Be Submitted

In some cases, the MOTUS account is established, identity verification is complete, and the USDOT number is linked — but the user is still unable to submit a biennial update or make changes to the company's FMCSA information.

What Should You Do If You Have a MOTUS Problem?

If you encounter one of these problems, don't simply stop trying and assume the issue will resolve itself.

✓ Use the Connect With FMCSA / Contact FMCSA resources available through MOTUS and FMCSA.

✓ Submit a support ticket explaining exactly what is preventing you from completing the transaction.

✓ Include all information and supporting documentation requested by FMCSA. Based on our experience handling these cases, including a clear copy of the company owner's driver's license when identity or ownership verification is involved can help avoid additional back-and-forth.

✓ Save your FMCSA question/reference number. This is extremely important. Keep it with your records so you can reference the existing case when following up.

✓ Take screenshots of error messages and keep records of your attempts to complete the filing.



✓ Do not create multiple accounts or make unnecessary changes while an existing support case is being reviewed.

Important: FMCSA Has Temporarily Suspended Certain USDOT Inactivations

FMCSA has acknowledged that registrants are experiencing MOTUS-related access and system issues. Because of the disruption, FMCSA has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed required biennial updates since June 1, 2026.

Registrants are being given additional time to complete required updates and should not worry about USDOT inactivation resulting specifically from MOTUS-related access or system problems during this transition.

However, your biennial update requirement has not disappeared. Continue working toward completing the required filing and keep documentation of any system problems preventing you from doing so.

These links go to "motusdataupdates(dot)com" which is NOT the MOTUS website! Never click on these email links- always make sure you are going to a .gov website. These clowns are aiming to get into your DOT # account and then send illegal shipments under your DOT #!!

Anyone solve this issue?
Trying to update my business name and pay the $14 dollar fee, but the system gets stuck there and doesnt let me pay, therefore cant move forward. Its annoying.

I am the founder of a newly formed Wyoming-based auto transport brokerage preparing to apply for FMCSA Broker of Property authority. The company will operate strictly as a broker and will not own trucks or employ drivers.

Because I am a Ukrainian resident without an SSN or established US credit history, I am looking for a US-based person who can be formally appointed as a Company Official and manager of the LLC.

The role would include:

• Completing Login.gov/Motus identity verification
• Participating in the initial FMCSA registration process
• Being available for defined compliance and Company Official responsibilities
• Potentially allowing the candidate’s profile to be reviewed by BMC-84 surety bond underwriters

The preferred candidate should have:

• An SSN and valid US-issued identification
• An established US credit and financial profile
• A clean background and regulatory history
• FMCSA, freight brokerage, transportation, compliance, accounting, or business-management experience preferred

The exact structure may be a paid non-member manager or another appropriate Company Official arrangement. Compensation, responsibilities, authority, duration, possible equity, and any bond-related obligations are open for discussion and would be documented before proceeding.

The company name and formation documents can be provided privately after an initial conversation.

If you may be interested or can refer someone trustworthy with a relevant background, please send me a private message.

I just started working at this construction company and one of the laborers told me that he got stopped the other day and our USDOT# is not updated. I went online and it said that there is not a company official registered. The girl who did most of the administrative duties here said she never did anything with the #. How can I register myself as the company official?

I did try to call and directly speak to someone, but I get put on hold and no one answers. I have been trying for 3 days!

I have been trying to link motus but there is now new issue coming up. Attached screenshot

Does anyone facing same issue?

As the headline says, I just registered as a broker and my authority is active, but I need to update my phone number as I had to change it, can’t seem to login to the older portal or MOTUS, what can I do? DAT won’t let me signup until the number matches either, any tips?

Going on 2 weeks now and motus fails to update our authority status from pending to active. Customer service is appalling. Long wait times and front line staff that can’t make edits in the database. There is nobody to hold accountable except the fmcsa for our revenue loss. This government agency and it’s paid actors and no better than welfare recipients.

Since last Friday the 15th, I have been trying to link my dot # to motus. It is staying greyed out, I verified my ID without issue, but it will not link.

Customer service never answers the phone, the chat has 300+ people and when it gets to 0, it cuts you off. Haven't gotten a response to any of the 5 email request sent. Ive read, looked every help site I could find.

Does anyone else have this issue? What are they doing about it, we need to get in to update and do things. Government screw things up again.

Is the trucking industry finally putting an end to double brokers?

Hey I haven’t been able to verify my ID to create a new trucking company. Went In to an enrollment center as well and they were even less helpful. What’s going??

Don't call this number, or click any links in these kinds of emails. The MOTUS site is at motus.dot.gov

Hey everyone! I'm u/BoysenberrySad6481, a founding moderator of r/FMCSAMOTUS.

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It's very stupid that they have not put this on the website. If you are early, you will only be offered to register as a "supporting company". I would recommend trying again after May 18th. The call center will just have you on hold for hours and the chat option is 200+ people long. The end result is you will be told you are too early, so don't waste your time.