FMCSA-APPROVED MOTUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDER
Starting a trucking or transportation business? Your U.S. DOT number and MOTUS setup — handled from start to finish.
All new registrations now include MOTUS Registration Setup — completed as part of a single, fully managed process.
ELIGIBILITY
A U.S. DOT number is required for both interstate and intrastate commercial motor carriers meeting one or more of the following federal criteria. Note that some states require intrastate carriers to obtain a state-specific registration in lieu of a USDOT number — contact our team to confirm your state's requirements.
Any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs or more, operating in interstate or qualifying intrastate commerce.
Vehicles designed to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation, or 16 or more passengers regardless of whether compensation is involved.
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding under federal DOT regulations, regardless of the amount, route, or configuration of the shipment.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
New motor carrier registrations require both a U.S. DOT number and MOTUS registration setup. Both are completed as part of a single, fully managed process — so operations can get underway without delay.
Complete FMCSA registration through the Unified Registration System. The USDOT number is issued, activated, and confirmed upon processing.
All new registrations require MOTUS configuration. The MOTUS profile is established as part of the registration process — no additional steps required.
Facial verification through ID.me may be required by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the MOTUS setup process. Step-by-step guidance is provided throughout.
Upon completion, a confirmation of the issued USDOT number is provided. The processing team remains available for any follow-up questions or compliance needs.
WHAT TO HAVE READY
Having the following information on hand will ensure your registration is completed without delays.
FAQ
A USDOT number is federally required for interstate carriers, but many states also require intrastate carriers to obtain one. States including California, Massachusetts, Texas, and others mandate USDOT registration regardless of whether operations cross state lines. Some states issue a state-specific carrier number instead of or in addition to a USDOT number — for example, California requires both a USDOT number and a CA number issued by the CHP. Requirements vary by state and commodity type; confirming the applicable state rules before operating is strongly recommended. If unsure, please call our registration hotline at (855) 863-9368
MOTUS is the FMCSA's modernized motor carrier management platform, designed to consolidate and replace legacy registration systems over time. It applies to interstate carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, passenger carriers, and Mexico-domiciled carriers operating in the U.S. All new USDOT registrations in these categories require MOTUS setup as part of the onboarding process. Intrastate-only carriers remain subject to state-level requirements.
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application and whether identity verification is required. Once all required information and documentation has been submitted and verified, registrations are typically processed promptly. Delays may occur if supplemental information or additional verification steps are needed.
Facial verification through ID.me may be required as part of the MOTUS setup process, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is a federal identity security measure. If declined, the application will be completed to the maximum extent possible using the information provided, though any gaps or unverifiable details remain the applicant's responsibility.
New carriers enter an 18-month New Entrant monitoring period during which the FMCSA may conduct a safety audit. Ongoing compliance obligations include UCR registration, biennial updates, Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse enrollment (if CDL drivers are employed), and applicable state-level filings. Failure to maintain compliance may result in deactivation of the USDOT number or suspension of operating authority. Assistance is available for DOT safety audits, Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and all post-registration compliance requirements.
Applications are accepted online or by phone. The processing team is standing by.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CST · DOT Registration Hotline