FMCSA said scammers have begun impersonating the Motus application and sending messages claiming that an off-cycle profile update requires immediate attention. The emails direct recipients to websites that resemble the federal registration portal but are not operated by the agency.

FMCSA Identifies Four Fake Motus Websites

The legitimate Motus registration system is available at motus.dot.gov. FMCSA identified four fraudulent addresses connected to the scam:

• dot.motusdatasboard.com
• dot.motusdatadesk.com
• dot.motuswebdeck.com
• dot.motusfunction.com

None of the four addresses use a .gov domain.

The fraudulent emails have used the subject line “Notice of Required Off-Cycle Update- Motus email” and include a button labeled “New MOTUS Portal.” Clicking the button sends recipients to an outside website rather than the official federal system.

FMCSA also noted that the agency refers to the system as “Motus,” while the fraudulent messages use “MOTUS” in all capital letters.

Scam Appears During the Motus Transition

FMCSA launched Motus on May 19 as its new USDOT registration system for motor carriers, brokers, and other regulated businesses. The platform is being introduced as part of a broader modernization of the agency’s registration process and uses Login.gov for access.

The scam surfaced while FMCSA was already making temporary changes to registration enforcement during the transition.

On September 10, the agency temporarily suspended enforcement of biennial-update requirements and paused USDOT number deactivations for missed filings due after June 1. Additional guidance is expected as FMCSA continues work related to the Motus rollout.

Those temporary changes make it especially important for companies to verify unexpected registration messages rather than assuming an email demanding an immediate update reflects a new federal requirement.

Check the Address Before Entering Registration Information

FMCSA is urging recipients to check website addresses carefully before responding to registration notices or entering company information. The official Motus website uses the federal .gov domain, while the four sites identified in the scam do not.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message should avoid clicking its links or entering information through the website it provides. Registration questions can be directed to FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.

Suspected fraud can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, while local law enforcement and state attorneys general accept fraud reports as well.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

Source: Freightwaves

The post FMCSA Warns Trucking Companies About Fake Motus Registration Websites appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This transition shifts registration activity away from older systems and into a single platform that will handle updates, filings, and authority management in one place.

What Motus Changes for Registration

Motus is intended to replace the Unified Registration System and the FMCSA Portal with one system that handles applications, updates, and authority requests. Instead of moving between multiple tools, registrants will complete these steps within one interface.

The update also introduces stricter verification requirements and real-time validation aimed at reducing fraud and improving the accuracy of registration data.

When the System Will Be Used

Access is being introduced in phases, with broader availability expected in the second quarter of 2026 following an earlier limited release.

Paper forms such as the MCS 150 and OP 1 series will remain available during the transition period, although processing times may take at least eight business days.

Identity Verification Requirements

Verification will be required the first time the system is accessed for both new applicants and existing registrants.

The process includes submitting a government-issued ID, completing a facial scan using a mobile device, and confirming identity through the system. These steps are designed to reduce unauthorized access and prevent fraudulent filings.

FMCSA has stated that personal information used during verification will not be stored, shared, or sold.

How Business Information Will Be Checked

The system will confirm that company details match official records. This includes verifying the business name, principal location, ownership structure, and listed officials, along with compliance with state and federal requirements.

These checks are intended to limit fraudulent registrations and prevent unauthorized changes to active accounts.

What Tasks Move Into Motus

Applications for USDOT numbers, biennial updates, company information changes, and operating authority actions will be handled within the new system.

Motus also includes real-time validation, mobile access, a centralized dashboard, and payment processing through Pay.gov, bringing multiple steps into a single workflow.

What Stays the Same for Now

Not every part of the registration process changes immediately. Motor Carrier and Freight Forwarder docket numbers remain in place during the initial rollout, and BOC 3 filing procedures are not expected to change at the start.

That means existing identifiers and certain filing requirements continue to apply while the system transition is underway.

What to Expect Moving Forward

The shift toward a single system changes how registration is handled, but the immediate impact comes down to preparation. Verifying identity, confirming business details, and reducing reliance on paper submissions will help avoid delays once the system becomes standard.

As the rollout expands, registration processes will become more centralized and verification-focused, with an emphasis on accuracy and security across all filings.

To address common questions about how this affects day-to-day registration activity, here are direct answers based on current guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do existing registrants need to verify identity?
A: Yes. Identity verification is required the first time the system is accessed.

Q: What is needed to complete verification?
A: A mobile device is required to scan identification and complete the facial verification process.

Q: Can paper registration still be used?
A: Yes, but processing times are longer during the transition.

Q: Will registration numbers change right away?
A: No. Existing docket numbers remain in place during the initial rollout.

Q: Why is the system being introduced?
A: The goal is to reduce fraud, improve data accuracy, and simplify how registration is managed.

Q: What should be checked before using the system?
A: Identification documents and business details should be accurate to avoid delays during verification.

For motor carriers, the next step is preparation. Keeping identification documents, business records, and registration details accurate will help reduce delays as Motus becomes part of the federal registration process.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 2, 2026

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post FMCSA Plans Motus Rollout for Motor Carrier Registration Changes appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.