If your business already has a USDOT Number, you may be wondering how to connect your existing registration information to MOTUS.
Existing registrants can claim their USDOT record while setting up a MOTUS company account. The process imports existing company information so you can review and update it instead of manually entering everything again.
This guide explains how to claim an existing USDOT Number in MOTUS, what you need before starting, and the common issues to watch for during the process.
To claim an existing USDOT Number in MOTUS, the Company Official should sign in with the appropriate Login.gov account, create a MOTUS user profile, complete identity verification, select Link USDOT Number, verify the emailed code, accept the initial certification, review and update imported business information, and complete final certification. The Login.gov email must match the email used by the Company Official in the former FMCSA Portal.
What Does Claiming a USDOT Number in MOTUS Mean?
Claiming your USDOT Number does not mean applying for a new number. It means linking your existing company record to your new MOTUS company account.
FMCSA's current claiming job aid explains that this process imports existing company information automatically. You then review the information, make applicable updates, and certify the record.
User Profile
Your individual identity and access credentials in MOTUS.
Company Account
Your business account, where authorized users manage company information and registration actions.
Who Should Claim an Existing USDOT Number?
The process is intended for existing registrants that already have a USDOT Number. The appropriate Company Official should connect the record and establish the company account.
Transportation service providers should not use the registrant USDOT claiming process. FMCSA directs supporting companies to create a supporting company account and connect with registrants after their company accounts are established.
What You Need Before Claiming Your USDOT Number
Login.gov Account
You need Login.gov credentials to access MOTUS. If you used the FMCSA Portal, use the same account email.
Correct Email Address
The Company Official must use the same Login.gov email used for that role in the FMCSA Portal.
Identity Verification
Be prepared to complete identity verification while creating your individual MOTUS profile.
Current Business Information
Have current records available so you can compare them with the information imported into MOTUS.
Existing USDOT Number
Keep the USDOT Number you intend to claim available for reference.
How to Claim Your Existing USDOT Number in MOTUS
Sign In to MOTUS
Visit the official MOTUS website and select the Login.gov sign-in option. Use your existing Login.gov credentials or create an account if you do not already have one.
Create Your MOTUS User Profile
Establish your individual profile and enter the requested personal information. One user profile can provide access to multiple company accounts when applicable, so do not create duplicate profiles.
Complete Identity Verification
Follow the identity verification prompts. Have an accepted government-issued ID and a suitable camera-enabled device available. If verification fails, contact FMCSA rather than creating another profile.
Initiate the USDOT Number Claim
MOTUS may display a pop-up showing one or more USDOT Numbers associated with your Login.gov account. Select Link USDOT Number, choose the record you intend to claim, and continue.
Enter the Verification Code
Check the email used to access Login.gov for a verification code. Enter the code in the Verify Your Identity window and submit it.
Accept the Initial Certification
Read the certification statement, confirm that you are an owner, official partner, or authorized corporate officer, enter your name as an electronic signature, and accept the statement.
Review and Update Imported Information
Access the company account and carefully review the imported legal business name, addresses, contact details, company information, operational details, and other registration records. Correct outdated or inaccurate information before certifying.
Complete Final Certification
Select the Certify button, review the final USDOT claiming certification statement, confirm record accuracy and regulatory compliance, and accept. A confirmation should indicate that the claim is complete.
What If You Can't Find Your USDOT Number?
If your existing USDOT Number does not appear, do not immediately apply for a new number. First check:
- You are signed into the correct Login.gov account
- You are the appropriate Company Official
- The Login.gov email matches the former Portal role
- The USDOT Number was associated with that account
FMCSA's job aid instructs users to contact the agency if the number is missing or the claim pop-up does not appear. Use the Contact FMCSA resource instead of creating a duplicate USDOT record.
Common Mistakes When Claiming a USDOT Number
Using the Wrong Login.gov Email
The Company Official should use the email associated with the existing company record and former Portal role.
Creating a New USDOT Number
If you already have a number, determine whether the existing record can be claimed before starting a new registration.
Skipping the Information Review
Imported information can be outdated. Compare every important field with current business records.
Creating Multiple User Profiles
Each individual generally needs one MOTUS user profile, even when accessing multiple company accounts.
Confusing the User and Company Accounts
Your user profile represents you; the company account represents the business and contains its registration actions.
Existing USDOT Number MOTUS Checklist
- Existing USDOT Number available
- Correct Login.gov account
- Appropriate Company Official access
- Identity verification completed
- Current business information available
- Company account established
- USDOT record claimed
- Imported information reviewed
- Incorrect information updated
- Final certification completed
Frequently Asked Questions
01Do I get a new USDOT Number when I claim my existing record?
02Do I need a USDOT PIN to claim my existing number?
03Can I update business information after claiming my USDOT Number?
04Can someone else claim my company's USDOT Number?
Need Help With Your MOTUS Registration?
Problems can occur when the Login.gov account does not match, identity verification is incomplete, imported information needs updating, or the existing USDOT record does not appear. Our compliance specialists can help you understand the setup process and prepare your registration information.
Visit Our MOTUS Registration Service PageThis article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. MOTUS processes and registration requirements may change. Follow the current instructions displayed in MOTUS and confirm requirements with FMCSA.