Last reviewed November 15, 2026, against FMCSA's public pages.
What FMCSA's process expects
- A government-issued ID. FMCSA's examples are a driver's license, a passport, and a permanent resident card (green card).
- A photo of yourself, taken during the check.
- A device with a camera. FMCSA says you can use a phone or tablet, and that you can scan a QR code with your phone to open the check in its web browser.
- A regular web browser on that device, such as Chrome or Safari. FMCSA says to use the device's internet browser.
The system then validates your ID and your identity. For how the whole first sign-in works, see Login.gov and the identity check.
Practical things to check
These are general good habits, not FMCSA rules:
- Use an ID that has not expired.
- Use good, even light and avoid glare on the card.
- Keep the whole card in the frame and hold the phone steady.
- Take your own photo with your face clearly visible.
- Open the QR code link in the phone's normal browser, not inside another app.
If you have no camera or it still fails
FMCSA says that if you have issues completing identity verification, you can contact the FMCSA Contact Center at 1-800-832-5660, and you may be referred to a designated physical location to complete the process.
These are FMCSA's contact options, not ours. FMCSA lists its Registration Customer Service Center at 1-800-832-5660 (phone or chat) and asks people to report Motus problems through a support ticket at ask.fmcsa.dot.gov, then follow up on that ticket instead of opening duplicates. Check FMCSA's notice for current hours.
What not to do
- Do not upload ID images to this site or any private site.
- Do not use someone else's ID. The person signing in must verify their own identity.
- Do not create a second Login.gov account and a second Motus user to try again. That can split your company's records.
If the ID check worked but you cannot find your USDOT number, the problem is claiming, not the camera step. See if you cannot claim your USDOT number.
No login here. This site never asks for your Login.gov password, one-time codes, or photos of your ID. Those belong only in Motus at motus.dot.gov.
What this part of the process involves
- A current government-issued ID
- A phone or tablet with a camera and a regular web browser
- Clear photos of the ID and of you
- FMCSA's Contact Center if it still fails
Rather not work through every step yourself? A Personal Compliance Specialist can prepare and file the parts that can be handed off.
Consult with a Compliance SpecialistDo it yourself, or hand it off
Do it yourself in Motus
- No FMCSA charge for a USDOT number or for updates. Government fees still apply to things like operating authority.
- You handle every screen, form and certification.
- You track recurring deadlines, such as the biennial update, yourself.
Have a Personal Compliance Specialist handle it
- A paid, optional service. The fee is quoted before work starts and is separate from government fees.
- Once you designate them in Motus as a service provider, they can prepare filings and do data entry for you.
- You still complete your own identity check and the final certification. No one can speed up FMCSA's review.
Related guides
Where this information comes from
We write these guides from FMCSA's public pages and update them when FMCSA changes its guidance. Check the source before you act:
