The FMCSA has temporarily paused the deactivation of USDOT numbers for motor carriers that have not completed their biennial update while the agency continues working to stabilize Motus, its new registration system.

Motus began operating as a replacement for several older tools used by motor carriers and other businesses regulated by the agency. The goal is to centralize processes, improve account security, and make it easier to manage updates related to registration and operating authority.

During this transition, however, the FMCSA decided to give additional time to carriers whose biennial update was due by June 1, 2026. For now, those carriers will not have their USDOT numbers deactivated solely because they have not completed that update.

This does not mean the biennial update requirement has gone away or that carriers can simply forget about it. The requirement remains in effect, and the FMCSA has indicated that it will issue additional instructions as the recovery and stabilization of Motus continues.

For owner-operators and small trucking companies, the best approach is to periodically review their registration information and stay alert for official communications from the agency.

It is also important to watch out for fraudulent messages, phone calls, or websites claiming they can immediately “reactivate” a USDOT number in exchange for payment.

The pause provides additional time, but it does not eliminate a carrier’s responsibility to keep its company information up to date with the FMCSA.