Login.gov for FMCSA MOTUS

What is Login.gov?

Login.gov is the federal government's shared sign-in service. It provides a single account that works across multiple federal agencies, including FMCSA. Instead of maintaining separate usernames and passwords for each government system, Login.gov gives you one verified identity that you use everywhere.

Login.gov uses two-factor authentication and identity verification to ensure that the person accessing a government system is who they claim to be. This is a significant security upgrade over the legacy FMCSA Portal login system.

Why MOTUS requires Login.gov

The legacy FMCSA Portal used simple username/password authentication with no identity verification. This created problems: consultants could control carrier accounts indefinitely, unauthorized people could make changes to registrations, and there was no reliable way to verify who was actually managing a company's USDOT record.

MOTUS fixes this by requiring Login.gov identity verification for the Company Official. This means FMCSA can confirm that the person managing your registration is actually authorized to do so — an owner, officer, or designated member who can legally bind the company.

Who needs a Login.gov account

At minimum, your designated Company Official needs a verified Login.gov account. This should be someone internal to your company — typically an owner, officer, or member — who:

• Can legally bind the company
• Has a valid government-issued photo ID matching their name on FMCSA records
• Has a Social Security number (required for identity verification)
• Will be available to manage the FMCSA relationship long-term

How to create your Login.gov account

Creating a Login.gov account is straightforward, but identity verification requires specific documents. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Go to Login.gov

Visit login.gov and click "Create an account." Use a personal email address that your Company Official controls directly — not a shared company email or a consultant's address.

Step 2: Set up authentication

Login.gov requires two-factor authentication. Choose from:

• Authentication app (recommended) — apps like Google Authenticator or Authy
• Phone/SMS — receive codes via text message
• Security key — a physical USB key
• Backup codes — one-time codes to store securely as a backup method

Step 3: Verify your identity

This is the critical step. FMCSA requires identity-verified Login.gov accounts, not just basic accounts. Identity verification requires:

• A valid state-issued driver's license or state ID card
• Your Social Security number
• A phone number associated with your identity (for phone verification)
• Your current address (must match your ID or be verifiable)

Linking to your FMCSA Portal

Once your Login.gov account is verified, you need to link it to your FMCSA Portal account. This connection is what allows MOTUS to recognize you as the authorized Company Official for your carrier.

The linking process happens through the FMCSA Portal:

1. Log into your FMCSA Portal account using your existing credentials
2. Navigate to account settings or the Login.gov linking option
3. You'll be redirected to Login.gov to authenticate
4. Once authenticated, your accounts are linked

Common problems and fixes

Identity verification fails

The most common reason: the name or address on your ID doesn't match what Login.gov can verify. Make sure your state ID is current with your correct address. If you've recently moved, you may need to update your ID first.

Name mismatch between Login.gov and FMCSA

Login.gov uses the exact name from your government-issued ID. If your FMCSA records use a different name variation (nickname, maiden name, etc.), update your FMCSA records to match before attempting to link.

Phone verification fails

Login.gov needs to verify a phone number associated with your identity. If you're using a business phone or a recently-changed number, try a personal phone that's been in your name for longer. Prepaid phones may not work for verification.

Can't access FMCSA Portal to link

If you don't have FMCSA Portal access — often because a consultant has the credentials — you'll need to recover access first. See the consultant access section of our Company Official guide, or contact FMCSA directly.

Two-factor device lost or changed

If you lose your two-factor device, Login.gov has an account recovery process that requires re-verifying your identity. This is why backup codes are important — store them in a secure location when you first set up the account.

Consultant-controlled accounts

If a third-party consultant currently controls your FMCSA Portal access, the MOTUS transition creates urgency. Under MOTUS, the Company Official must have their own verified Login.gov account — a consultant's account won't work.

Steps to take:

1. Contact your consultant and request they update the Company Official to the correct person at your company
2. Get your FMCSA Portal credentials (or have the consultant transfer access)
3. Have your Company Official create and verify their own Login.gov account
4. Link the Login.gov account to the FMCSA Portal
5. Verify everything works before the MOTUS transition completes

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same Login.gov account for multiple carriers?

You can have one Login.gov account, but it should only be designated as Company Official for carriers where you're actually an owner, officer, or authorized member. If you manage multiple carriers, each should ideally have its own Company Official.

Does everyone at my company need a Login.gov account?

No. Only the Company Official needs a verified Login.gov account for MOTUS purposes. Other employees may need Login.gov for other government systems, but MOTUS only requires it for the designated CO.

Is Login.gov the same as my FMCSA Portal login?

No. Login.gov is a separate system that FMCSA uses for identity verification. Your FMCSA Portal credentials are different. Under MOTUS, Login.gov replaces the legacy FMCSA login for the Company Official — so you'll sign in through Login.gov to access your MOTUS account.

What if the Company Official leaves the company?

Update the Company Official designation in the FMCSA Portal immediately. The new CO needs to create their own Login.gov account and go through identity verification. Don't share Login.gov accounts between people — each person needs their own.

My Login.gov identity verification was rejected. Now what?

Check that your state ID is valid (not expired), your SSN is entered correctly, and your current address matches records. If phone verification fails, try a different phone number. Login.gov also offers in-person identity verification at select USPS locations as a fallback.