The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is updating its online registration system, with the goals of improved customer convenience, enhanced security for motor carrier data, and reduced online fraud – a critical step to combat cargo theft.
FMCSA is targeting completion of the move from today’s Unified Registration System (URS) to the future FMCSA Registration System (FRS) for some time in 2025. FMCSA will publish an informational Federal Register notice as the new FRS system is implemented. But users of the current URS will experience changes as new features are rolled out.
For example, an identification verification process for first-time registrants will begin under the URS. Using IDEMIA, the same verification company utilized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), first-time registrants will need to scan one of four identification documents – a driver’s license, passport, ID card or resident card. Following that, a facial scan will be required. The IDEMIA system will quickly produce an ID verification and return the user to the FMCSA webpage. There will be no ID verification fees, or app download required. FMCSA will list 300 IDEMIA enrollment centers nationwide to handle the process for users unable to conduct the scanning process at home or office.
Next, FMCSA has set up a fraud alert webpage to help carriers identify current fraud practices: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/fraud-alerts. FMCSA will continually update this webpage as new scam emails, texts and phone messages are uncovered – oftentimes after reports from carriers. Motor carriers should check the FMCSA fraud alert page before responding to any unexpected contact claiming to be a federal government agency.
Once the new FRS is implemented next year, only USDOT numbers will be utilized online. The use of USDOT PINs will be suspended and the presence of MC numbers online will be phased out. A motor carrier’s interstate operating authority will be indicated by a suffix to the USDOT number. That operating authority suffix will not be required on the sides of trucks, just as public display of the MC number is no longer required. Under the FRS every user will have a separate account.
An FMCSA rulemaking is required to complete certain additional steps, such as eliminating the ability to sell or transfer MC numbers. FMCSA ultimately seeks to conduct all official business online and reduce the paperwork required today for transactions with the agency.
Carriers can get updates on the transition from URS to FRS, plus answers to FAQs, at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration.