To check a mover's license, ask for its legal name, physical address and USDOT number, then look the company up in the federal FMCSA database. For a move within one state, also check with that state's regulator. The whole check takes about 20 minutes, and it is the first thing a vetted mover network does before a company is allowed to quote you.
TL;DR
- Interstate movers need a U.S. DOT number. Look it up on FMCSA's Search for a Registered Mover page.
- For a move inside one state, rules vary by state. Check with the state's transportation or consumer agency, or its attorney general.
- Confirm insurance separately in FMCSA's Licensing & Insurance search.
- If the name, address or number does not match what the mover told you, do not book until it is resolved.
- Brokers must also be registered, and must tell you they are brokers.
Table of Contents
- What "licensed" means for a mover
- Step 1: Collect the mover's identifying details
- Step 2: Look up the mover on FMCSA
- Step 3: Check insurance
- Step 4: Check your state if the move is local or in-state
- Step 5: Look beyond the license
- What if the records don't match?
- Brokers: a different check
- Perspective
- How we can help
- FAQ
- Sources
What "licensed" means for a mover
There is no single national moving license. What a mover holds depends on your route.
- Interstate moves (between states) are regulated federally. The company needs a USDOT number, and household-goods carriers also need operating authority, often shown as an MC number (motor carrier number).
- Moves within one state are regulated by that state, and the rules differ. FMCSA advises checking with the state, county or local consumer-affairs agency, or the state attorney general.
What counts as interstate is broader than many people expect. FMCSA defines it as transportation between a place in one state and a place outside it, including certain shipments that pass through another state even when the truck does not cross the state line your way.
So a family moving from Ohio to Arizona, a retiree downsizing from New Jersey to Florida and a business relocating an office to another state all need a federal check.
Step 1: Collect the mover's identifying details
Before you search, ask the company for:
- Its exact legal name and any "doing business as" name
- Its physical address, not just a P.O. box or phone number
- Its USDOT number and, for interstate moves, its MC number
- Its state license number, if it moves within a state
A legitimate mover gives these without hesitation. New York's Department of State advises checking a mover's physical address, contact details, reviews, FMCSA complaint history and registration. A company that only offers a phone number and a generic name is a red flag.
Step 2: Look up the mover on FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the U.S. agency that regulates interstate movers. Its mover search tool shows registration status, headquarters, contact information, business type, complaint information and safety information.
You can also check a USDOT number's status through SAFER, FMCSA's company database, by name, USDOT number or MC number. The complaint-history tool accepts the same three search terms.
What to compare:
- Does the legal name match your estimate and contract?
- Does the address match what the mover told you?
- Is the company active and authorized for household goods?
- Are there complaints, and how many compared with the size of the company?
Essential Tip: Search by number, not only by name. Many companies have similar names, and the number is what ties the record to the business quoting you.
Step 3: Check insurance
License and insurance are separate checks. FMCSA's Licensing & Insurance search accepts a USDOT or docket number, or a legal or DBA name plus state. New applications can take 24 hours to appear.
FMCSA says an interstate household-goods carrier must file proof of both public liability and cargo insurance to get operating authority. If the search shows no active filing for a company that claims to be insured, ask for an explanation before you sign.
Also ask how your belongings are valued if something is damaged, and get the coverage terms in writing. State rules can add requirements. Florida, for example, requires movers to register and show proof of insurance, and sets at least $10,000 per shipment in liability coverage for loss or damage caused by negligence, with statutory alternatives for very small movers.
If you are shipping something unusual, such as a collector vehicle, read how enclosed transport and insurance work so you know what coverage to ask about.
Step 4: Check your state if the move is local or in-state
Federal records do not cover every mover. Examples:
| State | What the state says | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| California | Household-goods movers need a state license, and moves entirely inside California are distinguished from moves into or out of the state | Bureau of Household Goods and Services |
| New York | Movers within the state must be licensed by the state Department of Transportation; movers leaving the state are checked through FMCSA | NYS Department of Transportation, FMCSA |
| Illinois | Intrastate movers must be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission, which also handles complaint checks | Illinois Commerce Commission |
| Florida | Movers must register; registration is not valid for an undisclosed location or unregistered name | Florida's consumer services department |
For other states, search the state name with "household goods mover license", or ask the state attorney general's consumer office.
Step 5: Look beyond the license
A license shows a mover is allowed to operate. It does not show the mover is right for your move. FMCSA recommends that you:
- Verify authorization and insurance
- Check complaint history
- Compare written estimates based on in-person inspections
- Avoid choosing solely on the lowest price
- Read the federal booklet movers must give you
Know the 110 percent rule: for a non-binding estimate, FMCSA says the mover must deliver your goods for no more than 110% of the estimate at delivery, with the rest billed later. A binding estimate fixes the price in writing, which is easier to plan around.
Red flags
- No physical address, or one that does not match FMCSA
- A USDOT number that is missing, inactive or belongs to a different company
- A large cash deposit demanded before any paperwork
- An estimate given by phone or email without any inventory review
- Pressure to sign immediately
- No federal booklet or written contract
For more on what to do with estimates, see our guide to virtual moving estimates and whether they are binding, and the mandatory documents for interstate moves.
What if the records don't match?
If the lookup shows a different name, address or status than the mover gave you:
- Ask the mover to explain in writing, for example a name change or a parent company.
- Re-run the search using the USDOT or MC number, in case of a typo.
- Contact FMCSA. It offers a support ticket, live chat or a phone line at 800-832-5660, as listed on its site.
- If you cannot resolve it, choose a different mover.
A mismatch you cannot explain is a reason to stop, not to negotiate.
Brokers: a different check
Many people book through a broker, which arranges the move and assigns a carrier. FMCSA says household-goods brokers must be registered, identify themselves as brokers, give you the federal booklets and the names of the movers they use, and use only FMCSA-registered movers. Check the broker's number the same way you check a mover's, and ask who will physically carry out your move.
Perspective
Most moving problems we hear about start before the truck arrives, with a company nobody verified. A 20-minute check catches most of them, and we think it should happen for every move.
That is why we work with pre-screened, licensed and insured movers across the United States. Our approach is to negotiate competitive quotes, give you binding estimates with no hidden fees, and assign one dedicated move coordinator so you always know who to call.
Whether you are a family crossing the country, a retiree downsizing or a business relocating, you should not have to decode federal databases alone. You can still run the lookup yourself; we simply do the screening first.
Victor
How we can help
If you would rather start with movers already screened for licensing and insurance, we match you with companies from our nationwide network and negotiate quotes on your behalf. We offer long-distance moves, local moves, office and commercial moves, and full-service packing and moving, with specialty support such as pet relocation. We claim savings of up to 50% against traditional moving company rates, and a dedicated coordinator handles your move from quote to delivery.
For a deeper walkthrough, see our licensed and insured movers checklist and our long-distance moving company guide.
FAQ
How do I check if a mover is licensed for an interstate move?
Get the company's USDOT and MC numbers, then search them on FMCSA's mover search or SAFER. Confirm that the name, address and status match what the mover gave you. Also check the complaint history on the same site.
How can I tell if movers are insured?
Use FMCSA's Licensing & Insurance search with the USDOT or docket number. Interstate household-goods carriers must file proof of public liability and cargo insurance. Ask the mover for written coverage and valuation terms before you sign.
Do I need a different check for a local move?
Yes. For moves within a state, requirements vary by state. Check with your state's transportation agency, consumer-affairs office or attorney general, as in the table above.
What if a mover has no USDOT number?
For an interstate move, a mover without a USDOT number does not meet federal requirements, so look for another company. Ask for the number in writing and confirm it on FMCSA before paying any deposit.
Sources
- Search for a Registered Mover, FMCSA
- How do I determine the status of my USDOT Number? FMCSA
- Steps to Select a Mover, FMCSA
- Protect Your Move FAQs, FMCSA
- Licensing & Insurance Carrier Search, FMCSA
- Types of Operating Authority, FMCSA
- Household Moving Applicants, California Bureau of Household Goods and Services
- Consumer alert on moving scams, New York Department of State
- Illinois Commerce Commission tips for hiring intrastate movers
- Florida Statutes 507.03
- Florida Statutes 507.04