Choosing the right moving company is one of those decisions people don’t think about until it’s too late.

Someone may spend hours packing boxes, organizing items, and preparing the home for moving day, but forget the most important part: checking whether the movers are properly licensed.

And this single detail can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful nightmare.

Since moving scams continue to rise across the U.S., understanding how to verify licensing is more important than ever.

Understanding Why Licensing Matters Before Hiring a Mover

When a person hands over their belongings, they are trusting complete strangers with everything they own.

Licensing ensures the company is legally allowed to operate, has insurance, and is accountable under federal or state laws.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 4,000 moving complaints were filed last year—and more than 35% involved unlicensed movers. This means licensing is not just a formality; it is real protection.

A licensed mover must follow rules, provide written documents, maintain insurance, and operate transparently.

An unlicensed mover can simply vanish if something goes wrong. That alone is reason enough to pay attention.

Knowing the Difference Between Interstate and Intrastate Licensing

Before comparing moving companies, a person should understand that licenses differ based on move type. This helps prevent confusion and makes the verification process much easier.

For interstate moves (moving from one state to another):
Movers must have a USDOT number, issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

For intrastate moves (moving within the same state):
Each state has its own rules. For example:

• Florida requires state registration and minimum insurance.
• California movers must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
• Texas movers must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Knowing this difference is the first step toward safe hiring.

Asking Movers Directly About Their License

A legitimate mover will always share their USDOT or state license number without hesitation. If a company avoids the question, delays the answer, or acts confused, it’s a major warning sign.

FMCSA reports show that customers who verify licensing before hiring reduce their chances of a scam by nearly 70%.

When hiring, a person should simply say:
“Can you please provide your USDOT or state license number?”
A professional company will answer immediately.

How to Verify Licensing Using Official Sources

Once the company gives the license number, verification takes only one minute. People are often surprised that this process is so easy and public.

To check interstate movers:
Search the USDOT number on the FMCSA website and review:

• Operating status (must say Active)
• Insurance status
• Complaint history
• Safety record

To check intrastate movers:
Visit the state licensing website and confirm:

• Business registration
• Compliance records
• Insurance requirements

If anything looks unusual such as inactive status, missing insurance, or repeated violations it’s best to look for another company.

Checking Insurance Along With Licensing

Proper licensing and proper insurance always go together. A reputable moving company must carry:

• General liability insurance
• Cargo protection
• Workers’ compensation (required in many states)

A troubling statistic shows that 68% of damaged or missing item claims come from uninsured or improperly licensed movers. Licensed and insured movers resolve claims much faster and with far fewer complications.

Comparing Multiple Movers Before Finalizing a Choice

Even after verifying licenses, choosing the right company requires comparison. Prices can vary, service packages differ, and every mover has its own strengths. This is where using separate platforms and tools becomes helpful.

Platforms like My Good Movers allow users to explore verified companies, read authentic reviews, and confirm licensing details easily.

Meanwhile, tools such as Compare Movers help people compare quotes, services, insurance, and reliability side-by-side to avoid overpaying or choosing the wrong company.

People who compare at least three licensed movers save 20–40% on moving expenses and experience fewer service issues.

Red Flags That Suggest a Mover Is Not Properly Licensed

People often ignore warning signs because a mover offers a low price or promises fast service. But these red flags almost always lead to trouble later. Below are the most common warning signs:

• No physical office address
• Cash-only payment requests
• No written estimate or contract
• Extremely low quotes that seem unrealistic
• Unmarked rental trucks
• No USDOT or state license number
• Sudden fees added on moving day

FMCSA reports that over 42% of moving scams begin with unusually low estimates. If the price feels too good to be true, it usually is.

Reading Reviews With Focus on Licensing Issues

Reviews reveal a lot about a moving company’s honesty and professionalism. When someone is reading reviews, they should look for patterns such as:

• Unexpected charges
• Problems with contracts
• Delivery delays
• Lost or damaged items
• Poor communication

These issues often appear when the mover is not properly licensed or insured. Licensed movers generally provide written contracts, official trucks, trained crews, and clear pricing, which creates a more reliable experience.

Making the Final Decision With Confidence

Choosing movers with proper licensing doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires a little attention, a few quick checks, and a willingness to walk away if things don’t look right. With moving scams increasing, being cautious is more important than ever.

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