How to Verify a Moving Company Is Licensed (FMCSA Check Guide)

Every year, thousands of Americans are victimized by unlicensed or fraudulent moving companies. The good news: verifying a mover's license takes less than 2 minutes and is completely free. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why Verifying a Moving Company's License Matters

Any company that moves your belongings across state lines is required by federal law to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Companies operating without this registration are illegal — and if they damage or steal your belongings, you have almost no legal recourse.

Unlicensed movers are also more likely to engage in common scams such as holding your belongings hostage until you pay more than the original quote, providing non-binding estimates that double in price on delivery day, or disappearing with your deposit entirely.

Step 1: Find the Company's USDOT Number

Every licensed interstate mover has a USDOT (US Department of Transportation) number. Ask any mover you're considering for their USDOT number before requesting a quote. If they refuse to provide it or claim they don't have one, do not hire them.

Legitimate movers will display their USDOT number on their website, business cards, and the side of their trucks.

Step 2: Search the FMCSA SAFER Database

Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter the company's USDOT number or company name. This is the federal government's official carrier database.

What to look for:

• Operating Status: Must say "AUTHORIZED" — if it says "NOT AUTHORIZED" or "REVOKED," do not hire them
• Operation Classification: Should include "Household Goods" under carrier type
• Insurance on File: Should show active insurance coverage
• Out of Service Orders: Any active out-of-service orders are a serious red flag

Step 3: Check Their Complaint History

Go to nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov — the National Consumer Complaint Database. Search for the company by name or USDOT number.

A few complaints on a long-established mover is normal. What you're looking for is a pattern of unresolved complaints about price gouging, damaged belongings, failure to deliver, or excessive delays.

Step 4: Verify Their MC Number for Household Goods Authority

In addition to a USDOT number, interstate movers need a Motor Carrier (MC) number with specific authority for household goods. You can verify this at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov. Confirm the authority type includes "HHG" (Household Goods).

Step 5: Check the BBB

Visit bbb.org and search for the moving company. Look for a rating of B or higher, the number of complaints filed in the last 12 months, whether complaints were resolved, and how long they have been in business.

Step 6: Confirm the Company Name Matches

A common scam involves brokers advertising under one name but dispatching your move to a completely different carrier. Ask upfront: "Will my move be handled by your company's drivers and trucks, or will it be subcontracted?" If subcontracted, get the name of the actual carrier in writing and verify that carrier's FMCSA license separately.

Quick Verification Checklist

• ☑ Active USDOT number confirmed at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• ☑ Operating status shows "AUTHORIZED"
• ☑ Active MC number with HHG authority at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov
• ☑ Insurance on file and current
• ☑ No active out-of-service orders
• ☑ Complaint history reviewed at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov
• ☑ BBB profile reviewed at bbb.org
• ☑ Confirmed whether move will be subcontracted

The Easiest Way to Hire a Verified Mover

MyMovingQuotes does all of this verification for you before any mover enters our network. Every carrier is checked for active FMCSA operating authority, HHG designation, current insurance, and complaint history. Get up to 5 free quotes from verified movers in 60 seconds — completely free, no commitment required.