How To Check Moving Company Licenses

Want to avoid moving scams? Start by verifying licenses. Checking if a moving company is licensed ensures they meet safety, insurance, and legal requirements. Here's how you can do it quickly:

• For Interstate Moves: Verify the USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA's SAFER System (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov).
• For Local Moves: Check state-specific licenses through your state transportation agency.
• Insurance: Confirm active insurance coverage for liability and cargo.
• Safety Ratings: Look for "Authorized" status and satisfactory safety ratings.

Pro Tip: Always request written proof of licenses and insurance, and cross-check the information using official databases. Legitimate movers will gladly provide documentation. If they hesitate, it's a red flag.

How To Verify Your Motor Carrier Number

Federal License Verification

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers a database of licensed movers, which is essential for verifying a company's credentials, especially for interstate moves.

FMCSA Search Steps

To check a mover's federal credentials, follow these steps:

• Go to the FMCSA's Safer System website: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Click on "Company Snapshot" in the main menu.
• Enter the company's name or their USDOT number.
• Choose "Carrier" as the search type.
• Review the profile for details like operating status, safety ratings, and insurance information.

Make sure the company's name and address match your records. Also, confirm that their USDOT and MC numbers are valid and up-to-date.

Check USDOT and MC Numbers

For interstate movers, both USDOT and MC numbers are required. Verify these on all official documents:

Number Type	Format	Purpose
USDOT	6-7 digits	Confirms operating authority and safety records.
MC	MC-XXXXXX	Confirms authority for interstate moves.
Active Status	Yes/No	Confirms if the company is authorized to operate.

Reading Federal License Data

After confirming the basic details, use the FMCSA tool to dig deeper into key compliance areas:

1. Operating Status

Look for "Authorized" under operating status. If the status shows "Not Authorized" or "Pending", the company cannot legally handle interstate moves.

2. Insurance Information

Check that the mover has active insurance that meets federal requirements:

• Public liability: Minimum of $750,000.
• Cargo coverage: Active policy.
• Bond: $75,000 minimum.

3. Safety Rating

Review the company's safety rating:

• "Satisfactory" or "Not Rated" (common for newer companies) are acceptable.
• Avoid companies with "Conditional" or "Unsatisfactory" ratings.

State License Checks

Federal licensing covers interstate moves, but for local movers, checking state licenses is just as important. Every state has its own rules and requirements for licensing movers, so it's crucial to verify these.

Find Your State Agency

Head to your state government's website to locate the agency responsible for mover licensing. It's often listed under sections like Licensing, Transportation, or Consumer Services. Once there, you can find resources to help you verify licenses.

State Database Searches

Most state agencies provide online tools to check a mover's license details. These tools let you look up the company's current status, expiration dates, and compliance history. All you need is the company's name or license number to ensure they meet state regulations.

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Other Required Documents

Once you've checked the basic licenses, take a closer look at these documents to ensure the mover is legitimate. These help confirm they follow industry standards and prioritize customer protection.

Insurance Verification

Start with insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that outlines cargo, liability, and, if applicable, workers' compensation coverage. Check that the COI includes valid dates and coverage details. Use the policy number to contact the insurer and confirm everything matches up.

Industry Memberships

Look into whether the mover is part of established organizations like the American Trucking Association (ATA) or the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). You can verify their membership by visiting the association's official website.

Company Reviews

Don't stop at documents - customer feedback is just as important. Browse reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the FMCSA complaint database, and Consumer Affairs. Local Chamber of Commerce listings might also give you a sense of the company's reputation. Pay attention to overall trends in reviews and how the company handles repeated issues, rather than focusing on one-off complaints.

Online License Check Tools

Online tools make it easy to verify a moving company's credentials and access detailed licensing records.

License Check Websites

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER System (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) is a key resource for checking interstate moving companies. You can search using a USDOT number, MC number, or the company name to find detailed records. It's a quick way to gather information before finalizing your choice of movers.

MOD24 License Checks

MOD24 simplifies the process by pre-screening movers to ensure they have the proper licenses and insurance. This means you won't need to handle manual checks yourself. Only movers that meet these requirements are listed on their platform.

Online Tool Limits

While helpful, these tools have limitations. Databases might not always be up to date, state-specific information could be missing, and smaller or newer companies might not appear yet. To ensure accuracy, contact state agencies directly when needed. It's also a good idea to ask moving companies for current copies of their licenses and insurance certificates, especially if there have been recent updates. Checking multiple sources will give you the most reliable and up-to-date information on a company's credentials.

These tools are an essential part of your research but should be used alongside other verification methods.

Conclusion

Making sure your move is safe and compliant starts with a thorough verification process.

Main Points

To verify a mover's licenses, you need to check official databases and documents. Use the FMCSA's SAFER system to confirm USDOT and MC numbers for interstate movers. For local movers, consult your state transportation agency to ensure they meet licensing requirements. Always double-check insurance details through official sources to confirm they meet federal minimum standards.

Key steps include:

• Collect and review all current documentation
• Check FMCSA registration status and safety ratings
• Verify state-specific licenses and permits
• Confirm active insurance coverage

These steps provide a clear roadmap for verifying movers. Use them alongside safety tips to ensure your move is secure.

Safety Tips

Protect yourself when choosing a moving company by following these guidelines:

• Request written documentation for licenses, insurance, and certifications
• Avoid companies that can't provide license numbers or refuse to show documentation
• Use multiple sources - don’t just rely on online tools; contact authorities directly if needed
• Keep copies of all license and insurance verifications for your records
• Always verify licensing details yourself, even if the company seems trustworthy

Legitimate movers won’t hesitate to share their credentials and welcome verification. If a company is reluctant or evasive, take it as a red flag and look for another mover that meets the proper standards.