Licensed Long Distance Movers
Learn how to verify moving company licenses and choose legitimate, licensed movers for your interstate move. Protect yourself from unlicensed operators.
Types of Moving Company Licenses
Understanding different license types helps you verify legitimate movers
DOT Number
HighDepartment of Transportation registration for interstate commerce
MC Number
HighMotor Carrier number for commercial transportation
State License
HighState-specific moving company license
Insurance
HighLiability and cargo insurance coverage
Workers' Compensation
MediumInsurance for employee injuries
How to Verify Moving Company Licenses
Follow these steps to ensure you're working with licensed movers
Ask for License Numbers
Request DOT, MC, and state license numbers
Get all license numbers in writing
Check DOT Database
Verify DOT number at FMCSA website
Visit fmcsa.dot.gov and search by DOT number
Verify State License
Check state regulatory agency database
Contact state moving regulatory agency
Check Insurance
Verify insurance coverage is current
Request certificate of insurance
Read Reviews
Check customer reviews and complaints
Look at BBB, Google, and moving review sites
Check Safety Record
Review safety violations and ratings
Check FMCSA safety record database
Licensing Requirements by State
Different states have different licensing requirements for movers
California
Required Licenses:
- DOT Number (Federal)
- MC Number (Motor Carrier)
- State Business License
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
Notes:
One of the most regulated states for movers
New York
Required Licenses:
- DOT Number (Federal)
- MC Number (Motor Carrier)
- NY State Moving License
- Workers' Compensation
- General Liability Insurance
Notes:
Requires annual license renewal
Texas
Required Licenses:
- DOT Number (Federal)
- MC Number (Motor Carrier)
- Texas DPS License
- Workers' Compensation
- Cargo Insurance
Notes:
Must register with Texas DPS
Florida
Required Licenses:
- DOT Number (Federal)
- MC Number (Motor Carrier)
- Florida Moving License
- Workers' Compensation
- Public Liability Insurance
Notes:
Seasonal license requirements
Benefits of Using Licensed Movers
Licensed movers provide protection and peace of mind
Legal Protection
Licensed movers are regulated and held accountable
Insurance Coverage
Your belongings are protected by proper insurance
Dispute Resolution
Regulatory agencies can help resolve disputes
Quality Standards
Licensed movers must meet safety and service standards
Financial Security
Bonding requirements protect against financial loss
Professional Service
Trained and background-checked employees
Red Flags of Unlicensed Movers
Watch out for these warning signs of unlicensed movers
Refuses to provide license numbers
Can't provide DOT or MC number
No state license for your state
Unwilling to show proof of insurance
Asks for cash payment only
No physical business address
Uses rental trucks instead of company vehicles
Pressure to sign immediately
Unusually low estimates
No written contract
Work With Licensed, Trusted Movers
Network Moving is fully licensed, insured, and DOT registered. Get quotes from legitimate, verified moving companies.
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