All interstate movers must hold a valid USDOT number and an MC number issued by the FMCSA.
You can verify any company's registration for free using the official FMCSA SAFER database.
Brokers are required by federal law to disclose their status as a broker rather than a carrier before you book.
Moving across state lines is complicated enough without worrying about whether your chosen company is legitimate. You might assume every truck on the highway has the right permits, but the industry has plenty of bad actors. Knowing what license do interstate movers need allows you to filter out companies that cut corners.
Federal law sets strict standards for anyone transporting your household goods from one state to another. These requirements are not just paperwork. They are designed to ensure the company has the insurance and accountability needed to handle your property safely.
What federal credentials should a mover have
Every legitimate interstate moving company must be registered with the United States Department of Transportation. This registration provides them with a USDOT number. This identifier tracks the company and its safety record over time.
Beyond the USDOT number, companies moving household goods across state lines must obtain motor carrier operating authority. This is known as an MC number. You should treat the absence of either number as a major red flag.
Understanding the role of a moving broker
A company might offer you a price but then hire someone else to show up at your door. These companies are moving brokers. They are not the actual carriers who own the trucks or employ the movers.
Federal law mandates that a broker must disclose their status before you pay a deposit. They must provide you with the information for the actual carrier that will perform the move. Always ask who is physically moving your items.
How to check a company yourself
You do not need to pay a third party to perform a background check on a moving company. The federal government maintains a public database for this exact purpose. Use this resource to verify the credentials of any business you consider.
Verify a mover's license to ensure they are active and authorized by the FMCSA. You should look for a current status and verify their contact information matches what they provided in their quote. A company that refuses to provide their USDOT or MC number is almost certainly avoiding oversight.
How local and state requirements differ
Federal law covers the interstate aspect of your move, but state laws often add another layer of protection. Some states require additional registrations for any company that conducts intrastate moves or operates within their borders.
These local requirements can include specific insurance minimums or bonds. Florida, for example, requires intrastate movers to register with the state department of agriculture and consumer services. Failing to comply can result in significant fines.
Do state licenses impact your final price
Compliance costs are a normal part of doing business for a professional moving company. A company that carries the proper insurance and follows state licensing rules may charge more than an unlicensed operator. This extra cost pays for the protection of your belongings.
Unlicensed movers often lure customers with rock bottom prices. You might save money upfront, but you have no recourse if the company disappears with your property. It is almost always better to pay for a legitimate, licensed business.
Moving Category
Primary Requirement
Authority Source
Interstate Carrier
USDOT & MC Number
FMCSA
Moving Broker
Broker Authority
FMCSA
Local Mover
State Registration
State Agencies
Arbitration
Mandatory Program
Federal Law
Check your try our moving cost calculator to understand the typical price ranges for professional services. Reliable companies usually include their licensing information directly on their estimates and contracts.
What protections you are entitled to
Federal regulations require movers to be transparent about how they resolve problems. Loss or damage during a move is an unfortunate possibility. You should never sign a bill of lading until you understand the dispute resolution process.
All interstate household goods movers are legally required to participate in an arbitration program to resolve disputes over loss, damage, or disputed charges, and must summarize this program in writing before you sign the bill of lading.
This ensures that you have a formal way to address issues without immediately resorting to expensive legal action. Ask the company for their arbitration summary before you confirm your move. If they act confused or refuse to provide it, reconsider your choice.
Look for proof of insurance coverage
Registration is only half the battle. A moving company must also demonstrate that it has the financial ability to cover loss or damage. Many states mandate that companies hold specific levels of liability insurance.
Ask for a certificate of insurance if you have high value items or a long move. A professional company will have no problem sending this over. If they stall or claim it is private, take your business elsewhere.
Ensure your contract is complete
Never accept a quote that lacks a formal company name or valid license numbers. Your contract is your primary legal protection. It should clearly state the responsibilities of the carrier.
Review the browse more cost guides to see what a professional, transparent estimate looks like in your area. Avoid any company that tries to pressure you into paying large cash deposits before you have seen the final agreement.
Is it safe to hire a company without a USDOT number?
No, it is never safe to hire an interstate mover that lacks a USDOT number. This number is a baseline requirement for safety and federal tracking that all legitimate companies must possess. Hiring an unverified company leaves you with zero protection if your belongings are lost or damaged during transit.
What happens if my mover is not licensed?
If your mover is unlicensed, you have virtually no legal recourse if something goes wrong. Unlicensed operators often disregard federal safety rules and may lack the required insurance to pay for damaged items. You essentially hand over your property to a company that operates outside the legal framework meant to protect you.
How do I know if a company is actually a broker?
By law, a moving broker must explicitly disclose their status as a broker rather than a carrier before you book your move. They should be able to provide the name and USDOT number of the specific carrier they have selected for your move. If you are unsure, check the company name in the FMCSA database to see if their operating authority is listed as a broker or a carrier.
The bottom line is that your move is too important to risk with an unverified operator. Use the FMCSA database to check your mover today. Once you confirm their registration, you can move forward with confidence and try our moving cost calculator to ensure you are paying a fair price.
