Before you hand your belongings to anyone, take ten minutes to check a mover's license in California. It's the simplest way to avoid a moving scam, whether you're moving within the state or across state lines. This guide explains which agency licenses movers today, how to look up a company's California license and its USDOT number, and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Who Licenses Movers in California Today: PUC or BHGS?
Many people still search for a mover's "PUC license" or "CAL T number." For years, household movers in California were regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). That changed on July 1, 2018. Under Senate Bill 19, regulation of household movers moved from the CPUC to the Department of Consumer Affairs. Today that work is done by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS).
So if a company tells you it is "PUC licensed," the license you actually want to confirm is a current BHGS household mover license. According to BHGS, companies that move household goods within, into, or out of California must be licensed with BHGS. Companies moving household goods into or out of California must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How to Check a California Mover's License (Moves Within California)
If you're moving across town in Los Angeles, from Woodland Hills to North Hollywood, or from San Diego up to Sacramento, the move is intrastate and BHGS rules apply.
- Get the company's exact legal name and license number. Ask for it in writing. A legitimate mover will give it to you without hesitation.
- Use the official BHGS License Search. Go to the BHGS License Search and choose Household Movers. Search by business name or license number.
- Match the details. The business name, address and license status should match the quote, the contract and the company's website. A license under a different name is a reason to ask questions.
- Look for citations. BHGS publishes citations, including ones issued to unlicensed movers. A pattern of citations is worth knowing about before you book.
How to Check a USDOT Number (Interstate Moves)
If your move crosses a state line, for example from California to Nevada, Arizona or Washington, the mover must be registered with FMCSA and have a U.S. DOT number. FMCSA requires interstate movers to show their name and "U.S. DOT No." in their advertising.
- Find the USDOT number on the mover's website, ads or estimate. Brokers must also show their MC number.
- Search FMCSA's registered mover database. Use the FMCSA mover search and enter the company name, USDOT number or MC number.
- Review what comes back. FMCSA shows the company's headquarters location, contact details, registration status, type of business (carrier or broker), complaint information and safety information.
- Check the truck on moving day. FMCSA advises comparing the name and USDOT number on the truck with the ones on your paperwork. If they don't match, don't let loading start until you get a satisfactory answer.
Planning a move out of state? See how our long-distance moving service works.
Mover vs. Broker: Know Who You're Hiring
A moving broker sells your move and then hands it to a separate moving company. FMCSA requires household goods brokers to be registered and to give you a list of the movers they use. Their ads must also say they are a broker that arranges moves rather than transporting goods. Ask directly: "Will your own crew and trucks do my move?" If the answer is vague, check the company's listed business type in the FMCSA search.
Red Flags That Signal a Moving Scam
FMCSA and BHGS both warn about the same warning signs. Be cautious if a mover:
- Gives you an estimate over the phone or online without inspecting your belongings, or quotes a price far below everyone else.
- Won't put the estimate in writing, or says the price will be set after the truck is loaded.
- Demands cash or a large deposit before the move, or insists on a wire or other electronic transfer for the deposit.
- Asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents.
- Has no local address, lists only a P.O. box, or shows no registration or insurance information on its website.
- Answers the phone with a generic "Movers" or "Moving company" instead of a business name.
- Claims that "all goods are covered" by its insurance.
- Shows up in a rental truck instead of a company truck.
- Says on moving day that you have far more belongings than estimated and raises the price.
- For interstate moves, doesn't give you FMCSA's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet and "Ready to Move" brochure, which movers are required to provide.
You can read the full list on FMCSA's Spot the Red Flags page.
Paperwork a Legitimate Mover Will Give You
For moves within California, BHGS says the estimate must follow a visual inspection and be signed by the mover. Moves under 100 miles can be charged by the hour, and moves over 100 miles must be charged by weight and mileage. At least three days before the move, the company must give you a moving agreement (bill of lading) that you both sign. It should include a "Not to Exceed" price unless you sign change orders for extra services.
For interstate moves, FMCSA explains that a mover can't require you to pay more than 10% above a non-binding estimate at delivery. This is known as the 110 percent rule. Whatever the move, get a receipt for any deposit, take photos or video of your belongings, and carry irreplaceable items like documents and jewelry yourself.
Whether it's an apartment move with our local movers or a cross-country relocation, you should get these documents before anything goes on the truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check a mover's license in California?
Ask the mover for its exact business name and California household mover license number. Then search the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) License Search at bhgs.dca.ca.gov under Household Movers. The name, address and status should match the mover's estimate and contract.
Does the California PUC still license moving companies?
No. Regulation of household movers moved from the California Public Utilities Commission to the Bureau of Household Goods and Services on July 1, 2018, under Senate Bill 19. Older "PUC" or "CAL T" references are out of date. Confirm a current BHGS license instead.
Does a mover need a USDOT number for a move within California?
FMCSA requires a U.S. DOT number for interstate moves. For moves that stay entirely within California, the license that matters is the BHGS household mover license. A company that does both kinds of moves needs both.
How do I look up a mover's USDOT number?
Use FMCSA's registered mover search at ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/HHG/Search.asp, which is linked from protectyourmove.gov. Enter the company name, USDOT number or MC number to see its registration status, business type, complaint history and safety information.
What are the biggest red flags of a moving scam?
The biggest red flags are a quote without an inspection, no written estimate, a demand for cash or a large deposit, and a request to sign blank documents. Others are no physical address, a generic phone greeting, a rental truck on moving day, and a sudden price increase after loading.
Where can I report an unlicensed mover or moving fraud?
For moves within, into or out of California, you can file a complaint with BHGS. For interstate moves, you can file a complaint with FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database at 1-888-368-7238. FMCSA records the complaint, but it can't resolve individual claims against a mover.
Move With a Mover You Can Verify
At ABC Movers we want you to check before you book, including checking us. Ask us for our license and USDOT information, look us up on the official BHGS and FMCSA tools, and compare our written estimate with any other quote. Call ABC Movers at 800-771-0151 or request a free quote for your local or long-distance move.