State licenses for local moves

FMCSA regulates moves between states. A move that starts and ends in the same state follows that state’s rules instead.

Many states license in-state movers

For example:

Florida: movers register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Texas: movers register with the Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
California: household movers need a permit from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

Some states have no separate registration for movers at all.

How to check a local mover

Ask for its state registration or permit number.
Look it up on the state agency’s website.
If the company also does moves between states, check its USDOT record too.

Our state pages summarize the rules we have checked and list every household goods mover registered with FMCSA in that state.

Common questions

Does a local mover need a license?

It depends on the state. Many states license movers that only work within the state; federal FMCSA authority covers moves between states. Check the state agency listed on our state pages.

Can a company with only a state license move me to another state?

No. A move between states needs FMCSA operating authority for household goods, whatever state licenses the company holds.