How to Vet a Texas Moving Company Before You Book

By James Brazil

James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.

Published 5 November 2026 · Updated 5 November 2026

For a move inside Texas, check that the company is licensed in the TxDMV Truck Stop database and ask for its TxDMV number. Unmarked trucks, vague phone-only contacts, and no written proposal before loading are classic red flags from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

That check takes a few minutes and can spare you a move that goes sideways. Licensed household goods carriers show up with a thumbs up in Truck Stop. Unlicensed or uninsured ones show a thumbs down.

Does a Texas moving company need a license?

Yes, for household goods moves that start and end in Texas. TxDMV licenses those carriers and publishes a consumer tip sheet that starts with one instruction: make sure the company you want to hire is licensed.

Ask for the mover's TxDMV number up front. Then search it (or the company name) in the TxDMV Truck Stop certificate search. A licensed mover should return a thumbs up. If you get a thumbs down, or you can't find the company at all, keep looking.

Interstate moves into or out of Texas fall under federal rules instead. Our guide to moving to Texas from out of state covers FMCSA registration, written estimates, and the rights booklet your mover must give you. For a side-by-side of which regulator applies, see local Texas move vs interstate rules.

How do I check a mover before I book?

Work through these steps before you put down a deposit:

• Get the TxDMV number. A real Texas household goods mover should give it without a fight.
• Search Truck Stop. Confirm the name and that you see a thumbs up for a licensed carrier.
• Ask for a physical business address. TxDMV flags movers that have no local address and rely only on a cell phone.
• Get a written proposal and contract before loading. Licensed movers provide paperwork prior to putting your items on the truck. Do not rely on verbal agreements.
• Run a quick screen. Our free mover check pulls key details on a moving company into one place before you book.
• Read recent reviews for patterns. Look for held belongings, surprise price jumps at the truck, or disappearing contact info, not one imperfect day.

If the company answers the phone as "movers" or "moving company" with no clear legal name, that is another tip from TxDMV's red-flag list. Ask for the registered name and match it to Truck Stop.

What should the paperwork include?

TxDMV is clear: a licensed mover will provide a proposal and a contract before loading. Get both in writing, signed, with:

• The mover's legal business name and TxDMV number
• Your origin and destination addresses
• The move date and what is being moved
• Price basis (hourly or flat), estimated hours or total, and what counts as travel time
• Fees for stairs, long carries, packing, or heavy items
• Deposit amount and when it is refundable
• How damage claims work and how long you have to report them

If someone wants to load the truck first and "sort out the paperwork later," walk away. That sequence is exactly what TxDMV warns against.

What are the red flags TxDMV lists?

The department's Moving Tips PDF calls out several warning signs. Treat two or more as a reason to cancel:

• Low-cost bait. Unlicensed movers use a rock-bottom quote to get your items on the truck, then raise the price before they will unload.
• Generic contact information. No local business address, a personal cell as the only phone, or answering with vague terms like "movers."
• Unmarked trucks. Rental trucks or trucks with no company name and TxDMV number on them.
• No paperwork before loading. Licensed movers give you a proposal and contract first.

TxDMV's plain summary is worth quoting in your own notes: the lowest price may not be the best deal if the mover has no liability or obligation to communicate after the move.

What about insurance and damage?

A licensed mover should have the proper insurance on file with the department and should give you the moving documents required for your job. Before moving day, ask in writing:

• What cargo coverage does the company carry?
• How is loss or damage valued on an in-state move?
• How do you file a claim, and what is the deadline?

Then call your own insurance agent. Some homeowners and renters policies cover belongings in transit, and some do not. Knowing that before the truck arrives is easier than arguing about it after a broken dresser.

Where do I complain about a Texas mover?

Try to resolve the issue with the company in writing first and keep every text, email, estimate, and photo. If you believe the mover is not following TxDMV rules, you can file a complaint through Truck Stop. TxDMV points consumers to TxDMV.gov/MoverComplaints. Save your documentation; an investigator may ask for it.

For moves that crossed a state line, complaints usually go through FMCSA's Protect Your Move tools instead. Our article on unlicensed movers in Texas walks through both paths.

FAQ

How do I look up a Texas moving company license? Ask for the TxDMV number and search the company in the TxDMV Truck Stop database. A licensed mover should return a thumbs up.

Can I hire a mover that only has a cell phone number? You can, but TxDMV lists generic contact information and no local business address as red flags for unlicensed movers. Prefer a company with a verifiable address and TxDMV number.

Does a Texas mover have to give me a written proposal? TxDMV says a licensed mover will provide a proposal and a contract before loading your items. Do not rely on verbal agreements.

What if the truck shows up with no company markings? That is a red flag in TxDMV's tip sheet. Unlicensed movers often use rental trucks or unmarked trucks. Confirm the TxDMV number before anything is loaded.

Is mover-check a license database? Mover check is a consumer screening tool that gathers key company details in one place. Still verify the TxDMV number yourself in Truck Stop for in-state moves.

Next step

A licensed Texas mover with a clear written proposal is worth more than the cheapest phone quote. Talk with a licensed local mover, ask for the TxDMV number, and compare it in Truck Stop before you book. If the move is part of buying a home, keep an eye on Texas property tax and insurance questions separately so move day is not when you learn those costs.

Sources: TxDMV Moving Tips PDF, TxDMV Truck Stop certificate search, TxDMV mover complaints.