How to verify a USDOT/MC number

Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and display an active USDOT number. Checking it takes under a minute, is completely free, and is the single most effective fraud check you can do before booking.

How to check, step by step

  1. Get the mover's USDOT number — it should be on their website, marketing materials, or estimate. If they won't provide one, that's already a red flag.
  2. Go to FMCSA SAFER's Company Snapshot search.
  3. Enter the USDOT number (or search by company name if you don't have the number yet).
  4. Check that the legal name matches the company you're hiring — not just a similar-sounding name.
  5. Check the operating status — you want to see "Active," not "Out of Service" or "Not Authorized."
  6. Check whether they're authorized for household goods (HHG) — some carriers are registered for freight only, not household moves.

What the SAFER listing tells you

  • Operating status — active vs. out-of-service or revoked authority
  • Entity type — carrier, broker, or both; see our moving company vs. broker guide for why this matters
  • Insurance on file — whether cargo and liability insurance are current
  • Physical address — compare against what the company gives you; a mismatch is worth asking about
  • Crash and inspection history — available in more detail through FMCSA's broader safety data, useful for a deeper check on a company you're seriously considering

Red flags in the SAFER data itself

  • The USDOT number doesn't exist or returns no results
  • The legal name doesn't match the company you're talking to
  • Status shows anything other than "Active"
  • No household goods (HHG) authorization, if you're booking a household move
  • No insurance on file

See our full guide on red flags to avoid when hiring a moving company for the broader picture beyond just registration.

Frequently asked questions

Is checking a USDOT number really free?

Yes — FMCSA SAFER is a free public government database. Any mover, or you yourself, can look up a USDOT number with no account, login, or fee required.

What if a company gives me a USDOT number that doesn't match their name?

Treat this as a serious warning sign. It can mean the number belongs to a different company entirely, is inactive, or was made up. Don't book until the discrepancy is explained and verified.

Does an active USDOT number guarantee a mover is trustworthy?

No — it confirms the company is legally registered to operate, not that they're good at their job. Combine USDOT verification with real customer reviews and the other red-flag checks in our hiring guide.

What's the difference between a USDOT number and an MC number?

A USDOT number identifies a company for safety and registration purposes. An MC (Motor Carrier) number specifically relates to authority to operate as a for-hire carrier transporting passengers or property across state lines. Interstate household goods movers typically need both.

Can I verify a mover's insurance too?

FMCSA SAFER shows whether a carrier has cargo insurance and BIPD (bodily injury/property damage) insurance on file, though not the specific policy details — ask the mover directly for a certificate of insurance if you need more detail.