Local Guide · Household moving companies · Texas
How do you check a moving company in Texas?
Texas household goods movers must be registered with TxDMV, and the agency spells out what you should get before loading. Here is the checklist.
Ask the mover for its TxDMV registration number and confirm it's active using TxDMV's lookup. Before loading, a registered mover must give you a written proposal with the maximum price, TxDMV's Rights and Responsibilities sheet and a liability disclosure, and you must sign the moving services contract.
Who licenses household moving companies providers in Texas
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). Household goods movers operating within Texas register with TxDMV. TxDMV's consumer checklist tells movers' customers to verify the TxDMV number is active, ask for the tariff, and get a written maximum-price proposal and Rights and Responsibilities sheet before loading.
Check a mover's TxDMV number →Key facts for Texas
- TxDMV advises verifying that a mover's TxDMV registration number is active.
- TxDMV says a mover's tariff shows the maximum rates it may charge.
- TxDMV says registered movers must provide a written proposal showing the maximum price before loading.
- TxDMV says registered movers must provide its Rights and Responsibilities sheet before loading.
- TxDMV says the contract must expressly state if the mover's liability for loss or damage is zero.
- TxDMV says registered movers must get your signature on the Moving Services Contract before loading.
- TxDMV offers free mediation for fee or damage disputes if requested within 35 days after an unsatisfactory claim response, or after 90 days without a response.
- TxDMV says interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
How do you check a Texas mover?
Use TxDMV's lookup to confirm the mover's number is active, and ask for the tariff.
What must you get before loading?
TxDMV's checklist lists a written maximum-price proposal, the Rights and Responsibilities sheet, a liability disclosure and a signed Moving Services Contract. Don't rely on verbal agreements.
How do you protect your belongings?
TxDMV says mover liability isn't insurance, so consider separate coverage. Photograph items before the move, attend any inventory, and keep valuables, documents and medications with you.
How to choose a provider in Texas
- Verify the TxDMV number.
- Get the tariff.
- Get the written maximum-price proposal.
- Read the liability disclosure.
- Sign the contract before loading.
- Keep valuables with you.
Questions people ask
Who registers Texas movers?
TxDMV.
What is a not-to-exceed proposal?
A written proposal showing the maximum price you could pay.
Can a Texas mover's liability be zero?
The contract must say so expressly if it is.
Should I buy separate insurance?
TxDMV says mover liability isn't insurance; you can buy coverage separately.
When do I sign the contract?
Before loading.
Where do I check a mover?
TxDMV's lookup.
Can TxDMV help with a damage dispute?
TxDMV offers free mediation if requested within 35 days after an unsatisfactory claim response, or after 90 days with no response.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
