How to Check Out a Moving Company in Texas Before You Book
By the Round Rock Affordable Movers crew · October 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Before you book a mover in Texas, confirm they're registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), ask if they're insured, get the price in writing, and read recent Google reviews. Be careful with huge deposits, prices that sound too good to be true, and companies that won't give a local address or phone number.
1. Check their TxDMV number
In Texas, companies that move household goods for pay within the state must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. A real mover will happily give you their TxDMV number, and it should be on their website and paperwork. Ours is TxDMV No. 007203314C, right in the footer of every page.
You can also call the TxDMV consumer hotline at 1-888-368-4689 with questions about a mover. For moves that cross state lines, movers also need a USDOT number from the federal government.
2. Ask about insurance
Accidents are rare with a good crew, but they happen. Ask whether the company is insured and what happens if something is damaged. A real, insured mover can also send a certificate of insurance (proof of coverage from their insurance company) to a business or property manager that asks for one.
3. Get the price in writing
A trustworthy mover explains exactly how you'll be charged before the job starts. For hourly movers that means the hourly rate, the crew size, the minimum hours, and any truck fee. For long-distance moves, ask for a written quote for the whole trip.
4. Read recent reviews
Look at the company's Google reviews and sort by newest. One bad review isn't a dealbreaker, but watch how the company responds and look for patterns, like late crews or surprise charges.
Red flags to watch out for
- ✓A very large deposit before anything is scheduled
- ✓A price far below everyone else with no explanation
- ✓No TxDMV number, or they won't give it to you
- ✓No local address or phone number, only a website form
- ✓A "broker" that sells your job to whichever crew is cheapest
- ✓Pressure to sign blank or incomplete paperwork
Questions to ask before you book
- ✓What's your TxDMV number? Are you insured?
- ✓Is it your own crew, or do you subcontract?
- ✓How is my price calculated, and what's the minimum?
- ✓When does the clock start and stop?
- ✓What's included: pads, tape, furniture wrapping, disassembly?
- ✓What payment methods do you take?