Planning a move in Utah? Before hiring a moving company, it's important to understand what requirements movers must meet to operate legally in the state. Unlike some states that have specific licensing for moving companies, Utah takes a different approach.
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Utah's moving company requirements
Utah does not require a specific state-issued license for household goods movers operating within the state. However, this doesn't mean moving companies are unregulated. According to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), companies that transport cargo using commercial vehicles must meet several important requirements.
First, moving companies operating commercial vehicles in Utah must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number. This requirement applies to both interstate and intrastate operations, as noted on UDOT's Motor Carrier Division website. Companies must also file an updated MCS-150 form (Motor Carrier Identification Report) every two years or whenever company information changes.
Additionally, all commercial and heavy vehicles (defined as vehicles registered at 12,001 lbs and over) used by moving companies must be titled and registered with Utah's Motor Vehicle Division. According to the DMV's commercial vehicle page , registration fees apply at initial registration and annually thereafter.
Business registration requirements
Even without a specific moving license, all companies operating in Utah must register as business entities through the Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations & Commercial Code . Moving companies can complete this process by following the online registration instructions provided by the division.
Do all U.S. moving companies need USDOT numbers?
However, the majority of states require both intrastate and interstate movers to have USDOT numbers in certain situations. More specifically, all but 12 of the 50 U.S. states require USDOT numbers for professional moving companies in some way. You can find more details here .
How to verify a Utah moving company's legitimacy
Since Utah doesn't issue specific mover licenses, there's no state-run license lookup dedicated to moving companies. However, consumers can still verify a mover's legitimacy through other means.
You can check if a company is legally registered to do business in Utah by searching the Utah business registration database . For added peace of mind, verify the company's USDOT number status and safety record through the FMCSA's online lookup tool , which displays whether the carrier is properly authorized and insured.
Consumer protection for Utah residents
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) enforces the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act , which provides protection against deceptive business practices. If you encounter issues with a moving company, you can file a complaint online with the DCP.
For safety-related concerns about moving trucks or drivers, you can report these issues to UDOT's Motor Carrier Division through its online reporting system .
What Utah residents should know when hiring movers
While Utah doesn't require a specific moving license, legitimate companies should still have proper business registration, USDOT numbers for their vehicles, and appropriate insurance coverage. Before hiring a mover, ask for their USDOT number, verify their business registration, and check their insurance coverage. Getting multiple written estimates and reading reviews can also help you find a trustworthy moving company for your Utah relocation.
