How to Check a California Mover's License
A two-minute state lookup tells you whether a mover is legally allowed to move your things. Most moving horror stories start with skipping it.
By Fast Easy Moving Editors · Updated
Who licenses movers in California now
For years, household movers in California were regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. That changed on July 1, 2018, when the job moved to the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Plenty of older articles and mover websites still mention the CPUC, so don't let that confuse you.
A mover needs a BHGS license to move household goods within California, and also to move them into or out of the state.
The CAL-T number
Licensed movers are issued a number in the format CAL-T followed by digits. The Max 4 tariff, which still sets the consumer rules for California moves, requires that number on printed ads, stationery and documents, the Agreement for Moving Services and change orders. If a company can't give you its CAL-T number, treat that as a stop sign.
How to look a mover up
Search the mover by name or license number in the Department of Consumer Affairs household mover search. Confirm the business name and address match what's on your estimate, and that the license is active. BHGS also recommends confirming the mover carries workers' compensation insurance for its crew.
- Get the CAL-T number from the mover's estimate or website.
- Look it up in the DCA household mover search.
- Match the legal business name and address.
- Ask for proof of workers' compensation coverage.
Moving out of state? Check FMCSA too
Interstate movers and moving brokers must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Search the company in FMCSA's Protect Your Move mover lookup using its USDOT number. A mover taking your belongings out of California needs both: federal registration and a BHGS permit.
Unlicensed movers are getting cited
BHGS has been running enforcement sweeps. In December 2025 it inspected 40 movers across eight counties, including San Diego. In July 2026, a sweep targeting unlicensed movers in the Bay Area and Southern California produced 30 citations totaling $110,230.
Common questions
- Does the CPUC still license movers in California?
- No. Since July 1, 2018, household movers have been licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services in the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- What is a CAL-T number?
- It's the permit number California issues to licensed household movers. It must appear on their ads, documents and your Agreement for Moving Services.
Keep reading
In San Diego County? See our city guides for local permits and utilities.
Sources
Last checked October 2026.