"Licensed and insured" is printed on nearly every moving truck in Queens and Nassau County — but printing it on a truck doesn't make it true. Before you hand your belongings to a moving crew, here's exactly how to verify a mover's credentials in under five minutes, and why it matters more than a five-star Google rating alone.
NYSDOT Certificate of Authority — The NY Requirement
Movers operating within New York State must hold a valid NYSDOT Certificate of Authority. The Moving Genie provides moves within New York State only, and this NYSDOT authority is the key credential to verify before booking.
NYSDOT Number — The NY-Specific Requirement
The NYSDOT Certificate of Authority covers household-goods moves within New York State — including the local moves most Queens and Nassau County customers are booking.
How to Verify NYSDOT Authority
Ask the mover for its NYSDOT Certificate of Authority and confirm that the business name and authority are current. For The Moving Genie, the NYSDOT authority applies to the moves we provide within New York State.
Why This Matters More Than a Star Rating
A five-star review tells you about someone else's move day. Active licensing tells you the company is legally accountable, carries required insurance, and can be tracked down if something goes wrong. Unlicensed "movers" — sometimes operating as unmarked vans booked through classified ads — are a leading source of moving scams and lost or damaged belongings with no recourse.
The Moving Genie's Credentials
The Moving Genie LLC has been an active, licensed New York LLC since January 2021 (NY DOS ID: 5929272). Our NYSDOT #43443 is displayed on every page of this site and available on request. We provide moves within New York State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What authority should a New York mover have?
A mover operating within New York State should hold a current NYSDOT Certificate of Authority. The Moving Genie provides moves within New York State under NYSDOT authority.
How do I verify NYSDOT authority?
Ask for the mover's NYSDOT Certificate of Authority and confirm that the business name and authority are current before booking.
What are the warning signs of an unlicensed mover?
Cash-only demands, no written estimate, no company name on the truck, refusal to provide a NYSDOT Certificate of Authority, and prices far below every other quote you've received.