How admin approval works
What happens after you submit, how long it takes, and what to do if you're asked for more info.
Overview
After you submit your application, our admin team reviews it, runs your background check, and either approves you, requests changes, or rejects the application. This article explains what the reviewers look at, how long it takes, and what to do at each status.
Why this feature exists
Approval is the platform's front door. It protects customers from unverified movers and protects you from bad-faith competitors. A consistent review process means every mover meets the same bar before appearing on the public directory.
Before You Begin
You cannot start the approval process. It starts automatically the moment you click Submit on Step 10 of the application. Before that happens, make sure:
- Your ID photos are readable
- Your equipment list is accurate
- You signed all three agreements
- Your service area is specific
Step-by-step instructions
1. Submission confirmation
Right after you submit, you land on /apply/submitted with your reference ID (e.g. APP-2026-01234). Save it — support asks for this when you write in.
What happens next: the application moves to submitted status. A reviewer is assigned within one business day.
2. Background check runs in parallel
Our verified partner runs a criminal history and identity check using the SSN/ITIN you provided.
What happens next: background check results attach to your application file. Most complete within 48 hours.
3. Admin document review
A reviewer opens /admin/applications/<your-id> and checks:
- ID photos match your selfie
- Bio is professional and free of contact info
- Skills and equipment are plausible for your experience
- Service area is specific enough to route jobs
What happens next: if anything is unclear, the status flips to changes_requested and you get an email with a checklist.
4. Respond to change requests
Sign in, go to /mover-onboarding, and the wizard reopens at the flagged section only. Fix, resign if needed, and resubmit.
What happens next: your application returns to submitted and a reviewer looks again — usually within one business day.
5. Approval
When everything checks out, status flips to approved. Your mover_profile row is created, your public URL is generated (e.g. /movers/jane-smith), and you get a welcome email.
What happens next: you land on /mover on next sign-in. Complete your profile (see below) before your first job.
6. Rejection
If we cannot approve you (failed background check, falsified information, ineligible location), status flips to rejected with a reason. You can appeal through /mover/support within 30 days.
What happens next: if appeal is denied, the account remains as a customer login only.
Helpful Tips
- Watch your email — every status change sends a notification.
- Do not create a second account "to speed things up". Duplicates get both applications rejected.
- If you move states while under review, tell support. We update your background check jurisdiction.
Common Mistakes
- Nagging support daily. Reviewers work in queue order. Extra emails slow your file, not speed it.
- Ignoring the change-request email. Applications sit for up to 14 days waiting. After that, they auto-close and you have to start over.
- Assuming a background check clear means you are approved. The two run in parallel — you still need admin document approval.
Troubleshooting
- No email after 3 business days. Check spam. Then email support with your reference ID.
- Background check "pending" for over a week. Usually a name mismatch with your ID. Support can push a manual review.
- Approved but no `/mover` dashboard. Sign out completely and back in — the role is added on next login.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does approval take? Typical: 2–5 business days end-to-end when documents are clean and the background check clears.
Will an old misdemeanor disqualify me? Not automatically. We look at recency, severity, and relevance to the work. Contact support before applying if you have specific concerns.
Can I work moves before approval? No. The Move Board and application buttons are locked until you are approved.