Who Regulates Moving Companies?

Who regulates interstate moving companies?

The FMCSA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), regulates every moving company that carries household goods across state lines. Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and operating authority from the FMCSA, and they must follow federal consumer protection rules.

The FMCSA only covers interstate moves. If your move stays within one state, your state’s rules apply instead. Our guide to interstate vs. intrastate moves explains the difference.

How to check an interstate mover

Look up any interstate mover’s USDOT number before you book. Our guide on how to do a USDOT number lookup walks you through it. The FMCSA’s mover search shows:

What federal rules protect you on an interstate move?

Federal rules give you specific protections when you hire an interstate mover:

The FMCSA enforces these rules with fines, and it has fined movers more than $30,000 for violating consumer protection regulations. If you have a problem, file a complaint through the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move program.

Once you know how to check a mover’s license, compare prices with our moving cost calculator. It weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, using 1,000+ live price points collected every month.

What licenses does a moving company need?

The licenses a moving company needs depend on where it operates. Interstate movers need federal registration, while in-state movers need whatever license their state requires.

Brokers need their own FMCSA broker authority, but they don’t move your belongings themselves. Always ask whether you’re booking with a carrier or a broker.

Who regulates international moving companies?

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) licenses ocean transportation intermediaries, including the freight forwarders that often arrange international household moves. Check that your international mover or its freight forwarder holds an FMC license.

Who regulates in-state moving companies?

Each state sets its own rules for movers that operate within its borders. Most states license movers through a public utilities commission or department of transportation, but a few don’t license in-state movers at all.

Whatever state you’re in, it’s also worth checking a mover’s rating and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before you book.

Alabama

Alabama movers need a certificate from the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) to haul household goods for pay within the state. Licensed movers must also keep an approved tariff on file that lists their rates.

• Agency: Alabama PSC, Motor Carrier Section
• Address: 100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL 36104
• Phone: (334) 242-5218 or (800) 392-8050

Alaska

We couldn’t find an Alaska agency that licenses movers for moves within the state. For an in-state move, ask for proof of insurance and a written estimate, and check any interstate mover’s USDOT number.

Arizona

Arizona doesn’t license movers, but the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) investigates household goods complaints and enforces mover rules. AZ DPS recommends checking an in-state mover’s business registration with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

• Agency: AZ DPS Household Goods Enforcement
• Address: 2222 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85009
• Phone: (602) 223-5000
• Business lookup: Arizona Corporation Commission eCorp

Arkansas

Arkansas movers need Intrastate Operating Authority from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) before moving household goods within the state.

• Agency: ARDOT Intrastate Authority
• Address: 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
• Phone: (501) 569-2160

California

California movers are licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which took over from the California Public Utilities Commission in 2018. Licensed movers must show their Cal-T number on their trucks.

• Agency: Bureau of Household Goods and Services
• Address: 4244 South Market Court, Suite D, Sacramento, CA 95834
• Phone: (916) 999-2041 or (833) 488-2327
• License lookup: BHGS license lookup

Colorado

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issues permits to household goods movers operating within the state. The PUC registers movers but doesn’t set their rates.

• Agency: Colorado PUC Movers
• Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
• Phone: (303) 894-2000
• Complaints: Colorado PUC complaint form

Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) issues Household Goods Carrier Certificates to movers operating within the state.

• Agency: CTDOT Regulatory & Compliance Unit
• Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
• Phone: (860) 594-2868

Delaware

We couldn’t find a Delaware agency that licenses movers for moves within the state. Report problems with a mover to the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit.

• Agency: Delaware DOJ Consumer Protection Unit

Florida

Florida movers must register each year with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which also takes consumer complaints.

• Agency: FDACS Moving Companies
• Address: 2005 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
• Phone: (800) 435-7352
• License lookup: FDACS business search

Georgia

Georgia movers need a household goods certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS also caps what movers can charge through its maximum rate tariff.

• Agency: Georgia DPS Household Goods Moving Guide
• Address: 959 United Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
• Phone: (404) 624-7259

Hawaii

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) licenses household goods movers as a separate class of motor carrier.

• Agency: Hawaii PUC Motor Carriers
• Address: 465 South King St., Room 103, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Phone: (808) 586-2020
• License lookup: Active motor carriers report

Idaho

We couldn’t find an Idaho agency that licenses movers for moves within the state. The Idaho Transportation Department handles commercial vehicle registration.

• Agency: Idaho Transportation Department

Illinois

Illinois movers need a household goods license from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for moves within the state.

• Agency: ICC Household Goods Movers
• Phone: (217) 782-6448
• License lookup: ICC carrier search

Indiana

Indiana movers need Intrastate Operating Authority for Household Goods from the Indiana Department of Revenue, Motor Carrier Services. Movers can’t operate while an application is pending.

• Agency: Indiana DOR Motor Carrier Services
• Address: 7811 Milhouse Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46241
• Phone: (317) 615-7200

Iowa

Iowa movers need an Intrastate Motor Carrier Permit for household goods from the Iowa Department of Transportation, plus insurance and a tariff on file.

• Agency: Iowa DOT Motor Carrier Services
• Address: P.O. Box 10382, Des Moines, IA 50306
• Phone: (515) 237-3268

Kansas

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) grants intrastate authority to household goods movers, which receive a KCC number. You can look up a mover’s KCC status online.

• Agency: KCC Transportation Division
• Address: 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604
• Phone: (785) 271-3145
• License lookup: KCC motor carrier search

Kentucky

Kentucky movers need Intrastate Household Goods Authority from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Carriers. The Cabinet also investigates consumer complaints.

• Agency: KYTC Household Goods
• Address: 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
• Phone: (502) 564-1257

Louisiana

Louisiana movers need a common carrier certificate from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). You have a right to a written estimate on in-state moves.

• Agency: LPSC Household Goods Movers
• Address: 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
• Phone: (225) 342-4439 or (888) 342-5717

Maine

Maine doesn’t name a state agency that licenses movers for in-state moves. The Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division handles complaints about movers.

• Agency: Maine AG Consumer Protection
• Phone: (207) 626-8800

Maryland

Maryland movers that use commercial vehicles must register with the Maryland Department of Labor. Complaints about service or damage go to the Maryland Attorney General.

• Agency: Maryland Household Goods Movers
• Address: 100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Phone: (410) 230-6174
• License lookup: Maryland mover search

Massachusetts

Massachusetts movers need operating authority from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Transportation Oversight Division, plus a tariff on file.

• Agency: DPU Transportation Oversight Division
• Address: One South Station, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02110
• Phone: (617) 305-3559
• License lookup: DPU household goods movers search

Michigan

Michigan movers need intrastate authority from the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED), which must be renewed every year.

• Agency: MSP CVED Regulatory & Credentialing
• Phone: (517) 284-3250
• License lookup: MSP carrier authority search

Minnesota

Minnesota movers need a Household Goods Mover Permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) before they can operate.

• Agency: MnDOT Household Goods
• Address: 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155
• Phone: (651) 296-3000 or (800) 657-3774

Mississippi

We couldn’t confirm a Mississippi agency that licenses household goods movers for in-state moves. For interstate moves, check the mover’s USDOT number.

• Agency: Mississippi Department of Transportation

Missouri

Missouri movers need intrastate household goods authority from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Motor Carrier Services.

• Agency: MoDOT Household Goods
• Address: 830 MoDOT Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102
• Phone: (866) 831-6277
• License lookup: MoDOT authorized carriers list

Montana

The Montana Public Service Commission has only limited motor carrier oversight and doesn’t appear to license household goods movers.

• Agency: Montana PSC Motor Carriers
• Phone: (406) 444-6150 or (800) 646-6150

Nebraska

Nebraska movers need a household goods mover license from the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC). The NPSC lists every licensed mover on its website.

• Agency: NPSC Household Goods Movers
• Address: 1200 N Street, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508
• Phone: (402) 471-3101

Nevada

Nevada movers need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA).

• Agency: Nevada Transportation Authority
• Address: 3300 W. Sahara Ave, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89102
• Phone: (702) 486-3303 or (775) 687-9790

New Hampshire

Since 2023, New Hampshire movers have needed a household goods carrier certificate from the Department of Safety. State law requires written estimates and caps charges at 10% over the estimate without your written consent.

• Law: NH RSA 359-T

New Jersey

New Jersey movers need a Public Mover and Warehouseman license from the Division of Consumer Affairs. Licensed movers must do an on-site survey and give you a written estimate.

• Agency: NJ Public Movers & Warehousemen
• Address: P.O. Box 45028, Newark, NJ 07101
• Phone: (973) 504-6512

New Mexico

New Mexico movers are regulated by the NMDOT Transportation Regulation Bureau, which took over from the Public Regulation Commission in 2024.

• Agency: NMDOT Household Goods Moving
• Address: P.O. Box 1149, Santa Fe, NM 87504
• Phone: (505) 827-4519

New York

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) oversees the rates and services of in-state movers, and every mover must file a tariff.

• Agency: NYSDOT Household Goods
• Address: 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232
• Phone: (518) 485-1010

North Carolina

North Carolina movers need a C number certificate from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The NCUC caps mover rates through its Maximum Rate Tariff.

• Agency: NCUC Moving Guide
• Address: 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603
• Phone: (919) 733-7766
• License lookup: NCUC certified carriers list

North Dakota

North Dakota movers need a household goods carrier permit from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).

• Agency: NDDOT Motor Carrier Services
• Address: 608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
• Phone: (701) 328-1287

Ohio

Ohio movers need a household goods carrier certificate from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for moves within the state.

• Agency: PUCO Movers
• Address: 180 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• License lookup: PUCO household goods carrier list

Oklahoma

Oklahoma movers need an Intrastate Household Goods Carriers Certificate from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), even for moves within city limits.

• Agency: OCC Household Goods Movers
• Address: P.O. Box 171, Oklahoma City, OK 73101
• Phone: (405) 521-2251

Oregon

Oregon movers need a household goods certificate from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Commerce and Compliance Division, which regulates rates and services.

• Agency: ODOT Household Goods Moving
• Address: 455 Airport Road SE, Bldg A, Salem, OR 97301
• Phone: (503) 378-5849
• License lookup: ODOT authorized movers list

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania movers need a certificate from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), and their PUC number must appear in all ads. Your final bill can’t exceed the estimate by more than 10% or $25, whichever is greater.

• Agency: PA PUC Movers
• Address: P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105
• Phone: (800) 692-7380

Rhode Island

Rhode Island movers need a certificate from the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, and their rates must follow a Division-approved tariff.

• Agency: RI Moving Information
• Address: 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02888
• Phone: (401) 780-2158

South Carolina

South Carolina movers need a Class E certificate, and the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees their licensing, insurance, and rates. Movers must display the certificate number on both sides of their trucks.

• Agency: SC ORS Transportation
• Address: 1901 Main Street, Suite 1500, Columbia, SC 29201
• Phone: (803) 737-5230 or (800) 922-1531

South Dakota

We couldn’t find a South Dakota agency that licenses movers for in-state moves. For interstate moves, check the mover’s USDOT number.

• Agency: South Dakota Trucking Info

Tennessee

Tennessee movers need Intrastate Authority from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, plus a cargo insurance filing for household goods.

• Agency: TN Intrastate Authority
• Address: 500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37242
• Phone: (615) 399-4265

Texas

Texas movers need a TxDMV certificate to move household goods for pay, no matter the truck size. Movers must show their TxDMV and USDOT numbers on both sides of the truck.

• Agency: TxDMV Don’t Make a Move
• Address: 4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
• Phone: (888) 368-4689
• License lookup: TxDMV Truck Stop search

Utah

Utah doesn’t appear to license movers for in-state moves. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Motor Carrier Division handles safety and registration.

• Agency: UDOT Motor Carrier Division
• Phone: (801) 965-4892

Vermont

Vermont doesn’t regulate movers for in-state moves. For interstate moves, check the mover’s USDOT number.

Virginia

Virginia movers need a Household Goods Carrier certificate from the Virginia DMV for moves over 30 miles, plus a bond, insurance, and a filed tariff. Shorter moves require Property Carrier authority.

• Agency: Virginia DMV Household Goods
• Address: P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
• Phone: (804) 249-5146
• License lookup: Authorized motor carriers

Washington

Washington movers need a household goods permit from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Moving household goods without one is illegal.

• Agency: Washington UTC Movers
• Address: 621 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503
• Phone: (360) 664-1160 or (888) 333-9882

West Virginia

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia oversees movers operating within the state through its Motor Carrier Division.

• Agency: Public Service Commission of West Virginia
• Address: 201 Brooks Street, Charleston, WV 25301
• Phone: (304) 340-0300

Wisconsin

Wisconsin issues intrastate operating authority to for-hire carriers through WisDOT Motor Carrier Services. Complaints about movers go to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

• Agency: WisDOT Motor Carrier Authority
• Phone: (608) 266-9900
• Complaints: DATCP at (608) 224-5012
• Moving guide: Wisconsin Movers Association Household Goods Guide

Wyoming

Wyoming movers need an Intrastate Letter of Authority from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), plus liability and cargo insurance filings.

• Agency: WYDOT Operating Authority
• Address: 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009
• Phone: (307) 777-4850

Washington, D.C.

D.C. movers need a Moving and Storage business license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), which replaced DCRA in 2022.

• Agency: DLCP Moving & Storage License
• Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
• Phone: (202) 671-4500
• License lookup: Verify a business license

Moving regulations FAQs

Who regulates moving companies?

Moving companies are regulated by the FMCSA for interstate moves and by a state agency for moves within one state. The state agency is usually a public utilities commission, department of transportation, or consumer affairs office. A few states don’t license in-state movers at all.

Does the FMCSA regulate local movers?

No, the FMCSA doesn’t regulate local movers unless the move crosses state lines. Local and intrastate moves fall under your state’s rules. Check your state’s regulator in the table above.

How do I check if a moving company is licensed?

To check if a moving company is licensed, look up its USDOT number with the FMCSA for interstate moves. For in-state moves, use your state regulator’s license lookup or call the agency. Never book a mover that won’t share its license numbers.

Where do I file a complaint against a moving company?

File a complaint against an interstate moving company with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database at (888) 368-7238. For an in-state move, contact your state regulator or attorney general. The FMCSA tracks complaints but can’t resolve claims for you.

How long do I have to file a damage claim after an interstate move?

You have nine months from delivery to file a written damage claim after an interstate move. Your mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and accept or deny it within 120 days. State agencies generally won’t step in on damage claims unless there’s fraud or theft.

What’s the difference between local & intrastate moves?

The difference between local and intrastate moves is distance, though both stay within one state. Local moves usually cover less than 50 miles, while intrastate moves are longer. State rules for each can differ, so check with your state regulator.

Can an interstate moving company do local moves?

Yes, an interstate moving company can do local moves if it also holds authority from that state. Many van line agents offer both. Ask for the mover’s state license number as well as its USDOT number.

Ryan Carrigan

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.