Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| State | New Jersey |
| Regulatory Authority | Division of Consumer Affairs – Regulated Business Unit |
| License Required? | Yes — Intrastate movers must obtain a Public Mover License (or Warehouseman or Combo License) |
| Insurance Required? | Yes — Must maintain cargo, bodily injury, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance |
| Tariff Required? | Yes — Must keep a filed tariff; estimates must be based on that tariff |
| USDOT/UCR Required? | Yes — USDOT number required for interstate or threshold vehicles; UCR if operating interstate |
| Application Fee | Annual licensing fee; vary by mover and number of vehicles |
| Consumer Complaints | Filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs regulatedbusiness@dca.njoag.gov Online Form |
Overview & Scope
Anyone operating intrastate household goods moves—that is, both originating and terminating within New Jersey—must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Public Movers & Warehousemen Licensing Act. This includes public movers, warehousemen, or combo operators (PC license types).
Registration & Licensing Requirements
Movers must:
- Obtain the appropriate license type:
- PM: Public Mover only
- PW: Warehouseman only
- PC: Combo license permitting both services
- Maintain and file required insurance, including:
- Cargo liability
- Bodily injury and property damage
- Workers’ compensation
- Register each vehicle, prominently displaying the mover license number on both sides of the truck.
- Use tariff-based pricing:
- Provide estimates and contracts based on a filed tariff.
- Keep tariff documents available at the main office and for consumer access.
- Issue written estimates and contracts, including the state’s “Important Notice to Consumers” brochure.
Consumer Protections & Enforcement
- Unlicensed operators face civil penalties—typically $2,500 per violation; repeat offenders may receive heightened fines and vehicle impoundment.
- Intrastate movers must provide:
- Written estimates based on tariff
- Bill of Lading before the move
- Liability compensation up to $1.00 per pound, per article, unless greater valuation coverage is purchased
- Consumers can verify mover license status and complaint history online or via phone and report issues such as fraud, damage, or unprofessional conduct.
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Required |
|---|---|
| Intrastate Public Mover or Combo License | Yes |
| Cargo, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance | Yes |
| Filed Tariff and Tariff-Based Pricing | Required |
| Written Estimate + Consumer Brochure | Required |
| License Display on Vehicles | Required |
| USDOT/UCR (if applicable) | Required |
| Consumer Complaint Process | Provided |
Disclaimer:
The information on this page provides a general summary of New Jersey’s household goods mover regulations. Regulations may change—please verify current licensing, insurance, and compliance requirements with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs before proceeding.
Last updated: August 8, 2025