Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Ohio |
| Regulatory Authority | Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) – Motor Carrier Services |
| License Required? | Yes — Intrastate household goods movers must register and obtain a Certificate of Authority (HHG Certificate) from PUCO |
| Insurance Required? | Yes — Must file liability insurance (Form E) and cargo insurance to meet PUCO standards |
| Tariff Required? | Yes — Movers must file a tariff listing all rates and accessorial charges |
| USDOT / UCR Required? | USDOT number required; UCR required if operating interstate |
| Records & Billing | Must issue a written estimate, followed by a bill of lading that includes all charges per PUCO rules |
| Consumer Complaints | Managed by PUCO, with instructions provided on the bill of lading – Online Form |
Overview & Scope
In Ohio, anyone operating as a household goods mover within state boundaries must register with PUCO as an intrastate, for-hire carrier. This ensures compliance with safety, insurance, and consumer-protection standards.
Registration & Compliance Steps
- Obtain a USDOT Number as a starting requirement for state-level registration.
- Complete PUCO Registration, including:
- Applying for the HHG Certificate online
- Submitting proof of required insurance coverage
- File a Rate Tariff listing your services, rates, and extra charges before operating.
- Provide Written Estimates and Bill of Lading compliant with PUCO format and content regulations.
- Update Annually: Renew your registration and submit updates as needed to maintain compliance.
Insurance & Consumer Protections
- Movers must carry adequate liability and cargo insurance to protect consumers.
- Consumers receive legal protections, including:
- Written estimates aligned with filed tariffs
- Detailed bill of lading with charge breakdowns
- Clear instructions for filing complaints with PUCO
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Required |
|---|---|
| PUCO HHG Certificate Registration | Yes |
| USDOT Number | Yes |
| Liability & Cargo Insurance | Yes |
| Tariff Filing | Yes |
| Written Estimate + Bill of Lading | Yes |
| Annual Renewal of Registration | Required |
| Complaint Process via PUCO | Provided |
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is intended as a general summary of Ohio’s household goods mover regulations. Laws and requirements may change—please verify licensing, insurance, and compliance obligations with the PUCO before proceeding.
Last updated: August 8, 2025