Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Washington State |
| Regulatory Authority | Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) |
| License Required? | Yes — Intrastate “Household Goods Carrier Permit” required for any for-hire moves within the state |
| Insurance Required? | Yes — Must file public liability and cargo insurance via state forms |
| Tariff Required? | Yes — Must operate under UTC-approved tariff; minimum and maximum rates defined |
| Mandatory Training | Yes — Company representatives must attend UTC-provided training before a provisional permit is issued |
| USDOT / Interstate Moves | Yes — Must register with FMCSA and display USDOT (and MC) numbers for interstate services |
| Permit Number Display | Yes — Permit number must appear on all ads, estimates, and vehicle markings |
| City Permits | Required — Local permits (e.g., curb-space) may also be needed depending on municipal rules |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Civil penalties up to thousands per day and potential vehicle impoundment |
| Complaints | File a Complaint |
Overview & Scope
Any business moving household goods for hire within Washington’s borders must hold a Household Goods Carrier Permit issued by the UTC. Operating without this permit is illegal and carries significant enforcement consequences.
Registration & Compliance Essentials
Movers must:
- Attend UTC Training — mandatory orientation or training is required before applying.
- Submit Permit Application, including details of business, insurance, and tariff.
- File Insurance — public liability and cargo coverage via UTC forms.
- Adhere to UTC Tariff — rates must remain within prescribed limits.
- Display Permit Number — on company materials and vehicles.
- Update Tariff for Alternative Billing — if opting out of standard rates, file appropriate forms with UTC.
- Comply with Local Regulations — secure city-specific permits when needed.
Consumer Protections
Consumers are safeguarded by:
- Working only with permitted carriers—unauthorized movers operate illegally and offer little recourse.
- Transparent pricing via public tariffs, with clear minimum/maximum rates.
- Required training ensures carrier competence.
- A public complaints portal empowers consumers to report violations and enforce protections.
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Required |
|---|---|
| UTC Household Goods Carrier Permit | Yes |
| Training for Authorized Personnel | Required |
| Liability & Cargo Insurance Filed | Yes |
| Compliance with UTC Tariff Structure | Required |
| Permit Number Clearly Displayed | Required |
| Alternative Billing & Tariff Forms Filed | Required if applicable |
| Local Permits (e.g., curb, city requirements) | Required if applicable |
| Consumer Complaint Process via UTC | Provided |
Disclaimer:
This page is intended to provide a general summary of Washington State’s regulations for household goods movers. Rules and requirements may change—please verify licensing, insurance, and operational obligations with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission before proceeding.
Last updated: August 8, 2025