Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Regulatory Authority | New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Office of Safety and Security Services |
| License Required? | Yes – A Household Goods Operating Authority must be obtained from NYSDOT before intrastate service |
| Insurance Required? | Yes – Must file standard liability insurance via Form E and cargo insurance coverage |
| Tariff Required? | Yes – Mover must file a tariff with NYSDOT; rates and accessorial charges must be publicly available |
| USDOT / UCR Required? | Yes – A USDOT number is required for certain vehicles; UCR applies if operating interstate |
| Application Fee | Varies by application scope; includes licensing and tariff-filing costs |
| Consumer Complaints | Handled by NYSDOT’s moving complaints unit under intrastate jurisdiction |
Overview & Scope
Operating as a household goods mover between any locations within New York State requires operating authority issued by NYSDOT. The process includes safety evaluation, insurance verification, and a 30-day public notice period.
Registration & Licensing Steps
Movers must complete the following to operate legally:
- Submit an Application through the NYSDOT’s Carrier Certification System using a NY.GOV ID.
- Attend an Entrance Conference and Safety & Compliance Class where fitness, tariffs, claims, and operational practices are evaluated.
- File Form E (liability insurance) and cargo insurance (min. $5,000 per vehicle; $10,000 aggregate).
- Provide a filed tariff detailing all rates, services, and accessorial charges.
- Establish a bona fide business location within New York State.
- After the 30-day public notification period, if approved, receive a probationary operating certificate, which can be converted to permanent authority upon successful performance.
Advertising must include the authorized name, certificate number, and address, and carriers must provide a “Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods” before the move begins.
Consumer Protections
New York regulations ensure strong consumer safeguards:
- Movers must provide written estimates and disclose all applicable charges.
- If the final cost exceeds the estimate, consumers are entitled to 15 days to pay the overage.
- Claims for damage or overcharge must be submitted in writing; the mover must respond within 30 days and resolve within 120.
- Consumers can file unlicensed or service-related complaints directly with NYSDOT’s intrastate moving complaints unit.
- A Bill of Lading and “Important Notice to Consumers” must be issued at pickup.
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Required |
|---|---|
| NYSDOT Household Goods Operating Authority (Probationary) | Yes |
| Liability (Form E) & Cargo Insurance | Yes |
| Filed Tariff with Accessorial Charges | Yes |
| Safety & Compliance Class Attended | Yes |
| Bona Fide Business Location | Yes |
| Advertising with Certificate Info | Required |
| Written Estimates and Consumer Summary Provided | Required |
| Claim Response within 120 Days | Required |
| Consumer Complaint Process Available | Provided |
Disclaimer:
This page offers a general summary of New York’s intrastate household goods mover requirements. Regulations may change—please verify licensing, insurance, and compliance details with the New York State Department of Transportation before proceeding.
Last updated: August 8, 2025