Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Texas |
| Regulatory Authority | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) |
| License Required? | Yes — Intrastate Household Goods Carrier Certificate is mandatory |
| Insurance Required? | Yes — Liability and cargo insurance must be filed via Form E and Form H/I |
| Tariff Required? | Yes — Movers must maintain a filed tariff of their rates |
| USDOT / UCR Required? | Yes — Required for interstate or federally regulated operations |
| Written Proposal Required? | Yes — Written “proposal” or estimate must be provided before loading |
| Contract Required? | Yes — A moving services contract must be issued to the shipper prior to loading and at delivery |
| Application Fee | $100 application fee, plus $10 per vehicle and $100 per insurance filing per Form E/H/I |
| Consumer Complaints | Through TxDMV’s enforcement division – Online Form |
Overview & Scope
Texas law mandates that every household goods carrier operating within state boundaries hold a valid TxDMV intrastate mover certificate. Operating without one is illegal and may result in significant penalties.
Registration & Compliance Requirements
Movers must:
- Apply for a Carrier Certificate through TxDMV.
- Maintain Proper Insurance Filing:
- Liability (via Form E)
- Cargo insurance (via Form H/I)
- File a Tariff that details services, pricing, and valuation levels.
- Provide a Written Proposal (binding or not-to-exceed estimate) before loading. It must include carrier name, address, liability limits, and payment terms.
- Issue a Contract for moving services prior to loading and again at delivery, detailing shipment information, carrier liability, and claims process.
- Display Official Identifiers:
- TxDMV certificate number
- USDOT number (if applicable)
on all vehicles and marketing materials.
- Renew annually and update all operational, insurance, and tariff records as needed.
Consumer Protections
- Licensure ensures regulation, transparency, and recourse for disputes.
- Required documents—proposal, contract, and tariff—provide clarity and prevent hidden charges.
- Standard mover liability applies automatically, with options for higher declared values.
- Consumers have 90 days to file damage claims, and carriers have timelines to respond and resolve issues.
- Unlicensed movers or “rogue” operators expose consumers to fraud, unregulated practices, and risk of loss.
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Required |
|---|---|
| TxDMV Intrastate Household Goods Certificate | Yes |
| Liability & Cargo Insurance Filed | Yes |
| Filed Tariff | Yes |
| Written Proposal (Prior to Loading) | Yes |
| Moving Services Contract (Before & Upon Delivery) | Yes |
| TxDMV Certificate & USDOT Number Displayed | Required |
| Annual Renewal & Filing Updates | Required |
| Consumer Complaint Process Available | Provided |
Disclaimer:
This page provides an overview of Texas’s intrastate household goods mover regulations. Rules and obligations may change; please consult the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm current requirements before acting.
Last updated: August 8, 2025