Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth of Virginia |
| Regulatory Authority | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Carrier Services |
| License Required? | Yes – Must obtain a Certificate of Fitness (household goods carrier authority) for moves of 31+ miles; for moves under 31 miles, Property Carrier authority is acceptable |
| Insurance Required? | Yes – |
- Minimum $750,000 for public liability (for vehicles over 10,000 lbs)
- Minimum $50,000 for cargo coverage |
| Tariff Required? | Yes – Movers must file a tariff outlining rates, rules, and valuation options; changes must receive written approval 30 days in advance |
| Valuation Options | Released Value at $0.60/lb per article is the default; higher coverage must be offered |
| Written Estimate Required? | Yes – Must be provided prior to loading and reflected on the Bill of Lading |
| Documentation Busines Must Keep | Copies of all BOLs retained on file for at least 3 years |
| Claims Handling Requirements | - Acknowledge claims within 30 days
- Pay, decline, or settle within 120 days
- If unresolved, provide updates every 30 days thereafter |
| Joint Tariff Flexibility | Allowed via Notice of Concurrence or Power of Attorney, with 60 days’ notice for revocation |
| Solicitation Restrictions | Only certificated carriers may solicit or contract for household goods moves |
| Consumer Complaint Process | Maintain consumer recourse via DMV oversight and formal regulations |
Overview & Scope
Virginia strictly regulates intrastate household goods transport. Movers must be authorized and insured. Pricing and valuation must be transparent and controlled through state-approved tariffs. The DMV enforces compliance through authority issuance, oversight, and enforcement actions.
Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Fitness (for moves ≥31 miles) | Yes |
| Required Insurance (Liability & Cargo) | Yes |
| Filed Tariff & Regulatory Approval for Rate Changes | Yes |
| Valuation Options Provided & Documented | Yes |
| Written Estimate & Bill of Lading Required | Yes |
| Retain BOL Records for 3 Years | Yes |
| Claims Acknowledged in 30 Days & Resolved within 120 Days | Yes |
| Document Updates for Pending Claims every 30 Days | Yes |
| Only Certificated Carriers May Solicit or Contract Moves | Enforced |
| Consumer Complaint Process Available via DMV | Provided |
Disclaimer:
This page provides a general overview of intrastate household goods mover regulations in Virginia. Regulations may change—please verify current licensing, insurance, and compliance obligations with the Virginia DMV before proceeding.
Last updated: August 8, 2025