ND · In-state moves
North Dakota moving company rules
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) issues household goods carrier permits, and state law makes it unlawful for a household goods carrier to haul for hire without one. To get a permit, a mover must show it is registered with the Secretary of State, carries public liability insurance, and has workers compensation coverage or an affidavit of nonemployment. The law lets NDDOT leave out moves made wholly within a city, and North Dakota has no state rules on estimates or valuation for these moves.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, Motor Carrier Section |
| License lookup | Household goods carrier permit lookup Search by: No public online list was found. Call the NDDOT Motor Carrier Section at 701-328-1287 with the mover's legal business name and ask whether it holds a current household goods carrier permit. |
| Business registration | North Dakota Secretary of State FirstStop business search |
Insurance or bond
Before NDDOT grants a permit, the mover must buy public liability insurance that pays for property damage, injury or death caused by its negligence, and file the policy or an insurer's certificate with NDDOT. The mover must prove each year that the policy is still in force, and NDDOT must cancel the permit if the insurance lapses. The statute sets no dollar minimum and does not require cargo insurance.
Where to complain
Other North Dakota rules to know
- A permit application must include proof of registration with the Secretary of State, so a mover with a permit should also appear in the state business search.
- Permits are renewed every year, and each renewal requires fresh proof of liability insurance.
- NDDOT may leave out transportation done wholly within a city, so a mover doing only in-town moves may not need a state permit.
- Any law enforcement officer may arrest for a violation, the Highway Patrol enforces the chapter statewide, and a willful violation is an infraction.
- A permit can be transferred to a new owner only with NDDOT approval.
Moving into or out of North Dakota? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-31, Common Household Goods Carriers , North Dakota Legislative Branch
- SFN 10539 Application for Household Goods Carrier Permit , North Dakota Department of Transportation
- Motor Vehicle Registration Manual (Common Household Goods Carrier, Intrastate) , North Dakota Department of Transportation
- Motor Carrier Services , North Dakota Department of Transportation
- Consumer Complaints , North Dakota Office of Attorney General
- Business Search , North Dakota Secretary of State