TX · In-state moves
Texas moving company rules
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regulates movers that carry household goods within Texas. A mover must register with TxDMV before it transports household goods for pay, whatever the size of its truck, and a licensed mover has an active TxDMV certificate number. Texas law also requires movers to file a tariff of maximum charges and to follow TxDMV consumer rules on proposals, contracts and claims.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) |
| License lookup | TxDMV certificate number (motor carrier registration) lookup Search by: Choose a search type (company name, owner name, TxDMV/certificate number, USDOT number, address or VIN) and enter at least four characters. An "Active" certificate status means the mover is licensed. |
| Business registration | Texas Comptroller taxable entity search |
Estimates
Before loading, the mover must give you a written proposal that describes the services and states the most you could be required to pay. The proposal is either binding (the exact price) or not-to-exceed (a maximum; the mover may charge less). You also get a moving services contract before loading, and a licensed mover cannot add charges after the contract is signed unless you both agree in writing.
Liability for loss or damage
You and the mover agree before the move on how much the mover is liable for loss or damage, if anything. A common choice limits liability to 60 cents per pound per item, so a lost 50-pound item would be paid at $30; more liability may cost more. Mover liability is not insurance, and you can buy separate transit insurance. File a written claim with the mover within 90 days of delivery. The mover must acknowledge it and has 90 days from receipt to pay, deny or make a written settlement offer. If you are not satisfied, TxDMV offers free mediation.
Insurance or bond
A registered mover that transports household goods must keep cargo insurance in the amount federal law requires for household goods carriers, and must file proof of insurance with TxDMV.
Where to complain
Other Texas rules to know
- Registration is required for any vehicle used to move household goods for pay, regardless of size, and soliciting or performing moves without it is a criminal offense.
- Licensed movers must show their name, TxDMV certificate number and USDOT number on both sides of the truck.
- Movers must give you the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas" document before loading.
- Print advertising by a Texas mover must list a Texas street address and the mover's TxDMV registration number.
- To request free TxDMV mediation of a damage claim, file the mediation request within 35 days of an unsatisfactory reply from the mover, or after 90 days with no reply.
Moving into or out of Texas? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Don't Make a Move Without Us , Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Truck Stop - Motor Carrier and Automated Motor Vehicle Operator Lookup , Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move in Texas (brochure) , Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Household Goods Mover Mediation Request Form , Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Transportation Code Chapter 643, Motor Carrier Registration , Texas Legislature
- Complaints , Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- File a Consumer Complaint , Office of the Texas Attorney General
- Taxable Entity Search , Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts