VA · In-state moves
Virginia moving company rules
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Carrier Services issues operating authority to movers working within Virginia. A mover that carries household goods more than 30 miles from where the move starts needs a Household Goods Carrier certificate, files a tariff and posts a bond. Movers that only do moves of 30 miles or less need Property Carrier authority instead.
| In-state oversight | State license compare states |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services |
| License lookup | DMV Household Goods Carrier certificate (moves over 30 miles) or Property Carrier authority (moves of 30 miles or less) lookup Search by: Company name (contact information), locality, or carrier type; choose "Household goods carrier" or "Property carrier". Results show the permit number. |
| Business registration | Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System |
Estimates
A household goods carrier gives an estimate on request, after seeing the goods or from information you provide. A written estimate must be headed "ESTIMATED COST OF SERVICES" and must say it is not a guarantee unless the carrier binds it; a bound estimate caps charges except destination tariff charges not known until delivery. A carrier that gives a written estimate must also give you a DMV-approved information booklet.
Liability for loss or damage
Delivery receipts may say only that goods arrived in apparent good condition except as noted; they cannot release the carrier from liability. Carriers may not assume liability beyond their bill of lading and tariff, and may not advertise that "all loads are insured" unless they file full-value coverage with DMV. After receiving a written claim, the carrier must acknowledge it within 30 days and pay, decline or make a written offer within 120 days.
Insurance or bond
Household goods carriers must carry $750,000 in bodily injury and property damage coverage and $50,000 in cargo coverage (cargo coverage is not required for vehicles of 10,000 pounds GVWR or less). They must keep a $50,000 surety bond or letter of credit on file with DMV for five years after the certificate is issued.
Where to complain
Other Virginia rules to know
- For moves over 30 miles, the mover must charge the rates in the tariff it filed with DMV and needs DMV approval before changing them.
- The mover must carry a copy of the bill of lading in the truck during the move.
- Fairfax County's consumer office says DMV does not resolve consumer complaints but can check whether you were charged more than the mover's filed rates.
- Movers with a Household Goods Carrier certificate that only haul household goods do not also need Property Carrier authority for short moves.
Moving into or out of Virginia? A move that crosses a state line follows federal rules instead. Check an interstate mover.
Sources
- Household Goods Carrier , Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority Frequently Asked Questions , Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Authorized Motor Carriers , Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-2157, Estimate of charges , Virginia General Assembly
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-2162, Carrier liability , Virginia General Assembly
- Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 21, Article 4, Household Goods Carriers , Virginia General Assembly
- Moving Companies , Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services
- File a Complaint , Office of the Attorney General of Virginia
- Clerk's Information System entity search , Virginia State Corporation Commission