The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Arizona.
A verified guide sourced from Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division.
License type
Arizona Intrastate Motor Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$400 initial
Timeline
2-6 weeks
How to get licensed
in Arizona.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Arizona Secretary of State. An LLC is the recommended structure for moving companies — it protects your personal assets. Research your state’s filing fee and processing time at the Secretary of State website.
Agency: Arizona Secretary of State
Obtain your federal EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Free, instant, and required before any other registrations or opening a business bank account.
Agency: IRS · Visit website →
Get your USDOT number
Required for any company with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR or operating interstate. Register at FMCSA.dot.gov. Interstate movers also need MC authority from the same portal.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Apply for Arizona household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 2-6 weeks.
Agency: Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division · Visit website →
Secure commercial insurance
You need commercial auto insurance for all moving vehicles, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. File proof of coverage with the regulatory agency. Arizona requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Arizona Department of Transportation — Motor Vehicle Division (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Arizona require a local business license or registration. Contact your local government for specific requirements and fees in your area.
Agency: Local city or county government
What makes Arizona unique.
Arizona has a relatively favorable regulatory environment for starting a moving company. The state focuses primarily on USDOT compliance and insurance requirements.
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and consistently ranks in the top 5 moving markets nationally. The Phoenix metro (Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale) has extraordinary demand.
Tucson is a growing secondary market with less competition than Phoenix. Arizona’s hot climate means summer moves (June-August) are uniquely challenging — movers operating in peak Arizona heat need extra crew and hydration protocols.
Arizona moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Arizona?
Arizona movers need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, motor carrier operating authority for intrastate operations, and commercial insurance. Arizona's regulatory environment is generally less complex than California or New York.
Is Phoenix a good market for new movers?
Phoenix is excellent — one of the highest-volume moving markets in the US with consistent in-migration from California and other high cost-of-living states. The suburbs (Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria) all have strong residential demand. New operators with good reviews and SEO can grow quickly.
How do I handle summer moves in Arizona heat?
Arizona summer heat (110°F+ in Phoenix) requires operational adaptations: early morning starts (5-7 AM), extra hydration, shorter shift windows, and premium pricing for summer moves. Many movers charge a heat surcharge in peak summer months.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Arizona?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Arizona can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.