The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Colorado.
A verified guide sourced from Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC-CO).
License type
Colorado PUC Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$250–$600 initial
Timeline
4–8 weeks
How to get licensed
in Colorado.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Colorado Secretary of State. LLC filing fee is $50 online — one of the lowest in the country. Processing is typically 1-3 business days.
Agency: Colorado Secretary of State · Visit website →
Apply for Colorado PUC Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Colorado intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Apply through the PUC's online eTariff system. You'll need to submit insurance certificates, a tariff, and complete a fitness review.
Agency: Colorado Public Utilities Commission · Visit website →
File your tariff with Colorado PUC
Colorado requires movers to file a tariff with the PUC before operating. Your tariff is your published rate schedule. It must be kept current and provided to customers upon request.
Agency: Colorado PUC eTariff system · Visit website →
Secure required insurance
Colorado requires $300,000 minimum liability insurance filed with the PUC. Commercial auto insurance for all moving vehicles and cargo insurance are also required. Colorado is high-altitude — insurance providers may have specific requirements for mountain operations.
Agency: Colorado PUC (insurance filing)
Get your USDOT number
Required for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Interstate movers also need MC authority.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Register with Colorado Department of Revenue
Register for Colorado sales tax and employer withholding. Moving services in Colorado may be subject to state sales tax — verify current requirements with the Department of Revenue.
Agency: Colorado Department of Revenue · Visit website →
What makes Colorado unique.
Colorado has one of the most active moving markets relative to its population due to high in-migration. Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins all have strong demand.
Mountain moving (Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Telluride) is a specialized niche with premium pricing and unique challenges — altitude, weather, seasonal access. Specialized mountain movers command significantly higher rates.
Colorado is consistently one of the top states for new residents arriving from other states, particularly from California and Texas — driving both inbound and local move volume.
Denver has specific city ordinances around moving trucks and parking that movers need to understand before operating in the city.
Colorado moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Colorado?
Colorado intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This requires proof of insurance, a filed tariff, and a fitness review. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR.
Is Denver a good market for a new moving company?
Denver is a strong market with consistent in-migration from higher cost-of-living states. It's competitive but the volume is high. The suburban markets (Arvada, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton) offer more opportunity for new operators with less established competition.
Are there special requirements for moving in Colorado mountains?
No state-specific requirements beyond standard licensing, but mountain operations require careful planning. Some mountain communities have seasonal road restrictions, specific times for moving trucks, and limited access windows. Specialized equipment for steep driveways is often necessary.
How does Colorado's PUC regulate movers?
The Colorado PUC has jurisdiction over intrastate household goods carriers. They review insurance filings, audit tariff compliance, and investigate consumer complaints. Colorado PUC is considered moderately active in mover oversight — compliance is important.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Colorado?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Colorado can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.