The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Connecticut.
A verified guide sourced from Connecticut Department of Transportation — Bureau of Public Transportation.
License type
Connecticut Household Goods Carrier Permit
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$200-$500 initial
Timeline
3-8 weeks
How to get licensed
in Connecticut.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Connecticut 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: Connecticut 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 Connecticut household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Connecticut Department of Transportation — Bureau of Public Transportation to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 3-8 weeks.
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation — Bureau of Public Transportation · 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. Connecticut requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation — Bureau of Public Transportation (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Connecticut 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 Connecticut unique.
Connecticut requires intrastate household goods movers to obtain a carrier permit from the Department of Transportation. The process includes insurance filing and a fitness review.
Connecticut is a wealthy state with high property values and active relocation activity. Fairfield County (Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Westport) is one of the wealthiest moving markets in the country.
Connecticut’s proximity to New York City means many moves cross state lines — requiring both CT state authority and federal MC authority for a complete operation.
Connecticut moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need for a moving company in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires a Household Goods Carrier Permit from the CT Department of Transportation for intrastate moves. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs and commercial insurance.
Is Fairfield County a good moving market?
Fairfield County (Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, Darien) is one of the most lucrative moving markets in the Northeast — extremely high average home values and incomes mean high average move values. Competition is moderate compared to NYC.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Connecticut?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Connecticut can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.