The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Delaware.
A verified guide sourced from Delaware Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services.
License type
Delaware Intrastate Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$300 initial
Timeline
2-5 weeks
How to get licensed
in Delaware.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Delaware 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: Delaware 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 Delaware household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Delaware Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 2-5 weeks.
Agency: Delaware Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services · 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. Delaware requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Delaware Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Delaware 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 Delaware unique.
Delaware is a small but strategically located state. Many Delaware-registered movers also do significant work in the Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD markets — requiring both state and federal authority.
Delaware's business-friendly environment (no sales tax, favorable corporate laws) makes it a popular state for business formation even for companies operating primarily in other states.
Wilmington is the primary market. The Wilmington-Newark-Dover triangle covers the most active residential moving areas in the state.
Delaware moving company
questions answered.
Do I need a license to move furniture in Delaware?
Delaware requires intrastate operating authority and a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. For the many Delaware movers who also work in Pennsylvania and Maryland, federal MC authority is also required.
Why do many companies incorporate in Delaware even if they don't operate there?
Delaware has extremely business-friendly corporate laws, well-established case law, and no sales tax. Many businesses incorporate in Delaware for legal and financial advantages even if their operations are based elsewhere. This is a separate consideration from your moving company licensing.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Delaware?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Delaware can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.