The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Georgia.
A verified guide sourced from Georgia Department of Public Safety — Motor Carrier Compliance Division.
License type
Georgia Intrastate Operating Authority (GIOA)
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability (intrastate)
Fee range
$100–$500 initial
Timeline
2–6 weeks
How to get licensed
in Georgia.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Georgia Secretary of State. LLC filing is $100 online. Georgia is one of the faster states for business formation — typically 5-7 business days.
Agency: Georgia Secretary of State · Visit website →
Apply for Georgia Intrastate Operating Authority
Georgia intrastate movers operating vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR must obtain a Georgia Intrastate Operating Authority (GIOA) number from the Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division. Apply online through the Georgia DRIVES system.
Agency: Georgia DPS Motor Carrier Compliance Division · Visit website →
Get your USDOT number
Required for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Georgia intrastate carriers use this in conjunction with the GIOA number. Interstate movers also need MC authority.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Secure required insurance
Georgia requires $300,000 minimum liability insurance for intrastate household goods carriers. Insurance must be filed with Georgia DPS. Commercial auto and cargo insurance are also required.
Agency: Georgia DPS (insurance filing)
Register with Georgia Department of Revenue
Register for Georgia sales tax and employer withholding if hiring employees. Moving services in Georgia may be partially taxable depending on what services are bundled.
Agency: Georgia Department of Revenue · Visit website →
Obtain local business license
Georgia counties and cities require local business licenses. Contact your county or municipal government for requirements. Atlanta has specific business licensing requirements for service companies.
Agency: Local county/city government
What makes Georgia unique.
Georgia does not have a specific "mover registration" system like Florida or California — regulation is handled through the motor carrier compliance framework. Smaller operations using vehicles under 10,001 lbs GVWR may face fewer state-level requirements, but should still verify with an attorney.
Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing major metros in the US and consistently ranks among the top moving markets. Competition is high but so is volume — particularly for apartment moves in Buckhead, Midtown, and the suburbs.
Georgia has strong protection laws for consumers hiring movers. Written estimates are strongly recommended even where not explicitly required.
Georgia moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Georgia?
Georgia intrastate movers with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR must obtain a Georgia Intrastate Operating Authority (GIOA) number from the Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division. You also need a USDOT number and commercial insurance.
How competitive is the Atlanta moving market?
Atlanta is highly competitive — it's consistently one of the top 5 moving markets in the US by volume. However, the sheer volume of moves (Atlanta is the #1 metro for corporate relocations) means there is room for new operators who differentiate on service quality and digital marketing.
Do Georgia movers need a surety bond?
Georgia does not have a state-level surety bond requirement for movers, unlike California. However, many customers and property management companies require proof of bonding. A $10,000-$25,000 bond is standard industry practice.
What are the best Georgia markets outside Atlanta?
Savannah is a growing market with less competition. Augusta, Columbus, and Macon all have underserved moving markets. The Atlanta suburbs — Alpharetta, Marietta, Roswell — have strong residential demand with slightly less competition than the city core.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Georgia?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Georgia can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.