The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Illinois.
A verified guide sourced from Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
License type
ICC Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$200-$500 initial
Timeline
4-8 weeks
How to get licensed
in Illinois.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. An LLC is the recommended structure — it protects your personal assets. Research your state filing fee and processing time at the Secretary of State website.
Agency: Illinois 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 Illinois household goods carrier authority
Contact Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 4-8 weeks.
Agency: Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) · Visit website →
Secure commercial insurance
You need commercial auto insurance for all moving vehicles, general liability insurance, and cargo insurance. File proof of insurance coverage with the regulatory agency. Illinois requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Illinois 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 Illinois unique.
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regulates household goods carriers under the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law (625 ILCS 5/18c). All intrastate movers must obtain a certificate before operating.
Illinois requires movers to file tariffs and provide written estimates. Chicago is one of the highest-volume moving markets in the Midwest with consistent year-round demand.
Note: The Chicago city market has significant logistical complexity — freight elevators, building moving policies, and parking restrictions require advance coordination with property managers.
Illinois moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Illinois?
Illinois requires a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for all intrastate movers. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR and commercial insurance. Interstate operations additionally require MC authority from FMCSA.
How competitive is the Chicago moving market?
Chicago is one of the most active moving markets in the country — high volume, year-round demand. It’s competitive, but the North Shore suburbs (Evanston, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora) offer strong residential markets with more room for new operators.
Does Illinois have consumer protection rules for movers?
Yes. Illinois movers must provide written estimates and adhere to the ICC's rules on billing and consumer rights. Complaints can be filed with the ICC. Illinois has fairly active enforcement compared to many states.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Illinois?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Illinois can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.