The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Indiana.
A verified guide sourced from Indiana Department of Revenue — Motor Carrier Services.
License type
Indiana Intrastate Motor Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$400 initial
Timeline
2-5 weeks
How to get licensed
in Indiana.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Indiana 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: Indiana 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 Indiana household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Indiana Department of Revenue — 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: Indiana Department of Revenue — 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. Indiana requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Indiana Department of Revenue — Motor Carrier Services (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Indiana 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 Indiana unique.
Indiana has a straightforward licensing environment for household goods carriers. The state is pro-business and regulatory requirements are moderate compared to coastal states.
Indianapolis is the dominant market — it's a growing Midwestern hub with strong corporate and residential relocation activity. Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Evansville are secondary markets.
Indiana's central location makes it a natural hub for interstate movers. Many Indiana movers do significant business in Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky as well.
Indiana moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Indiana?
Indiana requires intrastate motor carrier operating authority and a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Commercial auto insurance, cargo insurance, and general liability are required.
Is Indianapolis a good market for movers?
Indianapolis is a solid market — steady growth, corporate relocations, and a mix of apartment and residential moves. It's not as flashy as Nashville or Phoenix, but it's consistent. The suburbs (Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville) have strong residential demand.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Indiana?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Indiana can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.