The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Louisiana.
A verified guide sourced from Louisiana Public Service Commission.
License type
Louisiana Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$400 initial
Timeline
3-7 weeks
How to get licensed
in Louisiana.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Louisiana 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: Louisiana 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 Louisiana household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Louisiana Public Service Commission to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 3-7 weeks.
Agency: Louisiana Public Service Commission · 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. Louisiana requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Louisiana Public Service Commission (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Louisiana 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 Louisiana unique.
Louisiana's Public Service Commission regulates intrastate household goods carriers. Requirements include a carrier certificate, insurance filing, and tariff compliance.
New Orleans and Baton Rouge are the two major markets. New Orleans has a unique urban moving environment with historic architecture, narrow streets, and complex logistics.
The energy industry (oil and gas) in the Gulf Coast region drives significant executive and workforce relocation, particularly in and around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
Louisiana moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to move furniture in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Louisiana Public Service Commission, a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, and commercial insurance.
What are the unique challenges of moving in New Orleans?
New Orleans has some of the most operationally complex urban moving in the South — narrow streets in the French Quarter and Garden District, historic buildings with challenging access, strict parking enforcement, and many multi-story homes without elevators. Movers serving the New Orleans market need experience with these logistics.
Is the oil and gas industry a big driver of moving in Louisiana?
Yes — the Gulf Coast energy industry creates consistent executive and workforce relocation activity. Companies like ExxonMobil (Baton Rouge), Shell, Chevron, and hundreds of suppliers have Louisiana operations. Corporate relocation accounts are a significant revenue opportunity for Louisiana movers.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Louisiana?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Louisiana can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.