The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Maine.
A verified guide sourced from Maine Department of Transportation — Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
License type
Maine Intrastate Motor Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$300 initial
Timeline
2-5 weeks
How to get licensed
in Maine.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Maine 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: Maine 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 Maine household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Maine Department of Transportation — Bureau of Motor Vehicles 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: Maine Department of Transportation — Bureau of Motor Vehicles · 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. Maine requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Maine Department of Transportation — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Maine 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 Maine unique.
Maine has a relatively straightforward regulatory environment for movers. The state is small in population but has consistent moving demand driven by retirees, seasonal residents, and remote workers.
Portland is the dominant market. Maine has seen significant in-migration from Massachusetts and New York, particularly post-pandemic, as remote workers seek lower cost of living.
Maine's coastal summer home market creates seasonal moving demand — wealthy seasonal residents moving furniture in and out of summer properties is a niche with premium pricing.
Maine moving company
questions answered.
What does it take to start a moving company in Maine?
Maine requires intrastate motor carrier operating authority, a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, and commercial insurance. Maine is a lower-complexity regulatory environment.
Is Portland, Maine a good market for movers?
Portland has become a strong market for its size — significant migration from Boston and New York has driven demand. The city has a growing professional class and limited existing competition for quality moving services.
Is there a seasonal moving market in Maine?
Yes — Maine has a significant seasonal component. Summer is peak season for both residential moves and coastal/lake home moves. The coastal and lake regions (Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Sebago Lake) have wealthy seasonal residents who move furnishings in spring and out in fall.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Maine?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Maine can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.