The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Minnesota.
A verified guide sourced from Minnesota Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services.
License type
Minnesota Intrastate Motor Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$400 initial
Timeline
2-5 weeks
How to get licensed
in Minnesota.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Minnesota 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: Minnesota 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 Minnesota household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Minnesota Department of Transportation — 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: Minnesota Department of Transportation — 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. Minnesota requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Minnesota 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 Minnesota unique.
Minnesota has a straightforward regulatory environment for household goods carriers. The state is business-friendly and licensing requirements are moderate.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul (the Twin Cities) is by far the dominant market — it's the 16th largest metro in the US with strong corporate and residential moving activity. Target, Best Buy, 3M, and many other major corporations headquarter in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota's harsh winters make spring (April-June) and late summer (August-September) the peak moving windows. Winter moves are more operationally challenging but less competitive.
Minnesota moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires intrastate motor carrier operating authority from the MN DOT, a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, and commercial insurance.
Is the Twin Cities a good market for movers?
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a strong, consistent market. Major corporate headquarters (Target, Best Buy, 3M, Cargill, UnitedHealth) drive executive relocation, and the large university population (U of M, dozens of colleges) creates significant apartment-move demand in August-September.
How do Minnesota winters affect the moving business?
Minnesota winters are real — January-March are the slowest months. Pricing strategy, off-season promotions, and commercial/storage work can help fill slower winter months. The upside: less competition for winter moves means you can command premium pricing for the customers who must move.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Minnesota?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Minnesota can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.