The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Missouri.
A verified guide sourced from Missouri Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services.
License type
Missouri Intrastate Motor Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$100-$400 initial
Timeline
2-5 weeks
How to get licensed
in Missouri.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Missouri 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: Missouri 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 Missouri household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Missouri 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: Missouri 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. Missouri requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Missouri Department of Transportation — Motor Carrier Services (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Missouri 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 Missouri unique.
Missouri has two major metros — Kansas City and St. Louis — on opposite ends of the state, each with its own competitive landscape.
Kansas City, MO straddles the Missouri-Kansas state line. Interstate moves between KC MO and KC KS are common and require federal MC authority.
St. Louis has a large and diverse economy with healthcare (Mercy, BJC, SSM), defense (Boeing), and financial services all driving corporate relocation.
Missouri moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Missouri?
Missouri requires intrastate motor carrier operating authority from Missouri DOT, a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, and commercial insurance.
Do I need special authority for Kansas City metro moves that cross state lines?
Yes — moves between Missouri and Kansas (common in the KC metro) are interstate moves requiring federal MC authority from FMCSA, in addition to your Missouri state authority.
Is St. Louis a good market for movers?
St. Louis is a solid, consistent market. Healthcare systems, defense contractors, and financial services all drive corporate relocation. The suburbs (Chesterfield, Ballwin, Clayton, Kirkwood) have strong residential demand. It's not a flashy growth market, but it's steady.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Missouri?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Missouri can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.