The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in New York.
A verified guide sourced from New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
License type
NYSDOT Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability (intrastate)
Fee range
$185–$750+ initial
Timeline
4–10 weeks
How to get licensed
in New York.
Form your business entity
File your LLC with the New York Department of State. Filing fee is $200. New York LLCs have a unique publication requirement — you must publish a notice of formation in two designated newspapers in your county of formation for six consecutive weeks. Budget $500–$2,000+ for this publication requirement.
Agency: New York Department of State · Visit website →
Obtain your federal EIN
Apply at irs.gov/ein. Free, instant, and required before any other registrations.
Agency: IRS · Visit website →
Apply for NYSDOT Household Goods Carrier Certificate
New York intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from NYSDOT before operating. Apply through NYSDOT's Office of Freight, Logistics and Ports. The application requires insurance certificates, financial fitness information, and safety compliance documentation.
Agency: NYSDOT Office of Freight, Logistics & Ports · Visit website →
Secure required insurance
New York requires a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance for household goods carriers. Proof of insurance must be filed with NYSDOT. Commercial auto insurance for your vehicles and cargo insurance are also required.
Agency: NYSDOT (insurance filing)
Get your USDOT number
Required for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Register at FMCSA.dot.gov. Interstate movers also need MC authority.
Agency: FMCSA · Visit website →
Register for New York taxes
Register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax (if applicable) and employer withholding. Moving services in New York may be subject to sales tax depending on the nature of the services.
Agency: NY Department of Taxation and Finance · Visit website →
Obtain NYC-specific licenses (if operating in NYC)
If you plan to operate in New York City, additional licensing through the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is required. NYC has specific rules about moving permits, elevator reservations, and street permits. This is a separate process from state licensing.
Agency: NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection · Visit website →
What makes New York unique.
New York's LLC publication requirement is unusual and expensive. After forming your LLC, you must publish a notice in two newspapers designated by the county clerk for 6 consecutive weeks. In Manhattan (New York County), this can cost $1,500–$2,000+. In less expensive counties, it may be $500-$800. Publication must be completed within 120 days of formation.
New York City has some of the most complex logistics for movers in the country. Building elevator reservations, DOT street permits, double-parking rules, and building-specific moving requirements add significant operational complexity.
New York State has strong consumer protection laws for movers. Written estimates and consumer rights documentation must be provided before every move.
The NYC metro area is one of the highest-revenue moving markets in the US, but also one of the most operationally challenging. Many successful movers start in the outer boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx) or Long Island before tackling Manhattan.
New York moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to move furniture in New York State?
New York intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). This is required before advertising or performing any intrastate moves. If you'll operate in New York City specifically, additional licensing from NYC DCWP is also required.
What is the New York LLC publication requirement?
New York is one of very few states that requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers designated by the county clerk. This must run for six consecutive weeks. In New York County (Manhattan), this costs $1,500-$2,000+. It's an unavoidable requirement — failure to publish within 120 days results in suspension of your LLC's ability to do business.
Do I need a special permit to move in New York City?
Yes. Operating in NYC requires additional steps beyond state licensing. You'll need licensing from NYC's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, familiarity with building-specific moving requirements, understanding of DOT street permits for oversized trucks, and protocols for reserving freight elevators in apartment buildings.
How much insurance do New York movers need?
New York requires a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance for household goods carriers. Most industry advisors recommend carrying $1 million+ in practice, especially for NYC operations where high-value items and tight spaces increase risk.
What are the best markets for a new mover in New York?
Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) has strong residential demand and is less operationally complex than NYC. Westchester County is high-value with less competition than the five boroughs. Buffalo and Rochester are underserved markets with growing demand and far lower competition than metro New York.
Explore other states:
Licensed in New York?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in New York can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.