The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Pennsylvania.
A verified guide sourced from Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
License type
PA PUC Household Goods Carrier Certificate
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability
Fee range
$300-$700 initial
Timeline
4-10 weeks
How to get licensed
in Pennsylvania.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania household goods carrier operating authority
Contact Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to apply for your intrastate operating authority. The application requires proof of insurance, a fitness review, and applicable fees. Timeline is typically 4-10 weeks.
Agency: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) · 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. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $300,000 liability.
Agency: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania unique.
Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission regulates intrastate household goods carriers. PA has one of the more complex regulatory environments in the Northeast with detailed tariff and consumer rights requirements.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the two dominant markets. Philadelphia has massive residential demand driven by its large renter population. Pittsburgh has seen significant revitalization creating strong moving demand.
Pennsylvania requires movers to post a $50,000 surety bond — one of the highest state-required bonds in the country. Budget for this in your startup costs.
Pennsylvania moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to move furniture in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs and commercial insurance. Pennsylvania also requires a $50,000 surety bond filed with the PUC — one of the highest bond requirements in the US.
What is the $50,000 surety bond requirement in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires all household goods carriers to post a $50,000 surety bond with the PUC. This protects consumers against fraud or failure to perform. You don't pay $50,000 upfront — you pay an annual premium to a bonding company (typically 1-3% of the bond amount, or roughly $500-$1,500/year).
How competitive is the Philadelphia market?
Philadelphia is a high-volume market with strong apartment demand (large college and young professional population). Competition is moderate — there are established players but room for new operators who focus on service quality and digital presence.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Pennsylvania?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Pennsylvania can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.