The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Virginia.
A verified guide sourced from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — Motor Carrier Services.
License type
Virginia Household Goods Carrier Operating Authority
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability (intrastate)
Fee range
$200-$500 initial
Timeline
3-7 weeks
How to get licensed
in Virginia.
Form your business entity
Register your LLC or corporation with the Virginia Secretary of State. An LLC is the recommended structure — it protects your personal assets. Research your state filing fee and processing time at the Secretary of State website.
Agency: Virginia 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 Virginia household goods carrier authority
Contact Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — 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 3-7 weeks.
Agency: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — 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 insurance coverage with the regulatory agency. Virginia requires a minimum of $300,000 liability (intrastate).
Agency: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — Motor Carrier Services (insurance filing)
Obtain local business license
Most cities and counties in Virginia 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 Virginia unique.
Virginia regulates intrastate household goods movers through the Virginia DMV Motor Carrier Services division. Requirements include operating authority, insurance filings, and compliance with consumer protection rules.
Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria) is one of the wealthiest and most active moving markets on the East Coast, driven by federal government and defense industry employment.
Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Charlottesville are growing markets with less competition than Northern Virginia. Richmond in particular has seen significant growth.
Virginia moving company
questions answered.
What license do I need to start a moving company in Virginia?
Virginia intrastate movers need Household Goods Carrier Operating Authority from the Virginia DMV Motor Carrier Services. You also need a USDOT number for vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR and appropriate commercial insurance.
Is Northern Virginia a good market?
Northern Virginia is a premium market — high income, high volume, and high expectations. Fairfax County, Arlington, and Alexandria have consistent demand, but competition is intense. New operators often do better starting in Richmond or Virginia Beach before expanding to NoVA.
Does Virginia require a surety bond for movers?
Virginia does not have a universal surety bond requirement for all movers, but many customers, property management companies, and military relocation programs require proof of bonding. A $10,000-$25,000 bond is standard.
Explore other states:
Licensed in Virginia?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Virginia can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.