The official roadmap
to starting a moving
company in Texas.
A verified guide sourced from Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
License type
TxDMV Household Goods Carrier Permit
Min. insurance
$300,000 liability (intrastate)
Fee range
$100–$300/year
Timeline
2–6 weeks
How to get licensed
in Texas.
Register your business entity
Form an LLC or corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. File online at sos.texas.gov. The filing fee for an LLC is $300. You'll receive a Certificate of Formation when approved.
Agency: Texas Secretary of State · Visit website →
Get your federal EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. This is free and instant online. You'll need this to open a business bank account and file taxes.
Agency: Internal Revenue Service · Visit website →
Obtain a USDOT number
Any Texas moving company with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR must register with the FMCSA. Apply at fmcsa.dot.gov/registration. If you plan to do any interstate moves, you'll also need an MC (Motor Carrier) number from the same portal.
Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · Visit website →
Apply for TxDMV Household Goods Carrier Permit
Texas intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the primary state license for moving companies. Apply online through the TxDMV webDEALER or MCS portal.
Agency: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles · Visit website →
Secure commercial insurance
Texas requires a minimum of $300,000 in liability insurance for intrastate moves. You'll need to file proof of insurance with TxDMV before your permit is issued. Commercial auto insurance for your moving vehicles is separate and also required.
Agency: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (insurance filing)
Register with Texas Comptroller (if applicable)
If you're providing taxable moving services, you may need a Texas sales tax permit from the Comptroller's office. Moving services are generally not taxable in Texas, but labor and packing materials may be. Consult a Texas CPA to confirm your obligations.
Agency: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · Visit website →
Get your IRP apportioned plates (if needed)
If your vehicles will travel across multiple states, you need apportioned license plates through the International Registration Plan (IRP). Register through TxDMV's Motor Carrier Division.
Agency: TxDMV Motor Carrier Division · Visit website →
What makes Texas unique.
Texas is one of the most active moving markets in the US due to high population growth and interstate migration. The competitive landscape is intense in major metros (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio).
Texas does NOT require movers to be bonded under state law, but many customers and apartment complexes will request a surety bond as proof of financial stability. A $10,000–$25,000 surety bond is common.
Texas law (Texas Administrative Code Title 43, Part 2) governs household goods carriers. Movers must provide customers with a written estimate and keep a copy of all contracts for at least 3 years.
Labor-only moving companies (those that don't transport goods in their own vehicle) operate in a gray area in Texas. Consult a transportation attorney if you're building a labor-only model.
Texas moving company
questions answered.
Do I need a special license to start a moving company in Texas?
Yes. Texas intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods Carrier Permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). You'll also need a USDOT number if your vehicles exceed 10,001 lbs GVWR, and an MC number if you plan to do any moves across state lines.
How much insurance does a Texas moving company need?
Texas requires a minimum of $300,000 in liability insurance for intrastate household goods carriers. You'll also need commercial auto insurance for your vehicles. Most industry advisors recommend higher coverage — $1 million+ — especially for larger commercial moves.
Can I start a moving company in Texas without a truck?
A labor-only model (where you supply the labor but the customer rents the truck) is a common starting point for new movers in Texas. This may reduce some licensing requirements, but you should consult a transportation attorney to confirm your specific obligations under Texas law.
How long does it take to get a moving company license in Texas?
From start to finish, most applicants complete the process in 2–6 weeks. The TxDMV permit application itself typically processes in 5–10 business days once you have your insurance certificate in order.
What are the biggest moving markets in Texas?
Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio are the four largest moving markets in Texas. Austin has seen particularly explosive growth and remains competitive. San Antonio is considered an underserved market with strong potential for new operators.
Do Texas movers need to be bonded?
Texas law does not require movers to be bonded, but a surety bond ($10,000–$25,000) is strongly recommended. Many apartment complexes, corporate relocation programs, and residential customers require proof of bonding before booking.
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Licensed in Texas?
Now let’s get you found.
Getting licensed is step one. Step two is making sure customers in Texas can find you on Google when they’re ready to move.