Iowa

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate Motor Carrier Permit for Household Goods Movers

Insurance Required

Yes. Proof of liability insurance (where the mover operates its own vehicles) and cargo insurance required

Tariff Required

Yes. Tariff must be filed and publicly available

USDOT/UCR

USDOT number required for carriers (intrastate and interstate); UCR registration for carriers engaged in interstate commerce

Application Fee

$200 for intrastate authority

Consumer Complaints

File complaints with the Iowa DOT, Motor Carrier Services Division Phone: 515-281-5926 Email: consumer.consumer@ag.iowa.gov

OverviewOverview & Scope

Any individual or company that transports household goods for hire within the state of Iowa must register as an intrastate for-hire motor carrier. This includes loading, transporting, and delivering personal effects and household items within Iowa for a fee.

Movers must obtain an Iowa Intrastate Authority and maintain compliance with insurance and tariff regulations. Operating without proper authority is a violation of state law and can result in penalties and suspension of operations.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To operate legally in Iowa as a household goods mover:

1. Apply for Intrastate Authority through the Iowa DOT, including:
   • Completed application form
   • USDOT number
   • UCR registration (if engaged in interstate commerce)
   • $200 application fee
2. Submit Insurance Documentation:
   • Public liability insurance
   • Cargo insurance
3. File a Tariff:
   • Must include all rates, charges, and terms of service
   • Movers may only charge according to filed tariffs
4. Maintain Good Standing:
   • Renew permits and update insurance annually
   • Ensure compliance with weight, safety, and equipment regulations

InsuranceInsurance & Tariff Requirements

• Liability Insurance must meet minimum levels established by the Iowa DOT.
• Cargo Insurance is required to protect the value of the household goods being moved.
• Tariff Filing must clearly outline all pricing, services, and terms. Only filed rates may be charged.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers hiring a mover within Iowa are encouraged to:

• Confirm the mover is licensed by the Iowa DOT
• Request a copy of the mover’s tariff before agreeing to services
• Ask for a written estimate and contract
• Report unlicensed or unprofessional operators to the Iowa DOT

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Iowa DOT Intrastate Motor Carrier Permit for Household Goods Movers, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover transports household goods for hire within Iowa)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance filed with the Iowa DOTWhere applicable (mover holds the Iowa intrastate permit)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)Where applicable (mover engaged in interstate commerce)Verified by DocumentRequired

Subcontracted transport

• Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Public liability insurance at Iowa DOT minimumsWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Vehicles comply with weight, safety and equipment regulationsWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Customer practices

• Tariff of all rates, charges and terms filed and publicly available; only filed rates chargedWhere applicable (mover holds the Iowa intrastate permit)Verified by AffirmationRequired