Maryland

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Registration as a Household Goods Mover is required (effective Oct 1, 2019).

Insurance Required

Yes. Liability insurance (where the mover operates its own vehicles) and cargo insurance per federal standards (49 CFR § 387.303).

Tariff Filing

Not required at state level.

USDOT / UCR

USDOT number required for interstate operations; not tracked at state level.

Application Fee

$325 initial; $325 annual renewal; $75 late fee.

Consumer Complaints

Handled by the Department of Labor’s registration unit and enforcement staff. Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

As of October 1, 2019, Maryland regulation requires that anyone providing household goods moving services using commercial motor vehicles must be registered with the Department of Labor before operating within the state.

Activities covered include:

• Loading, packing, transporting, storing (in transit), unloading household goods for a fee.

Failure to register may lead to penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

RegistrationRegistration Requirements

To become compliant:

1. Submit Application with:
   • Applicant’s name and trade names
   • Business name and FEIN
   • Resident agent (if applicable)
   • DOT number (if available)
   • Insurance policy details
   • Workers’ compensation proof
   • Certificate of good standing with state taxing authority
2. Display Registration Number on all trucks, estimates, and advertisements.
3. Maintain coverage and update information, including changes in ownership or location.

Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Late renewals incur additional fees.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Written Estimates Required: Must include line items for each service and clearly indicate binding or nonbinding status. Nonbinding estimates cannot exceed 125% of the estimated total unless excess charges apply.
• Prohibition on Carrier’s Liens: Movers are prohibited from enforcing liens or refusing delivery for unpaid charges.
• Written Receipt upon Completion: Must include mover’s legal name and contact information (resident agent or main office).
• Penalties for Violations: Civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for noncompliance.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Maryland Department of Labor Household Goods Mover registration, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover provides household goods moving services in Maryland)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insuranceWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Workers’ compensation coverageWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Certificate of good standing with the state taxing authorityWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)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)

• Liability insuranceWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Registration number displayed on all trucks, estimates and advertisementsWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written estimate with line items, marked binding or nonbinding; nonbinding charges within 125% of the estimateWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• No carrier’s lien enforced and delivery not refused for unpaid chargesWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written receipt on completion with the mover’s legal name and contact informationWhere applicable (mover holds a Maryland registration)Verified by AffirmationRequired