Montana

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

State License

No

No. No mover-specific state license was identified.

Insurance

No mover-specific state insurance requirement was identified. Vehicles a mover operates are subject to standard motor carrier rules, which include insurance. No Montana rule was identified requiring movers to insure customers’ goods, so customers should ask what protection, if any, is offered.

Tariff

No.

USDOT/UCR Required

Where applicable. A USDOT number is required if moving vehicles meet federal weight thresholds; UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) applies for interstate operations. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Application Fee

Not applicable (no specific licensing identified).

Consumer Complaints

May be handled via the MDT motor carrier division or Consumer Services of the PSC. Consumer Assistance: (406) 444-6150 or (800) 646-6150.

OverviewOverview & Scope

Montana does not appear to enforce a specific licensing requirement for intrastate household goods movers. Nonetheless:

• Movers that operate their own vehicles must comply with standard motor carrier regulations (that is, vehicle registration, safety compliance, insurance).
• If operating across state lines, federal USDOT and UCR rules apply.
• Local jurisdictions (cities or counties) may impose additional oversight (for example, commercial zoning or business licensing).

Where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier’s own registrations and insurance cover the transport it performs.

OperationalOperational Compliance

Movers offering services in Montana should ensure:

1. Business Registration: Register the business with the appropriate Montana authority (the page names the Department of Transportation or the Secretary of State).
2. Commercial Vehicle Compliance (where the mover operates its own vehicles): Proper registration and inspection of moving vehicles, with insurance and safety compliance.
3. USDOT/UCR Compliance, if applicable based on vehicle weight or interstate operation.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers are advised to:

• Verify the mover’s business status and insurance coverage.
• Request written estimates and contracts before moving.
• File complaints with relevant state regulators if issues arise, such as:
  • Damage to goods or property
  • Delivery delays or refusal to release goods
  • Overcharges or contract misrepresentation

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Business registered in MontanaVerified by DocumentRequired
• UCR registrationWhere applicable (mover engages in interstate operations)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)

• Commercial vehicle registration and inspectionWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Vehicle liability insurance under standard motor carrier rulesWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Compliance with motor carrier safety rulesWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles that meet federal weight thresholds or are used interstate)Verified by DocumentRequired