New Jersey

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes — Intrastate movers must obtain a Public Mover License (or Warehouseman or Combo License)

Insurance Required

Yes

Yes — Must maintain cargo, bodily injury, property damage, and workers’ compensation insurance

Tariff Required

Yes

Yes — Must keep a filed tariff; estimates must be based on that tariff

USDOT/UCR Required

Yes

Yes — USDOT number required for interstate or threshold vehicles; UCR if operating interstate

Application Fee

Annual licensing fee; vary by mover and number of vehicles

Consumer Complaints

Filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs
regulatedbusiness@dca.njoag.gov
Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

Anyone operating intrastate household goods moves—that is, both originating and terminating within New Jersey—must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Public Movers & Warehousemen Licensing Act. This includes public movers, warehousemen, or combo operators (PC license types).

RegistrationRegistration & Licensing Requirements

Movers must:

1. Obtain the appropriate license type:
   • PM: Public Mover only
   • PW: Warehouseman only
   • PC: Combo license permitting both services
2. Maintain and file required insurance, including:
   • Cargo liability
   • Bodily injury and property damage
   • Workers’ compensation
3. Register each vehicle, prominently displaying the mover license number on both sides of the truck.
4. Use tariff-based pricing:
   • Provide estimates and contracts based on a filed tariff.
   • Keep tariff documents available at the main office and for consumer access.
5. Issue written estimates and contracts, including the state’s “Important Notice to Consumers” brochure.

ConsumerConsumer Protections & Enforcement

• Unlicensed operators face civil penalties—typically $2,500 per violation; repeat offenders may receive heightened fines and vehicle impoundment.
• Intrastate movers must provide:
  • Written estimates based on tariff
  • Bill of Lading before the move
  • Liability compensation up to $1.00 per pound, per article, unless greater valuation coverage is purchased
• Consumers can verify mover license status and complaint history online or via phone and report issues such as fraud, damage, or unprofessional conduct.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

• Intrastate Public Mover or Combo LicenseYes
• Cargo, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation InsuranceYes
• Filed Tariff and Tariff-Based PricingRequired
• Written Estimate + Consumer BrochureRequired
• License Display on VehiclesRequired
• USDOT/UCR (if applicable)Required
• Consumer Complaint ProcessProvided