North Dakota

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate household goods carriers must obtain a permit from NDDOT before operating.

Insurance Required

Yes. Must maintain public liability insurance and file proof annually.

Tariff

Not required. No state-level tariff filing is mandated.

USDOT/UCR Required

Where applicable. A USDOT number is required for interstate or weight-threshold vehicles; UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) applies if operating interstate. Official UCR guidance is at plan.ucr.gov and filing at www.ucr.gov.

Application Fee

$100 for initial permit; $35 annual renewal.

Consumer Complaints

Attorney General’s Office Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

Under North Dakota law, any business offering household goods moving services for hire within the state must secure an Intrastate Household Goods Carrier Permit from NDDOT before commencing operations. This includes vehicle-based transport of household goods for compensation.

Federal requirements are separate: a USDOT number attaches to the company operating vehicles that meet federal thresholds or run interstate, and UCR applies to interstate operations. Where a mover subcontracts transport, the carrier’s own registrations cover the transport it performs.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To become authorized:

1. Submit a Permit Application:
   • Complete the official NDDOT form
   • Attach proof of business registration with the Secretary of State
   • Provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage or a non-employment affidavit
2. Pay Fees:
   • $100 application fee
   • $35 annual renewal fee
3. Maintain and File Insurance:
   • Public liability insurance must cover loss, damage, personal injury, or death
   • Proof of active coverage must be filed annually in prescribed form
4. Permit Validity:
   • Permit remains in force unless canceled due to non-compliance
   • NDDOT provides permit holders with applicable rules and regulations

ConsumerConsumer Protections & Enforcement

• The permit requirement ensures that carriers maintain safety and liability standards.
• Law enforcement may arrest violators, and the Department or Highway Patrol can request prosecution for non-compliance.
• Permits can be canceled if insurance lapses.
• Violations of statute may result in infractions and enforcement action.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• NDDOT Intrastate Household Goods Carrier PermitWhere applicable (mover offers household goods moving services for hire within North Dakota)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Business registered with the North Dakota Secretary of StateWhere applicable (mover applies for an NDDOT household goods permit)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Public liability insurance covering loss, damage, personal injury or death, with proof filed annuallyWhere applicable (mover holds an NDDOT household goods permit)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Workers’ compensation coverage or a non-employment affidavitWhere applicable (mover holds an NDDOT household goods permit)Verified 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)

• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles that meet federal weight thresholds or are used interstate)Verified by DocumentRequired