District of Columbia

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. A Moving & Storage License is required to operate

Insurance Required

Yes. Must file proof of commercial liability insurance

Additional Requirements

Certificate of Occupancy, a contract template, storage facility list (if applicable), police history report, business and tax registration

Public Space Permits

Yes, where the mover’s trucks use DC public space. Required from DC Department of Transportation for curbside loading zones and reserved parking

Application Fee

$104.50

Consumer Complaints

Handled through DLCP’s enforcement and consumer affairs division: Online Form

OverviewOverview & Scope

To legally provide moving or storage services in DC, businesses must secure a Moving & Storage License from DLCP. In addition, trucks must be authorized for loading and parking in the district’s public space via permits from the Department of Transportation (DDOT). Operating without proper licensing or permits may result in enforcement action.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials

Movers must:

1. Apply for Moving & Storage License, including:
   • Business incorporation documents
   • Proof of liability insurance
   • Certificate of Occupancy
   • Storage facility listing (if applicable)
   • Police criminal history report
   • Tax registration and contract form
2. Pay the $104.50 application fee
3. Where the mover’s own trucks load or park in DC public space, obtain Public Space Permits from DDOT for:
   • Loading zone access
   • Reserved curb parking
   • Parked equipment/meter use during moves

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• A written contract must be used for every move.
• All moves must be properly licensed and insured.
• Consumers can verify licensing and file complaints through DLCP.
• Unlicensed or unpermitted operations may result in fines or legal enforcement.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• DLCP Moving & Storage LicenseVerified by DocumentRequired
• Commercial liability insurance certificate filed with DLCPVerified by DocumentRequired
• Certificate of OccupancyVerified by DocumentRequired
• Business and tax registrationVerified by DocumentRequired
• Police criminal history report submitted with the licence applicationVerified 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)

• DDOT Public Space Permits for loading zones, reserved curb parking and parked equipmentWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles and uses DC public space for loading or parking)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Written contract used for every moveVerified by AffirmationRequired