Know the Rules for Your Move in Canada

Requirements depend on where you’re moving from and to, and on whether the move stays inside one province, crosses provincial lines, or crosses an international border.

Before you rely on this

Canada does not have a single national regulator for household goods movers, comparable to the FMCSA in the United States. Moving companies are licensed and monitored primarily at the provincial and territorial level. Federal rules, built around the National Safety Code, set minimum safety-fitness standards for carriers, but each province or territory administers and enforces its own version. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant province or territory before hiring a mover.

Start here

What kind of move is it?

Within one province or territory

Rules are set by the province or territory you’re moving in.

Choose your province or territory ↓

Between provinces or territories

Extra-provincial (interprovincial) moves, where safety-fitness and operating-authority rules apply in each jurisdiction crossed.

Interprovincial Canada →

International

Crossing the Canada border, with requirements for the mover’s own vehicles and operation.

International: Canada →

Moving within Canada?

Select your province or territory

Alberta

Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC) required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles above the weight thresholdsView requirements

British Columbia

National Safety Code (NSC) Safety Certificate required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles over 5,000 kgView requirements

Manitoba

Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC) required where the mover operates its own regulated vehiclesView requirements

New Brunswick

National Safety Code (NSC) number required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles (certificate program not yet implemented)View requirements

Newfoundland and Labrador

Carrier safety registration and safety rating required where the mover operates its own commercial vehiclesView requirements

Nova Scotia

Safety Fitness Certificate under the Commercial Carrier Registration Program (CCRP) required where the mover operates its own commercial vehiclesView requirements

Ontario

Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles over 4,500 kgView requirements

Prince Edward Island

Safety Fitness Certificate required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles over 4,500 kgView requirements

Quebec

Registration in the Register of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles (PEVL) required where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles; French-first consumer contracts required for every moverView requirements

Saskatchewan

Certificate of Safety Fitness required where the mover operates its own commercial vehicles at 5,000 kg GVW or moreView requirements

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change, and requirements can vary by province or territory. Always confirm details directly with the appropriate provincial or territorial regulator before hiring a mover.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

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