Know the Rules for Your Move in India

Vehicle permits and road tax are administered state by state, similar to Canada or the US, under a national Motor Vehicles Act framework, while business registration, common carrier registration and GST are set nationally.

Before you rely on this

India’s Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 sets the national legal framework, but permits are issued and administered by state Transport Departments and their Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). A State Permit covers one state; a separate National Permit exists for operation across states. A mover acting as a “common carrier”, including one that arranges door-to-door carriage through other carriers, must also be registered under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007. Where a mover subcontracts the trucking, the carrier’s own permits and vehicle documents cover the vehicle. GST and consumer protection are governed nationally. Always confirm current requirements directly before hiring a mover.

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What kind of question is it?

Business, carrier and GST registration

An appropriate business registration, registration as a common carrier under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007 where the business falls within the Act’s definition, and GST registration where the GST law requires it. Whether a mover is taxed as a Goods Transport Agency (GTA) depends on its services and documents.

India →

Vehicle permits and vehicle documents

A State Permit (one state) or a National Permit (across India), held by the company operating each truck, plus vehicle registration, insurance, a valid fitness certificate and licensed drivers. Where a mover subcontracts the trucking, these sit with the carrier. State rules vary; see the state pages.

Covered within the India page

A note on “IBA approval”

Widely advertised by Indian movers, but it is not a government transport licence. See the India page.

Covered within the India page

International moves

Registration as a multimodal transport operator with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration for movers that contract as principal for door-to-door moves out of India using two or more modes of transport.

International: India →

Select a page

India

A legal business entity, registration as a common carrier under the Carriage by Road Act, 2007, and, for the company operating each truck, Motor Vehicles Act permits, registration, insurance, fitness and licensed drivers. GST registration and treatment depend on the business.View requirements

International: India

A mover that contracts in its own name for door-to-door moves out of India using two or more modes of transport must register as a multimodal transport operator. India adds no separate national licence for a mover’s own trucks on cross-border road moves.View requirements

Moving within India?

Select a state

Delhi

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Delhi permit and vehicle rules for the company operating each goods vehicle, with court-mandated vehicle age limits and an entry-level environmental chargeView requirements

Haryana

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Haryana permit and road tax rules for the company operating each goods vehicle; Gurgaon operations sit inside the Delhi-NCR region and share some of Delhi’s restrictionsView requirements

Karnataka

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Karnataka permit, road tax and Green Tax rules for the company operating each goods vehicleView requirements

Maharashtra

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Maharashtra permit, registration and road tax rules for the company operating each goods vehicle, set under Maharashtra’s own statutesView requirements

Tamil Nadu

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Tamil Nadu permit and road tax rules for the company operating each goods vehicle, including reciprocal tax arrangements with neighboring statesView requirements

Telangana

Business, carrier and GST registration as covered on the India page, plus Telangana permit, road tax and Green Tax rules for the company operating each goods vehicleView requirements

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change and vehicle permit administration varies by state. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state Transport Department or RTO and GST authorities before hiring a mover.

Last updated: October 17, 2026

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