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?

Moving within Canada?

Select your province or territory

Alberta
Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC) required
Regulator
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, Carrier Services; consumer contract terms overseen by Service Alberta, Consumer Investigations Unit
View requirements
British Columbia
National Safety Code (NSC) Safety Certificate required
Regulator
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, National Safety Code Office / Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE); consumer contract terms overseen by Consumer Protection BC
View requirements
Manitoba
Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC) required
Regulator
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, Motor Carrier Division; consumer contract terms overseen by the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office
View requirements
Newfoundland and Labrador
Carrier safety registration and safety rating required
Regulator
Digital Government and Service NL, Motor Registration Division; consumer contract terms overseen by the Consumer Affairs Division, Digital Government and Service NL
View requirements
Nova Scotia
Safety Fitness Certificate required under the Commercial Carrier Registration Program (CCRP)
Regulator
Service Nova Scotia, Registry of Motor Vehicles; consumer contract terms overseen by Service Nova Scotia, Business and Consumer Services Division
View requirements
Ontario
Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) required
Regulator
Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Carrier Sanctions and Investigation Office; consumer contract terms overseen by Consumer Protection Ontario
View requirements
Prince Edward Island
Safety Fitness Certificate required
Regulator
the PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (Highway Safety); consumer contract terms overseen by the Consumer Services division, Department of Justice and Public Safety
View requirements
Quebec
Registration in the Register of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles (PEVL) required
Regulator
the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) and the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ); consumer contract terms overseen by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC)
View requirements
Saskatchewan
Certificate of Safety Fitness required
Regulator
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Carrier Safety Programs; consumer contract terms overseen by the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA)
View 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 [date]

Checking a specific mover?

Confirm their current IAMTrusted status — it takes one search.

Verify a mover →