California

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

Permit Required

Yes

Yes. Household Mover Permit (Cal‑T number) is mandatory for intrastate moves, including for companies that pack or broker intrastate moves

Insurance Required

Yes. Cargo insurance; liability insurance where the mover operates its own vehicles; workers’ compensation if the mover has employees

Tariff Filing Required

Yes. Must follow Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4) for intrastate moves

Complaint Contact

BHGS Consumer Intake Unit: (800) 366‑4782; Online form via CA.gov

OverviewOverview & Scope

Anyone involved in intrastate household goods moves (including packing, brokering, or transporting) must obtain a permit from BHGS before operating in California. This applies even to restoration companies or pod delivery services, except under limited exemptions.

PermitPermit & Registration Requirements

• Application + $500 fee, submitted to BHGS within 120 days of filing.
• Fingerprinting (Live Scan) required for all owners/officers to allow criminal background checks.
• Must pass a written exam covering Max 4 tariff rules with a minimum score of 70%.
• Employers must comply with the Pull Notice Program and safety/maintenance regulations.
• CA Carrier Number issued by CHP must be provided.

InsuranceInsurance Obligations

• Liability: $250,000 (per person), $500,000 (per incident), $100,000 (property) or a combined single limit of $600,000.
• Cargo Insurance: Minimum $20,000 per shipment.
• Workers’ Compensation: Required if employing staff.
• C.O.D. Bond: $2,000 surety bond if handling collect-on-delivery shipments.

TariffsTariffs & Reporting

• Must use Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4) for all intrastate moves.
• Permits require quarterly revenue reporting, a $15 safety fee, and a uniform business tax based on revenue.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Movers must conduct a visual inspection before providing an estimate.
• A “Not to Exceed” price must be provided; change orders are required for additional services.
• A service agreement and the state’s informational booklet must be provided prior to the move.
• Claims must be filed in writing within 9 months of delivery.
• Unpermitted movers may be penalized, and their vehicles impounded.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• BHGS Household Mover Permit (Cal‑T number), including Live Scan fingerprinting of owners/officers and the Max 4 written examWhere applicable (mover packs, brokers or transports intrastate household goods in California)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance (minimum $20,000 per shipment)Where applicable (mover holds a Household Mover Permit)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Workers’ compensation insuranceWhere applicable (mover has employees)Verified by DocumentRequired
• C.O.D. surety bond ($2,000)Where applicable (mover handles collect-on-delivery shipments)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)

• Liability insurance ($250,000 per person, $500,000 per incident, $100,000 property, or $600,000 combined single limit)Where applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• CA Carrier Number issued by the CHPWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Drivers enrolled in the Pull Notice Program and vehicle safety/maintenance regulations followedWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Customer practices

• Rates and practices comply with Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4)Where applicable (mover holds a Household Mover Permit)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Visual inspection before estimate, “Not to Exceed” price, and change orders for additional servicesWhere applicable (mover holds a Household Mover Permit)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Service agreement and the state’s informational booklet provided before the moveWhere applicable (mover holds a Household Mover Permit)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Records

• Quarterly revenue reports filed and safety fee paidWhere applicable (mover holds a Household Mover Permit)Verified by AffirmationRequired