Colorado

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

Registration Required

Yes

Yes. Must register as a Household Goods Mover with PUC

Insurance Required

Yes. Must file proof via Form E/G (motor vehicle liability, where the mover operates its own vehicles), Form H/J (cargo), and Form GL (general liability)

Fingerprinting Required

Yes. Background checks required for principals and drivers via fingerprint-based records

Annual Filing Fee

Yes. $300 per year

Contract & Valuation Rules

Yes. Written contracts and valuation options required (released value or full replacement)

Complaint Contact

Public Utilities Commission (PUC), for non-compliance or customer issues

OverviewOverview & Scope

Intrastate movers in Colorado must be registered with the PUC to legally operate. This applies to all parties offering household goods moving services, including scheduling, transporting, and delivery.

Registrants must maintain and file insurance coverage, adhere to safety standards, and follow consumer protection rules.

Colorado Public Utilities Commission 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202 Phone: 303-894-2000 | Permits and Insurance: 800-888-0170 (Outside Denver) Consumer Assistance: 303-894-2070 or 800-456-0858 (Outside Denver) Fax: 303-894-2065 Email: dora\_puc\_website@state.co.us

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

Movers must submit the following to the PUC:

• Registration details: Legal entity name, trade names, addresses, and officer information, including birthdate and SSN (kept confidential).
• Proof of financial responsibility via:
  • Form E or G: motor vehicle liability coverage
  • Form H or J: cargo insurance (minimum $10,000 per vehicle or $0.60 per lb)
  • Form GL: general liability
• Fingerprint-based background check for principals and drivers
• Annual registration fee: $300

The PUC may revoke registration for serious or repeated violations.

ConsumerConsumer Protections & Contract Requirements

Colorado law protects consumers by requiring:

• Written Contracts prior to any move, which must include:
  • PUC registration number
  • Contact info (physical and mailing)
  • Itemized costs and services breakdown
  • Accepted payment methods (must offer at least two)
• Valuation options, including:
  • Released Value Option: $0.60 per pound per article OR item depreciated value
  • Full Replacement Cost Option: shippers choose a coverage amount, may select a deductible, and the mover is liable up to that amount

Storage and delivery rules mandate:

• Prompt release of critical items (for example, medications and children’s items)
• Storage only under specific contract and notification conditions

PenaltiesPenalties & Enforcement

Violations may incur civil penalties:

• Up to $1,100 per violation in critical cases (for example, unregistered operation or failure to contract)
• Lesser violations: up to $550, and in some cases, $275 per violation

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• PUC Household Goods Mover registration, current with the annual $300 fee paid, including fingerprint-based background checks of principalsWhere applicable (mover offers intrastate household goods moving services in Colorado, including scheduling)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance filed with the PUC (Form H or J; minimum $10,000 per vehicle or $0.60 per lb)Where applicable (mover is registered with the PUC)Verified by DocumentRequired
• General liability insurance filed with the PUC (Form GL)Where applicable (mover is registered with the PUC)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)

• Motor vehicle liability insurance filed with the PUC (Form E or G)Where applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Fingerprint-based background checks completed for driversWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Customer practices

• Written contract before every move (PUC registration number, contact information, itemized costs, at least two accepted payment methods)Where applicable (mover is registered with the PUC)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Released value and full replacement cost valuation options offeredWhere applicable (mover is registered with the PUC)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Storage and delivery rules followed (prompt release of critical items; storage only under the required contract and notice conditions)Where applicable (mover is registered with the PUC)Verified by AffirmationRequired