Illinois

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate movers must obtain a Household Goods License from the ICC

Insurance Required

Yes. Must have liability (where the mover operates its own vehicles), cargo, and workers’ compensation insurance filed with ICC

Tariff Required

Yes. Must file a tariff detailing rates and services; discounts are prohibited

Complaint Contact

ICC, call (217) 782‑6448 or file ICC online form

OverviewOverview & Scope

Operating as a for-hire intrastate household goods mover in Illinois requires a valid license from the ICC. No person may move household goods within the state without this certification.

RegistrationRegistration & Licensing Requirements

Movers must:

• Obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the ICC.
• Demonstrate fitness through financial records, background checks, safety programs, and retaining facilities and equipment.
• Provide proof of insurance:
  • $750,000 liability,
  • $10,000 cargo insurance,
  • Workers’ compensation as required
• Maintain and publish a tariff with all services and rates; no unauthorized services or discounts allowed
• Keep books, records, and documentation for all moves for a minimum of three years

ConsumerConsumer Protections & Standards

• Movers must provide a written estimate using the ICC-approved form, along with a copy of the Consumer Guide prior to moving.
• The Bill of Lading must reference tariff terms and include shipment details.
• Weight-based billing requires certified scales; if unavailable, constructive weight may be used (7 lb/cu ft).
• Storage services are regulated: requires written inventory, warehouse receipt, and contracts; “storage in transit” defined for moves under 180 days.
• ICC actively enforces compliance and advises consumers to verify licensing via their website or phone.
• Written estimates cannot be exceeded by more than 10% on moving day; payment of estimate + 10% protects against goods being withheld.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• ICC Household Goods License (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity)Where applicable (mover performs intrastate household goods moves in Illinois)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance ($10,000) filed with the ICCWhere applicable (mover holds an ICC Household Goods License)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Workers’ compensation insuranceWhere applicable (as required by law for the mover's employees)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 ($750,000) filed with the ICCWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired

Customer practices

• Tariff of all services and rates filed and published; only tariff rates charged, with no unauthorized services or discountsWhere applicable (mover holds an ICC Household Goods License)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Written estimate on the ICC-approved form and the Consumer Guide provided before the move; charges on moving day not above the estimate plus 10%Where applicable (mover holds an ICC Household Goods License)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Bill of lading references tariff terms and includes shipment detailsWhere applicable (mover holds an ICC Household Goods License)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Weight-based charges use certified scales, or constructive weight (7 lb/cu ft) where scales are unavailableWhere applicable (mover bills by weight)Verified by AffirmationRequired
• Storage provided with a written inventory, warehouse receipt and contractWhere applicable (mover provides storage)Verified by AffirmationRequired