Maine

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

State License

No

No. Maine does not require a separate state license for intrastate household goods movers

Insurance Required

Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Must file Combined Single Limit (CSL) insurance for household goods transportation

Tariff Filing

Not specifically required at the state level

USDOT/UCR

USDOT number required for certain large vehicles or interstate moves

Application Fee

Not applicable

Consumer Complaints

Submitted to Maine’s Motor Carrier Services or the Secretary of State’s Consumer Affairs office

OverviewOverview & Scope

Maine does not issue a stand-alone mover license for intrastate household goods carriers. However, businesses must comply with state laws on operations, especially around business registration, vehicle registration, and insurance. Movers should be registered as businesses and meet federal and state transport requirements.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

In lieu of a specific mover license, movers operating within Maine must:

• Register the business with the Maine Secretary of State (forms of corporation, LLC, or sole proprietor).
• Register vehicles (where the mover operates its own vehicles) with proper commercial plates and display legally required identifiers.
• Obtain and maintain insurance with at least a Combined Single Limit (CSL), filed with and certified by the Secretary of State’s Motor Carrier Services Division.
• Carry a USDOT number for large or interstate operations, even if the move occurs entirely within Maine.

InsuranceInsurance & Operational Compliance

• Combined Single-Limit (CSL) insurance is required to protect household goods and third parties in transit.
• The Secretary of State’s office must receive proof of this coverage on approved forms.
• USDOT registration is mandatory for operators using vehicles over specific weight thresholds or engaging in interstate commerce.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

Consumers hiring movers in Maine should:

• Confirm the mover is properly registered as a business and holds insurance filings.
• Request documentation of insurance coverage and USDOT compliance where applicable.
• Report concerns (such as unprofessional behavior, damage, or non-delivery) to the Motor Carrier Services division within the Secretary of State’s office.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Business registered with the Maine Secretary of StateVerified 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)

• Combined Single Limit (CSL) insurance filed with the Secretary of State’s Motor Carrier Services DivisionWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Commercial vehicle registration with proper commercial plates and required identifiersWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles above the specified weight thresholds or in interstate commerce)Verified by DocumentRequired