Michigan

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes. Intrastate Household Goods Carrier Registration required

Insurance Required

Yes. Liability insurance (where the mover operates its own vehicles) and cargo insurance must be maintained and documented

Tariff Filing

Not mandated at the state level

USDOT/UCR

USDOT number required for vehicles over specified sizes; UCR if interstate

Application Fee

Varies based on fleet size; typically under $200

Consumer Complaints

Handled by the Department of State’s Commercial Services Unit

OverviewOverview & Scope

Any person or company offering intrastate household goods moving services within Michigan must register with the Michigan Department of State before operating legally. This includes packing, loading, transporting, and delivering household items for compensation.

RegistrationRegistration & Documentation Requirements

To operate legally in Michigan, movers must:

1. Register as a Household Goods Carrier with the Department of State, providing business identification and service details.
2. Submit Proof of Insurance, including:
   • Public liability insurance sufficient to cover property damage or bodily injury
   • Cargo insurance to protect consumers’ belongings during transit
3. Maintain Valid USDOT Registration, if using vehicles over designated weight thresholds, or engaging in interstate commerce.
4. Renew Registration and Insurance Annually to remain in good standing.

InsuranceInsurance & Operational Compliance

• Liability Insurance: Must cover damages or injury resulting from the motor carrier’s operations.
• Cargo Insurance: Required to cover consumer goods during transport.
• USDOT Number: Mandatory if using larger commercial vehicles or crossing state lines.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

• Consumers should verify that movers are registered and insured within Michigan.
• Consumers should ask for written estimates and contracts, although a formal tariff may not be required.
• In case of issues such as damage, late delivery, or noncompliance, consumers can file complaints through the Department of State’s Commercial Services Unit.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Michigan Intrastate Household Goods Carrier Registration, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover offers intrastate household goods moving services in Michigan)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Cargo insurance, proof submitted and renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover holds a Michigan registration)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)Where applicable (mover engaged in interstate commerce)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)

• Public liability insurance, proof submitted and renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• USDOT numberWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles over the designated weight thresholds or in interstate commerce)Verified by DocumentRequired