New York

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required

Yes

Yes – A Household Goods Operating Authority must be obtained from NYSDOT before intrastate service

Insurance Required

Yes

Yes – Must file standard liability insurance via Form E and cargo insurance coverage

Tariff Required

Yes

Yes – Mover must file a tariff with NYSDOT; rates and accessorial charges must be publicly available

USDOT / UCR Required

Yes

Yes – A USDOT number is required for certain vehicles; UCR applies if operating interstate

Application Fee

Varies by application scope; includes licensing and tariff-filing costs

Consumer Complaints

Handled by NYSDOT’s moving complaints unit under intrastate jurisdiction

OverviewOverview & Scope

Operating as a household goods mover between any locations within New York State requires operating authority issued by NYSDOT. The process includes safety evaluation, insurance verification, and a 30-day public notice period.

RegistrationRegistration & Licensing Steps

Movers must complete the following to operate legally:

1. Submit an Application through the NYSDOT’s Carrier Certification System using a NY.GOV ID.
2. Attend an Entrance Conference and Safety & Compliance Class where fitness, tariffs, claims, and operational practices are evaluated.
3. File Form E (liability insurance) and cargo insurance (min. $5,000 per vehicle; $10,000 aggregate).
4. Provide a filed tariff detailing all rates, services, and accessorial charges.
5. Establish a bona fide business location within New York State.
6. After the 30-day public notification period, if approved, receive a probationary operating certificate, which can be converted to permanent authority upon successful performance.

Advertising must include the authorized name, certificate number, and address, and carriers must provide a “Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods” before the move begins.

ConsumerConsumer Protections

New York regulations ensure strong consumer safeguards:

• Movers must provide written estimates and disclose all applicable charges.
• If the final cost exceeds the estimate, consumers are entitled to 15 days to pay the overage.
• Claims for damage or overcharge must be submitted in writing; the mover must respond within 30 days and resolve within 120.
• Consumers can file unlicensed or service-related complaints directly with NYSDOT’s intrastate moving complaints unit.
• A Bill of Lading and “Important Notice to Consumers” must be issued at pickup.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

• NYSDOT Household Goods Operating Authority (Probationary)Yes
• Liability (Form E) & Cargo InsuranceYes
• Filed Tariff with Accessorial ChargesYes
• Safety & Compliance Class AttendedYes
• Bona Fide Business LocationYes
• Advertising with Certificate InfoRequired
• Written Estimates and Consumer Summary ProvidedRequired
• Claim Response within 120 DaysRequired
• Consumer Complaint Process AvailableProvided