Regulatory & compliance · Intrastate household goods

Virginia

State license required

Regulated byVirginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Carrier Services

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

License Required
Yes
Yes – Must obtain a Certificate of Fitness (household goods carrier authority) for moves of 31+ miles; for moves under 31 miles, Property Carrier authority is acceptable
Insurance Required
Yes
Yes –

  • Minimum $750,000 for public liability (for vehicles over 10,000 lbs)
  • Minimum $50,000 for cargo coverage
Tariff Required
Yes
Yes – Movers must file a tariff outlining rates, rules, and valuation options; changes must receive written approval 30 days in advance
Valuation Options
Released Value at $0.60/lb per article is the default; higher coverage must be offered
Written Estimate Required
Yes
Yes – Must be provided prior to loading and reflected on the Bill of Lading
Documentation Busines Must Keep
Copies of all BOLs retained on file for at least 3 years
Claims Handling Requirements
  • Acknowledge claims within 30 days
  • Pay, decline, or settle within 120 days
  • If unresolved, provide updates every 30 days thereafter
Joint Tariff Flexibility
Allowed via Notice of Concurrence or Power of Attorney, with 60 days’ notice for revocation
Solicitation Restrictions
Only certificated carriers may solicit or contract for household goods moves
Consumer Complaint Process
Maintain consumer recourse via DMV oversight and formal regulations

8 entries on this page were reconstructed from a malformed source table and are pending confirmation by IAM.

OverviewOverview & Scope

Virginia strictly regulates intrastate household goods transport. Movers must be authorized and insured. Pricing and valuation must be transparent and controlled through state-approved tariffs. The DMV enforces compliance through authority issuance, oversight, and enforcement actions.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

  • Certificate of Fitness (for moves ≥31 miles)Yes
  • Required Insurance (Liability & Cargo)Yes
  • Filed Tariff & Regulatory Approval for Rate ChangesYes
  • Valuation Options Provided & DocumentedYes
  • Written Estimate & Bill of Lading RequiredYes
  • Retain BOL Records for 3 YearsYes
  • Claims Acknowledged in 30 Days & Resolved within 120 DaysYes
  • Document Updates for Pending Claims every 30 DaysYes
  • Only Certificated Carriers May Solicit or Contract MovesEnforced
  • Consumer Complaint Process Available via DMVProvided