The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Alaska

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Commerce.

Regulation Check: "Unregulated" State

Alaska does NOT issue a specific "Household Goods Mover" license. You operate under a general business license. Are you aware of this?

Step 1: Alaska Business License

Authority: Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

Apply: Submit the "New Business License Application" (Form 08-4181) online or by mail.
Fee: $50.00 per year.
NAICS Code: Use code 484210 (Used Household and Office Goods Moving).

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: USDOT Number (Safety)

Mandatory for vehicle registration.

Requirement: If your vehicle is over 10,000 lbs (or 8,000 lbs unladen), you MUST have a USDOT number to register it in Alaska.
Apply: Register for free via the FMCSA website. You will be entered into the PRISM safety monitoring program.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Commercial Vehicle Registration

You must register your trucks as "Commercial."

Form: Submit Form V1 ("Vehicle Transaction Application") to the DMV.
Weight: Fees are based on the unladen weight of the vehicle.
Proof: You must provide your USDOT number and Tax ID on the application.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Insurance Requirements

Alaska enforces strict liability minimums.

Over 10,000 lbs: Minimum $750,000 Combined Single Limit (CSL).
Under 10,000 lbs: Minimum $300,000 CSL.
Cargo: Optional but highly recommended (no state minimum).

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

PRISM Program: Alaska participates in PRISM. If the FMCSA suspends your USDOT number for safety violations, the Alaska DMV will suspend your vehicle registration.
Oversize Permits: If your load exceeds legal dimensions (width/height), you must get a permit via the "MyAlaska" portal.
Consumer Protection: While there is no moving license, the Alaska Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive practices (e.g., bait-and-switch pricing).

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. Do I need a moving license in Alaska?
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        No. Alaska does not issue a specific "Household Goods Certificate" for intrastate movers. You only need a general Alaska Business License and proper commercial vehicle registration.
      
      2. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. If your vehicle weighs over 10,000 lbs (or 8,000 lbs unladen), you must obtain a USDOT number to register the vehicle with the Alaska DMV, even if you never leave the state. Alaska uses the federal PRISM system to track safety.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        For vehicles 10,000 lbs or more, you need $750,000 in Liability insurance. For smaller vehicles (under 10,000 lbs), the minimum is $300,000. Cargo insurance is not mandated by the state but is strongly recommended.
      
      4. Do I need to file a Tariff?
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        No. Alaska is an unregulated state for household goods rates. You do not need to file a tariff with the government. You can set your own prices and terms.
      
      5. Do I need a special driver's license?
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        You need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) only if your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 26,001 lbs or more. Most standard 26ft moving trucks are rated at 26,000 lbs to avoid this requirement, but you must check your specific truck.
      
      6. How much is the business license fee?
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        The fee for a new Alaska Business License is $50.00 per year. You can pay for a 1-year or 2-year license.
      
      7. What if I move someone oversize?
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        If you are moving items that exceed legal dimensions (width/height/weight), you must obtain an oversize/overweight permit through the MyAlaska online portal before the move.
      
      8. Are there consumer protection laws?
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        Yes. While there is no specific "moving" agency, the Alaska Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices. Consumers can file complaints with the Attorney General if you engage in fraud or bait-and-switch pricing.
      
      9. Do I need UCR registration?
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        Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is mandatory if you operate interstate (crossing state lines). If you operate 100% intrastate (within Alaska only), UCR is generally not required, but you must still have your USDOT number.
      
      10. How do I register my truck?
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        You must file Form V1 (Vehicle Transaction Application) with the Alaska DMV. Be sure to mark it as a "Commercial Vehicle" and provide your USDOT number and Tax ID.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.

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What to expect on this call:

No High-Pressure Sales Tactics: We hate them too. If we aren't a good fit, we'll tell you.
A "Mini-Audit": We’ll pull up your current website or Google profile live on the call.
Real Advice: You’re talking to actual movers who have scaled companies, not a script-reading salesperson.