Start a California Moving Company: BHGS Permit & MTR Guide

The official guide to California's BHGS Household Mover Permit. Learn about the Max 4 Tariff exam, $20k cargo insurance, and Live Scan requirements.

Owner Check: Background & Fingerprints

Do you (and all partners) have a clean criminal history?

Step 1: Application & Exam

Authority: Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS).

Application: Submit "Application for Household Movers Permit" with $500 fee.
Exam: You must pass a test on the "Maximum Rate Tariff 4" (Max 4).
Live Scan: All owners must submit fingerprints via Live Scan for a DOJ background check.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Requirements

California limits are stricter than federal law.

Liability: Min $250k / $500k / $100k (PLPD).
Cargo: Min $20,000 per shipment (Fed min is only $5k).
Workers Comp: Mandatory if you have employees.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Vehicle Safety (DMV)

You must monitor your drivers.

EPN Program: You must enroll in the DMV "Employer Pull Notice" program to automatically track driver infractions.
Maintenance: You must keep a systematic maintenance log for every truck.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by BHGS regulations.

Booklet: Must provide "Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods".
Contract: Must use an "Agreement for Moving Services" with a "Not To Exceed" price.
Cal T #: Must display your "Cal T" permit number in all ads.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

No Hostages: It is illegal to hold goods if the customer pays the "Not To Exceed" price.
Unlicensed Ads: Advertising on Craigslist/Yelp without a Cal T # is the #1 way to get fined.
Sub-Haulers: You cannot hire another mover to help unless they ALSO have a BHGS permit.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. Is it the PUC or BHGS?
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        It used to be the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Now, moving companies are regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) under the Dept. of Consumer Affairs. You must apply to BHGS, not the PUC.
      
      2. What is the "Max 4" Tariff?
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        The "Maximum Rate Tariff 4" (Max 4) is a state document that sets the maximum price you can charge for services. You must pass a written exam proving you understand these pricing rules to get your permit.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        Liability coverage is typically $250k/$500k/$100k. Uniquely, California requires a minimum of $20,000 in Cargo Insurance per shipment (higher than the federal $5,000 standard).
      
      4. Can I use "Subhaulers" (Subcontractors)?
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        Yes, but strict rules apply. The subhauler must have their own active BHGS permit, and you must file a "Subhaul Lease Bond" of $15,000 with the Bureau.
      
      5. Do I need to background check employees?
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        Yes. First, all owners must undergo "Live Scan" fingerprinting. Second, you must perform criminal background checks on all employees who enter customers' homes.
      
      6. What is the "Not To Exceed" Price?
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        California law requires you to give a "Not To Exceed" price in writing before the move. You cannot charge a single penny over this amount, even if the move takes longer than expected.
      
      7. Can I charge by the hour?
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        Yes, for local moves (typically under 100 miles), you charge hourly rates. For distance moves (over 100 miles), the Max 4 Tariff usually requires you to charge by weight (lbs) and distance.
      
      8. What documents must I give the customer?
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        You must provide the "Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods" booklet. You must also provide a written Estimate and a signed "Agreement for Moving Services".
      
      9. Can I withhold goods if they don't pay?
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        Only if they refuse to pay the "Not To Exceed" price. If they pay that amount, you must release the goods. Holding goods hostage for extra fees is a serious violation in California.
      
      10. What if I advertise without a permit number?
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        This is one of the most common fines. You must display your BHGS "Cal T" number (or permit number) in all advertising, including Craigslist, Facebook, and your website.

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.