The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Georgia

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) and MCCD regulations.

Service Check: "Labor Only" vs. "Mover"

Will you provide a driver for the truck, or will the customer drive?

Step 1: Application & Fee

Authority: Georgia Dept. of Public Safety (DPS).

Application: Submit the "Application for Certificate".
Fee: $300.00. Must be paid via Certified Funds (Cashier's Check or Money Order).
Status: You will initially receive an "Interim Certificate" valid for 1 year.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance Filing

Your agent must file these directly with DPS.

Form E: Liability proof. Min limits: $100k / $300k / $50k.
Form H: Cargo proof. Min limits: $25,000 per vehicle / $50,000 aggregate.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: The Maximum Rate Tariff

You cannot set just any price.

Tariff No. 6: You must subscribe to and abide by the state's Maximum Rate Tariff.
Rates: You may charge less than the tariff, but never more.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by MCCD regulations.

Pamphlet: Must provide the "Moving Guide for Household Goods Moves in Georgia".
Estimates: Must be in writing (Binding or Non-Binding).
Markings: Truck must display Company Name and "GA Certified Mover" number.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

Driving Rule: If you provide the driver (even in a rented truck), you MUST be licensed.
Commercial Exception: You do NOT need this license if you strictly move offices/businesses.
Audit: You must pass a compliance audit during your interim year to get permanent status.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. Do I need a license for "Labor Only" moving?
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        If the customer rents the truck and drives it themselves, you generally do NOT need a license. However, if your company provides the driver (even if the customer provides the truck), the state considers you a carrier and you MUST obtain a Household Goods Certificate.
      
      2. Are my rates regulated? (The Tariff)
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        Yes. Georgia publishes a "Maximum Rate Tariff" (currently Tariff No. 6). You cannot charge more than the rates listed in this document. You must file your own rates with the DPS that fall within these state limits.
      
      3. What is an Interim Certificate?
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        Georgia does not issue permanent licenses immediately. You first receive an Interim Certificate (usually valid for 1 year). You must pass a compliance audit during this period to receive your Permanent Certificate.
      
      4. Do I need a license for office moves?
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        No. Georgia has deregulated commercial office moves. If you strictly move businesses (office furniture/equipment) and never touch household goods, you do not need the DPS Household Goods Certificate.
      
      5. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You must provide the "Moving Guide for Household Goods Moves in Georgia" pamphlet published by the DPS. You must also have the customer sign an acknowledgement that they received it.
      
      6. How much is the application fee?
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        The application fee is $300.00. Crucially, the DPS does not accept personal or company checks—you must pay with "Certified Funds" like a cashier's check or money order.
      
      7. Can I charge for travel time?
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        Yes, the Georgia tariff typically allows you to charge a trip fee or travel time (often one hour of labor) to cover the time getting to and from the job site, provided it is disclosed in your estimate.
      
      8. What insurance forms do I need?
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        Your insurance agent must file Form E (Liability) and Form H (Cargo) directly with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. You cannot just email a PDF certificate yourself.
      
      9. Can I provide a verbal estimate?
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        No. While you can give a rough idea over the phone, the official estimate must be in writing (either Binding or Non-Binding) and based on an inventory of the items.
      
      10. What happens if I operate without a license?
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        The Georgia MCCD conducts sting operations. Operating without a certificate can result in your truck being impounded and civil penalties of up to $500 per violation.

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

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What to expect on this call:

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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.