The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Illinois

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Legal Check: The "Fitness Hearing"

Are you prepared to appear before an Administrative Law Judge (or hire an attorney to do so) to prove your business is "fit"?

Step 1: Authority Application

Authority: Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Application: File for "Household Goods Authority".
Fee: $100 filing fee (Intrastate).
Hearing: You must attend a hearing to prove you are "fit, willing, and able" to operate.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance & Compliance

Your insurer must file forms electronically.

Form E: Liability. Min $100k/$300k/$50k.
Form H: Cargo. Min $5,000.
Tariff: You must file your rates with the ICC.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Probationary Period

Your license is not permanent yet.

Temporary Authority: You will be issued a license valid for 1 year.
Audit: The ICC will conduct an audit of your records before the year is up.
Permanent: If you pass the audit, you receive Permanent Authority.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by ICC regulations.

Brochure: Must provide the "ICC Consumer's Guide".
Estimates: Written estimates are mandatory.
Markings: Truck must display your ICC number (e.g. ILL.C.C. 12345).

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

110% Rule: If the final bill is >110% of the estimate, the customer only has to pay 110% on delivery. You must give them 30 days to pay the rest.
Advertisements: You must include your ILCC license number in all ads.
Claims: You must acknowledge claims within 30 days and resolve them within 120 days.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What is the "Fitness Hearing"?
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        Before you get your license, you must appear before an Administrative Law Judge to prove you are "fit, willing, and able" to operate. If your business is a corporation/LLC, Illinois law typically requires you to be represented by an attorney at this hearing.
      
      2. Is my license permanent?
      ▼
    
        Not at first. The ICC issues a "Temporary Authority" valid for one year. During that year, the ICC will conduct a compliance audit. If you pass the audit and have no violations, you will then receive Permanent Authority.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You need $100k/$300k/$50k for Public Liability/Property Damage and $5,000 for Cargo insurance. Your insurance company must file Form E and Form H directly with the ICC.
      
      4. What is a "Tariff"?
      ▼
    
        A tariff is a document listing all your rates and charges. You must file this with the ICC. You are legally required to charge the exact rates listed in your tariff. Charging more (or less) is a violation.
      
      5. What brochure must I give customers?
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        You must provide the ICC brochure titled "Consumer's Guide to Moving in Illinois" (sometimes called the "During the Move" brochure) to every customer.
      
      6. What is the "110% Rule"?
      ▼
    
        If your final bill exceeds the written estimate by more than 10%, you must deliver the goods upon payment of 110% of the estimate. You must then give the customer 30 days to pay the remaining balance.
      
      7. Can I hold goods hostage for payment?
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        No. If the customer pays 110% of the written estimate, you MUST release the goods. Holding them for additional payment is illegal.
      
      8. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. Even for intrastate moves, Illinois requires carriers to have a USDOT number. You must also pay the UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) fees annually.
      
      9. What are the markings requirements?
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        Your truck must display your Company Name and your ICC License Number (e.g., ILL.C.C. 12345MC) on both sides of the power unit. Letters must be at least 2 inches tall.
      
      10. How much is the application fee?
      ▼
    
        The filing fee for the Household Goods Authority application is typically $100. Be prepared for additional costs for legal counsel and insurance filings.

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