The Official Roadmap to Starting a Moving Company in Virginia

A verified guide sourced exclusively from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Scope Check: The "30-Mile" Rule

Will you transport household goods MORE than 30 miles from the origin?

Step 1: Application (Form OA 150)

Authority: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Form: Submit Form OA 150 ("Operating Authority Certificate Application").
Fee: $50.00 filing fee.
Bond: You must post a $50,000 Surety Bond (Form OA 436).

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Insurance & Plates

Your vehicle registration must change to "For-Hire."

Liability: Min $750,000 (Form E).
Cargo: Min $50,000 (Form H).
Plates: You must purchase "For-Hire" license plates ($10/year fee + registration).

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Tariff Filing

You cannot operate without filed rates.

Requirement: You must file a tariff with the DMV that lists all your rates and rules.
Sample: Use Form OA 450 (Sample Tariff) as a guide to create yours.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by Virginia DMV regulations.

Booklet: Must provide the "Making a Better Move in Virginia" booklet to customers.
Bill of Lading: You must carry a copy in the truck during the move.
Estimates: Written estimates are mandatory for moves over 30 miles.

Mark Step 4 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

Advertisements: Your DMV Certificate Number must appear in ALL advertisements.
Address Change: You must notify DMV of any address change within 30 days.
Claims: You must acknowledge claims within 30 days and resolve/deny them within 120 days.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      1. What is the "30-Mile Rule"?
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        Virginia separates movers by distance. If you transport household goods more than 30 miles, you need a "Household Goods Carrier" certificate (Form OA 150). If you stay within 30 miles, you may only need a "Property Carrier" permit, which has fewer requirements.
      
      2. Do I need a Surety Bond?
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        Yes. Household Goods Carriers must maintain a $50,000 Surety Bond (Form OA 436) or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit. This bond must be kept in effect for at least 5 years from the date your certificate is issued.
      
      3. What are the insurance requirements?
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        You must carry minimum Liability insurance of $750,000 (for bodily injury/property damage) and minimum Cargo insurance of $50,000. Your insurance agent must file Form E and Form H with the DMV.
      
      4. What is the application fee?
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        The filing fee for the Operating Authority Certificate (OA 150) is $50.00. There is also an annual fee of $10 per vehicle.
      
      5. Do I need to file a Tariff?
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        Yes. You must file a tariff with the DMV that lists all your rates, rules, and policies. You cannot charge more than the rates listed in your filed tariff.
      
      6. What brochure must I give customers?
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        For moves over 30 miles, you must provide the booklet "Making a Better Move in Virginia" (published by the Virginia Movers' and Warehousemen's Association) to every customer upon issuing an estimate.
      
      7. Can I charge by the hour?
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        Yes, but typically only for moves of 30 miles or less. For moves over 30 miles, charges are usually based on weight and distance, and you must provide a written line-item estimate.
      
      8. Do I need a USDOT number?
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        Yes. Even for intrastate-only operations, Virginia carriers generally need a USDOT number for safety tracking. You can obtain this for free from the FMCSA website.
      
      9. How quickly must I handle claims?
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        You must acknowledge receipt of a written claim within 30 days. You then have 120 days to either pay the claim, decline it, or make a firm compromise offer in writing.
      
      10. Do I need special license plates?
      ▼
    
        Yes. You must register your vehicles as "For-Hire" with the DMV and obtain For-Hire license plates. You cannot use standard private passenger or truck plates for a moving business.

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