Industry Frequently Asked Questions – Household Movers

Frequently Asked Questions: Interstate Mover Application – English | Español

• General Questions

  Household Mover General FAQs Flyer - English PDF | Spanish PDF

  
  

  Q. What is a "Household Mover"?

  A. “Household Mover” is a business that is paid or hired to use motor vehicles to transport used household goods and personal effects (collectively “household goods”) over any public highway, road, or street in California.

  Examples include:

  • A business that moves household goods to or from a residence between points in California.
  • A business that moves household goods only into or out of California.
  • A Restoration Company that moves household goods from a residence after damage from a catastrophic event, like a flood or other natural disaster or event that causes significant damage to the home like a burst pipe.
  • A business that advertises as a Household Mover.

  
  

  Q. Who needs a Household Mover license from the Bureau?

  General Household Mover License

  • You move household goods entirely within California, or
  • You move household goods entirely within California AND you also move household goods into or out of California.

  You must complete a General Household Mover application and can apply online: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/.

  Interstate Mover License

  • You move household goods only into or out of California.

  You must complete an Interstate Mover application and can apply online: https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/.

  
  

  Q. Could my business be exempt?

  If you operate one of the following types of businesses you DO NOT need a Household Mover license from the Bureau:

  • A Freight Forwarder that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations. (See 49 U.S. Code § 13102(8).)
  • A Motor Carrier that uses a commercial motor vehicle to transport property (other than household goods), passengers, or hazardous materials. A commercial motor vehicle includes (see Vehicle Code § 34500):
  • Motortrucks of 3 or more axles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
  • Truck tractors.
  • Buses, school buses, farm labor vehicles, modified limousines, and general public paratransit vehicles.
  • A vehicle that transports hazardous materials.

  A Motor Carrier includes a business that performs Office Moves only. Motor Carriers must be permitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Contact the DMV at (916) 657-8153 or visit www.dmv.ca.gov for more information.

  • A Storage Container Company (e.g., PODS) that transports household goods in containers or trailers AND the containers and trailers are loaded and unloaded entirely by an individual other than a company employee. (See 49 U.S. Code § 13102(12)(C).)
  • You provide Packing or Unpacking Services only.

  NOTE: These exceptions apply only if your business does not also act as a Household Mover. Acting as a Household Mover includes advertising as a Household Mover and offering Household Mover services.

  For more information, call the Bureau at (916) 999-2041 and select “option 1” or email: bhgs.hhmovers@dca.ca.gov.

  
  

  Q. Where can I find the Household Movers laws, rules, and regulations?

  You are responsible for knowing and complying with all laws, rules, and regulations related to your Household Mover business. This includes:

  • State laws and General Orders compiled in the Bureau's HHM Laws and Regulations.
  • The Maximum Rate Tariff 4 for moves within California.
  • Federal laws, rules, and regulations for moves into and out of California.

  Failure to comply may result in a violation and penalties, including a fine, disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution.

• Licensing Questions

  Q. How do I obtain a Household Mover permit?

  A. You will need to complete an application and mail it to the Division of Household Movers with a filing fee of $500. Please contact the Division Household Movers to obtain the required forms.

  Q. Are Household Mover permits transferable?

  A. Yes, a permit may be transferred provided it is in good standing. You will need to complete a transfer application and mail it to the Division of Household Movers with a fee of $150. Please contact the Division of Household Movers to obtain the required forms.

  Q. What are the requirements for obtaining a Household Mover permit?

  A. The primary requirements are:

  • Demonstrate knowledge by written examination of the Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4). The tariff contains maximum rates that movers must observe as well as rules and regulations governing intrastate moves.
  • Participate in the DMV Employer Pull–Notice System, if required by DMV
  • Provide information to show that vehicles will be maintained and operated in safe condition.
  • Undergo fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
  • Provide any other information requested to demonstrate that the applicant possesses sufficient knowledge, ability, integrity, and financial resources to perform the service.
  • File evidence of insurance coverage such as public liability and property damage, cargo liability and workers' compensation (when applicable) on the prescribed forms.

  Q. What are the minimum liability insurance and cargo insurance requirements for household goods carriers?

  A. The minimum protection against liability is $250,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person; $500,000 for bodily injury to or death of more than one person; and $100,000 for damage to or destruction of property other than the property being transported; or a combined single limit in the amount of not less than $600,000. For additional information see General Order 100. The minimum cargo insurance coverage is $20,000 per shipment. Information about cargo coverage and rules concerning carrier liability for loss and damage of used household goods can be found in General Order 136. The following forms will be needed:
  

  CARRIER TYPE Household Mover (Liability) Household Mover (Cargo)

  INSURANCE FORMS TL 676 Certificate TL 672 Certificate

  ENDORSEMENTS TL 675–A TL 671

  Q. What are the requirements for being fingerprinted?

  A. The law requires every applicant for a household goods carrier permit to submit fingerprints for each owner, partner, officer and director for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check. The fingerprints are forwarded to the state Department of Justice and made available to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Applicants have a choice of submitting fingerprints either by LiveScan or fingerprint card. LiveScan is an automated electronic process that generally results in much faster processing. It is performed by selected law enforcement agencies. Fingerprinting by fingerprint card must be accomplished through a law enforcement agency or other agency or person qualified to perform this service. A fee may be charged.

  Q. May I conduct operations using owner-operators as independent contractors?

  A. You may engage independent contractors (referred to as "subhaulers"), provided that each contractor holds its own Household Mover permit and you file a subhaul–lease bond of not less than $15,000 with the Commission in accordance with General Order 102.

  Q. Are there any periodic fees I am required to pay to the Bureau?

  A. On a quarterly basis every Household Mover is required to file a report of revenue and pay the following fees (late–filed reports are subject to a 25% penalty):

  • A fee based on intrastate gross operating revenue that currently is ½ of 1% of revenue on transportation subject to Max 4 rates and rules and 1/10 of 1% on revenue derived from transportation exempt from Max 4 or the transportation of used office store and institution furniture (i.e. office moves).
  • A $15 fee, $5 of which goes to the California Highway Patrol as a safety fee
  • A Uniform Business License Tax of 1/10 of 1% of revenue which is imposed in lieu of payment of a city or county excise or license tax on intercity transportation by Household Movers.

• Testing Questions

  Q. How do I arrange to take the Household Mover exam?

  A. Every applicant for a household mover permit must pass a written examination on the maximum rates, rules and regulations contained in Maximum Rate Tariff 4 ("Max 4") and the Distance Table 8 (for movers conducting statewide moves). You will need to bring a form of picture identification with you. You may not bring any written materials or a cell phone into the examination room. You will be provided with a link to the Max 4 to use as a reference when taking the exam. Once you have submitted your application you may schedule an appointment to take the exam by contacting the Division of Household Movers at (916) 999–2041.

  Q: Do I as the permit applicant have to take the Max 4 exam or can I have one of my employees take it?

  A. Under the law, if the applicant is an individual, the individual or a responsible managing employee may take the exam. If the application is filed by a co–partnership, corporation or any other form of business organization, the exam may be taken by a partner, the responsible managing officer or an employee who works for the firm at least 32 hours per week.

  Q. If I fail the Max 4 exam may I take it again?

  A. You make retake the exam, but by law you will have to wait at least 30 calendar days to do so.