Household Goods Movers Registration
On October 1, 2019, a new Maryland law took effect that requires the registration of household goods movers. A household goods mover is defined as a person who provides household goods moving services. This means the loading, packing, moving, transporting, storing while in transit, unloading, or otherwise taking possession or control from a consumer of household goods for the purpose of moving them to another location at the direction of the consumer for a fee.
Pursuant to the new law, a person may not provide or offer to provide household goods moving services in the state using a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in 49.C.F.R. 390.5 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, unless the person is registered as a household goods mover. A commercial motor vehicle is defined in 49 C.F.R. 390.5 as:
Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle -
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
- Is used in transporting material found by the s ecretary of transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.
The department is working on regulations to implement this new law. If you are a household goods mover, there is no action required on your part at this time. Please check back to this website for updates.
Helpful Information When Planning a Residential Move
Maryland Department of Labor
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
100 S. Charles Street, Tower I,
Baltimore, MD 21201
E-mail: dlopl-labor@maryland.gov