The Maryland Department of Labor will open applications for a new household goods movers registration program on Dec. 1, 2025, creating a public database to ensure companies meet insurance standards for intrastate services. Enforcement begins March 1, 2026, barring unregistered operators from charging fees for moves using commercial motor vehicles within state lines.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing will handle submissions, requiring proof of liability, cargo and workers’ compensation coverage under Business Regulation Article, Title 8.5 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR 09.30.01.01 through .10. These rules set minimums: $750,000 combined single limit for liability covering bodily injury and property damage; $20,000 for cargo protection; and workers’ compensation per Labor and Employment Article §9-101 et seq. for employee claims. The process applies to all in-state moves, irrespective of a company’s headquarters.
“This registry will make it possible for Maryland consumers to verify that moving companies carry insurance and are in compliance with Maryland law,” Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu said. “The insurance requirements mean it will also help protect movers in the event they are injured on the job or expensive items are damaged during a move.”
Operators must submit entity details, federal employer identification numbers, vehicle information and insurance certificates from licensed carriers. Annual renewals, due Dec. 31, carry a $100 fee and updated documents. Interstate-only firms, overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, qualify for exemptions. The online database lets users search by company name or plate to check status, addressing past issues with unverified providers.
To prepare, movers should review the statute at mgaleg.maryland.gov and regulations via the COMAR search tool. Collect ACORD forms for insurance proofs and Motor Vehicle Administration vehicle records. Join the department’s email list for launch notifications and compliance updates.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, which regulates 27 professions from cosmetologists to electricians, will enforce via complaint investigations and audits. Baltimore-based staff, with regional support, verify markings and driver licenses under commercial standards. Violations trigger fines up to $1,000 per instance under Business Regulation §8.5-208, plus restitution.
This builds on 2023 amendments to Title 8.5, spurred by reports of abandoned loads and denied claims. Comparable systems in neighboring states, such as Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles registry, reduced complaints by 25 percent since 2020. Maryland expects 500 initial filings, prioritizing high-traffic routes like I-95.
Consumers can use the Attorney General’s checklists for binding versus not-to-exceed estimates. Post-enforcement disputes route through the department portal, with mediation before administrative hearings.
The program promotes fair competition in an industry processing thousands of household relocations yearly. It clarifies liabilities, covering declared values for valuables, and supports state procurement for official moves.
For details, visit the Household Goods Movers Registration webpage on the Maryland Department of Labor site.
What the Requirements Cover
Liability insurance protects against third-party injuries or damages during transit, with the $750,000 limit aligning with federal interstate baselines but tailored for state operations. Cargo coverage addresses losses from theft, fire or mishandling, excluding wear from normal use. Workers’ compensation mandates benefits for medical costs and lost wages, preventing personal lawsuits against employers.
Registration forms specify sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations, ensuring all structures comply. Digital uploads streamline processing, with webinars planned for January 2026 to demonstrate submissions.
The database enhances transparency, similar to licensing portals for contractors. It integrates with consumer alerts, flagging revoked statuses for quick reference.
Background on the Framework
Maryland’s Business Regulation Article governs commercial activities to prevent fraud and ensure safety. Title 8.5, added in 2023 via House Bill 1099, responded to rising complaints logged by the Consumer Protection Division. Prior to this, oversight relied on general vehicle laws, leaving gaps in specialized mover accountability.
COMAR 09.30.01 details procedural rules, from application fees to renewal timelines. Section .01 defines household goods as furniture, appliances and personal effects, excluding commercial freight. Sections .02 through .05 outline eligibility and prohibitions, while .06-.10 cover hearings and penalties.
The labor department’s licensing division maintains similar registries for trades, using a unified platform for efficiency. This setup allows cross-checks with unemployment insurance filings, verifying worker protections.
Enforcement prioritizes education over immediate penalties, with grace periods for good-faith efforts. Field inspections confirm DOT numbers and placards on trucks over 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight.
For businesses, compliance opens doors to verified listings on state vendor panels. It also mitigates risks in a sector prone to seasonal surges, like summer peaks when families relocate for jobs or schools.
Consumers benefit from reduced exposure to scams, where uninsured firms vanish after incidents. The registry complements federal protections under the Carmack Amendment for interstate claims, focusing solely on Maryland routes.
Operators preparing now avoid spring backlogs. Early registrants gain priority review, ensuring operations continue seamlessly by enforcement date.
The initiative reflects broader labor efforts to modernize oversight amid economic shifts. With remote work declining, physical moves remain steady, underscoring the need for reliable services.