All for-hire household goods carriers operating in Texas must register their operations with TxDMV's Motor Carrier Division. A "household goods carrier" is defined as a motor carrier who transports household goods for compensation or hire in furtherance of a commercial enterprise.

"Household goods" are defined as personal effects and property intended to ultimately be used in a dwelling when the transportation of such effects is arranged and paid for by the householder or his representative. The term does not include personal effects and property to be used in a dwelling when the effects and property are transported from a manufacturing, retail or similar company to a dwelling, if the transportation is arranged by the manufacturing, retail or similar company.

How do I Register?

Complete Form 1899, Texas Motor Carrier Application, and return it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Division. Applications may be submitted by mail or facsimile (512) 465-3521.
Household Goods Carrier registration is available for periods of one year or two years.

Mail applications to:

TxDMV-Attn. MCD-BC
P.O. Box 12984
Austin TX 78711-2984

All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fees and any other information required by law.

Fees

Fee Type
Application	$100
Vehicle	$10/vehicle per yr.
Insurance Filing	$100 for auto liability insurance filing (Form E)* $100 for cargo insurance filing (Form H & I)*

*These forms are provided by the motor carrier's insurance company.

Fees are payable by:

credit card (a processing fee will be charged)
electronic funds transfer
personal check, business check, cashier's check, or money order, payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or
with funds deposited in a pre-established escrow account.

If fees are required, facsimile applications must include credit card or escrow account payment information.

Insurance Requirements

Automobile Liability Insurance Requirements

Type of vehicle	Minimum Insurance
Commercial motor vehicles (gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 lbs.)	$500,000
Household goods carriers (gross vehicle weight less than 26,000 lbs.)	$300,000

Cargo Insurance Requirements

	Minimum Insurance
Loss of or damage to total cargo carried on any one motor vehicle	$5,000
Aggregate loss of or damage to multiple shipper cargo carried on any one motor vehicle	$10,000

Workers' Compensation or Accidental Insurance Coverage

Proof of this coverage is not filed with TxDMV. This requirement applies to motor carriers whose primary business is transportation for compensation or hire between two or more incorporated cities, towns, or villages.

Workers' Compensation

For more information on Worker's Compensation requirements please contact:

Division of Workers' Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
333 Guadalupe
Austin 78701
P.O. Box 149104
Austin 78714-9104
Customer Services 800-252-7031
(800-372-7713 x4636 in Austin)

Accidental Insurance Coverage

Type of coverage	Minimum Coverage
Medical expenses and coverage for at least 104 weeks	$ 300,000
Accidental death and dismemberment, 70 percent of employee's pre-injury income for not less than 104 weeks when compensating for loss of income	$100,000
Maximum weekly benefit	$500

Household goods carriers may qualify as self-insurers. Contact the Motor Carrier Division at (800) 299-1700 (option 3) for additional information.

How do I renew my certificate of registration?

The department will mail renewal notices to the last known address approximately 60 days prior to expiration of annual and biennial certificates of registration. Renewal notices must be returned to the department as indicated on the renewal notices.

Other Information

Upon registration, the department will issue a vehicle registration listing to household goods carriers. A copy of the registration listing page that identifies the vehicle being operated shall be maintained in the cab of the carrier's vehicles at all times.

The State of Texas has specific consumer protection requirements for household goods carriers. See the household moving consumer protection information or contact the Motor Carrier Division at 800-299-1700 (Option 3 from the automated menu) for additional information.