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Texas moving permits and licenses: Everything you need to know

Do you need a license or permit to move in Texas? Here's everything you need to know about moving regulations related to Texas residency.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
·Contributing writer
Updated ·5 min read
Welcome to Texas Sign in Orange, TX, near the state border with Louisiana.
Welcome to Texas Sign in Orange, TX, near the state border with Louisiana. (Credit: Allard Schager via Getty Images) (© Allard Schager via Getty Images)

Texas saw the largest population increase in the nation in 2023, adding more than 473,000 people, according to data from the United States Census Bureau. With so many people moving to The Lone Star State, many may be unfamiliar with its regulations around moving. Fortunately, Texas's rules are relatively easy to navigate if you're moving yourself, and its regulations for moving companies are also clear.

Here's everything you need to know about moving permits and licenses in Texas.

In short, no. Whether you're moving your own stuff to Texas from another state, or making the jump from Dallas to Houston, you don't need anything special to move. Moving companies, on the other hand, must be licensed to operate.

While you don't need a special license to move within Texas, you may require a permit if you need to block parking spaces while moving stuff in and out of your home. This typically applies to busy downtown areas in cities where parking is limited or paying a meter is required. You can often find information on these regulations at your local county or city website.

Try to answer the following questions before researching your move:

  • Do you need a temporary parking permit for your loading location?

  • Do you need a temporary parking permit for your destination?

  • How big is your moving truck and how many parking spaces does it occupy?

  • Do you need space to park portable moving containers?

  • How much do temporary parking permits cost per space, per day in your cities?

  • How much advance notice does your city require for temporary parking permits?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $19 to $30 per space, per day to block parking spaces in most metro areas around Texas. Houston charges $19.50 daily for each space, for example, while San Antonio charges $30 per day, per space. In some cases, a city may not offer temporary parking permits and you'll have to pay the standard meter fee.

The amount of advance notice required to reserve a space can vary by city. Houston and Dallas require you to obtain your permit at least two days before you need the space. Houston charges a hefty $100 additional fee if your application isn't submitted at least two days in advance.

Portable moving containers may require a special permit to park and unload as well. Permit information on shipping containers is harder to come by, and many local sites don't necessarily cover them. Your best bet for obtaining information on permit requirements and their cost is to contact the public works or parking administration in city or county.

Often, you'll find most of the information you need on the official website of your city or county parking authority or public works department. The contact information for several major Texas cities is as follows:

Yes. Licensing for moving companies is handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and is covered under Chapter 218 of the Texas Administrative Code. Licensed companies must adhere to certain insurance requirements and business practices. Texas also requires moving companies to have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.

Every moving company that transports household goods must display its TxDMV registration number in its advertisements, on its website and its vehicles. Additionally, companies must display their registration numbers on all contracts, along with their addresses and phone numbers.

In addition to markings on advertisements and vehicles, you can find out if a moving company is licensed to operate in Texas using the state's licensing lookup tool, using the company's name, city, zip code, or its USDOT and TxDMV registration numbers. The results show the company's certificate number, where it is headquartered, and if its license is active.

By default, all moving companies operating in Texas must provide liability coverage for the loss or damage of items they're moving at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item. Companies must clearly disclose this rate in writing when providing a customer estimate or signing a contract. Your mover should provide this to you before moving services begin.

In addition, moving companies can provide more insurance coverage for an additional fee. If you opt for additional insurance, the company must give you a copy of the policy before loading begins. It must also clearly state the contact information for the insurance company that owns the policy, the policy number, and whether you should file claims with the insurance company or your moving company.

Recommended reading from Yahoo Local: Everything you need to know about moving insurance

Beyond general liability coverage for your belongings, moving companies in Texas are required to maintain certain rates of automobile insurance determined by the type and weight of vehicles they use.

All estimates prepared by moving companies in Texas must state the maximum amount you could pay for the services listed. Estimates must also clearly state all the services you have agreed to pay for, along with a statement about whether they are binding or "not-to-exceed" estimates. Finally, estimates must say when payment is due and specify acceptable forms of payment.

You can file a complaint about your moving company through the TxDMV website and request mediation by the department. Texas law states you must attempt to resolve your issue with the company through its claims process before contacting the TxDMV. At that point, the department may mediate a settlement between you and the moving company.

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