Moving in Maryland: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in Maryland — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Who regulates movers in Maryland?
Maryland Department of Labor – Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (MD DOL)
https://dllr.state.md.us/license/hgm
- License required (intrastate): Yes
- License lookup: verify a mover
- Deposit cap: No fixed deposit cap; registration enforced from March 1, 2026. Verify current requirements at dllr.state.md.us/license/hgm.
How to file a complaint in Maryland
Online: https://dllr.state.md.us/license/hgm
Phone: 1-410-230-6226
Mail: MD Department of Labor, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, 100 S. Charles St, Tower I, Baltimore, MD 21201
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in Maryland
- As of March 1, 2026, movers must register with MD Dept of Labor and prove liability ($750k CSL), cargo ($20k), and workers' comp insurance
- Searchable public database of registered movers available
- Complaints also to MD Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Key statutes & rules
- Maryland Annotated Code, Business Regulation Article Title 8.5 (Household Goods Movers)
- COMAR 09.30.01 (registration procedures)
Maryland enacted a new Household Goods Movers Registration (effective 2025/2026). Prior to this, intrastate movers were largely unregulated at the state level. Interstate movers remain under FMCSA.
Typical local move cost in Maryland
Local move estimate for South region (2 movers + truck, excludes packing/materials). Figures are model estimates, not quotes.
| Home size | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $278 – $893 |
| 1 bed | $361 – $1,279 |
| 2 bed | $527 – $1,859 |
| 3 bed | $692 – $2,438 |
| 4 bed | $858 – $3,018 |
Estimates use the ReloFig model (BLS wages × regional × South factor). Always get three written quotes. Methodology.
Cities in Maryland
Sources: dllr.state.md.us www.labor.md.gov . ReloFig does not sell your information.