Moving in Ohio: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in Ohio — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Moving Planning Tools
Who regulates movers in Ohio?
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
- License required (intrastate): Yes
- License lookup: verify a mover
- Deposit cap: No specific state deposit cap identified; verify with PUCO.
How to file a complaint in Ohio
Online: https://puco.ohio.gov
Phone: 1-800-686-7826
Mail: PUCO, 180 E. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in Ohio
- Movers must register and obtain a PUCO HHG Certificate
- Minimum insurance: $350,000 BI/PD + $20,000 cargo per vehicle
- Written estimate and bill of lading with charge breakdown required
- Tariff filing required
Key statutes & rules
- Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4901:2-19 (Household Goods Motor Carriers)
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4901 / 4921 (PUCO authority)
Ohio regulates intrastate household goods movers through PUCO. The HHG certificate number appears as e.g. '143772 HG'.
Popular routes involving Ohio
Example estimates in Ohio: low, average, high
Studio (low) through 4-bedroom (high), computed with the same model as the ReloFig calculators — not hand-written. Your own move will differ.
Local move estimate for Midwest region (2 movers + truck, excludes packing/materials). Figures are model estimates, not quotes.
| Home size | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $287 – $918 |
| 1 bed | $372 – $1,317 |
| 2 bed | $543 – $1,916 |
| 3 bed | $714 – $2,514 |
| 4 bed | $885 – $3,113 |
Estimates use the ReloFig model (BLS wages × regional × Midwest factor). Always get three written quotes. Methodology.
Cities in Ohio
Sample city estimates in Ohio
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
| City | 2-bedroom estimate |
|---|---|
| Columbus → | $466 – $1,646 |
| Cleveland → | $466 – $1,646 |
| Cincinnati → | $466 – $1,646 |
Formula & data sources
Sources: BLS OES mover wages; published mover rate surveys. Compiled August 2025.
When to use this estimate
- Use this for a local or in-town move within Ohio that a mover bills by the hour.
- Crossing state lines? Use the Long-Distance Move calculator — interstate work is priced by linehaul miles, not hours.
- Need a written budget? Print our Local Budget Worksheet and Scam Card for walkthroughs.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates intrastate movers in Ohio?
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within Ohio. Verify a mover at https://puco.ohio.gov. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in Ohio?
File online via the state portal (https://puco.ohio.gov), or by phone at 1-800-686-7826. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my consumer protections in Ohio?
Movers must register and obtain a PUCO HHG Certificate Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in Ohio?
Model estimates for a 2-bedroom home run roughly $543–$1,916, scaled by home size and local cost of living. These are model figures, not quotes — confirm with licensed movers' written estimates.
Do I need a permit for a local move in Ohio?
A moving permit is usually not required for the move itself, but parking/loading permits for the truck may be required by the city or building. Check with your city and building management before move day.
Sources: puco.ohio.gov www.mx.iamtrusted.org . ReloFig does not sell your information.