Yes, Colorado Requires a License
Any company that moves household goods within Colorado is required to be permitted by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC issues what's called an HHG (Household Goods) Mover Permit. Without that permit, the company is operating illegally — and you have almost no recourse if something gets broken, lost, or stolen.
For moves that cross state lines (say, Colorado Springs to Albuquerque), federal rules kick in instead. Interstate movers need a DOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Reputable companies that do both types of work will hold both credentials.
What a Licensed Mover Must Carry
A legitimate Colorado mover holds, at minimum:
An active PUC HHG permit (intrastate) and/or DOT number (interstate)
Cargo insurance to cover damage to your stuff in transit
Liability insurance for damage to your property — both the place you're moving out of and the place you're moving into
Workers' compensation coverage for the crew on your job
A USDOT-registered truck with current safety inspections
A good mover will hand you their PUC permit number without you even having to ask. If you ask and the person on the phone hedges, that's your answer — keep shopping.
How to Verify a Mover Before You Book
This takes about five minutes:
PUC permit lookup: visit dora.colorado.gov and search for the company by name. The PUC keeps a current list of authorized movers along with any open complaints.
FMCSA lookup (for interstate): use the SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Enter the DOT number and you'll see safety record, insurance status, and complaint history.
BBB and Google rating cross-check: not a substitute for the permit lookup, but a quick reality check on customer experience.
If a company is operating without a valid permit, the PUC can shut them down and fine them — but that doesn't help you on moving day. Verify before you sign.
Your Rights as the Customer
Colorado law gives you a few specific protections that you should know about before you hand anyone a deposit:
Written estimate. The mover must provide a written estimate before the move. Verbal "should be around" numbers don't count.
Bill of lading. This is the contract for the move. Read it before signing — it spells out the price, the inventory, and the delivery window. Get a copy before the truck leaves.
No hostage loads. A mover cannot hold your belongings hostage to extract additional payment beyond what's on the bill of lading.
Damage claim window. You have a defined window after delivery to file claims for damaged or missing items. File in writing, and keep copies of everything.
If Something Goes Wrong
Try to resolve it with the company first. Document everything in writing — emails are better than phone calls, and photos of damage are better than descriptions. Keep your bill of lading and any inventory sheet.
If the company won't make it right, file a complaint with the Colorado PUC Consumer Affairs office. They have authority to investigate, mediate, and fine. For interstate moves, file with the FMCSA. Both agencies take complaints seriously and the threat of a formal complaint often gets a stalled situation moving again.
A Local Note
Colorado Springs is a high-turnover town. Between Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, and the Academy, plus the steady flow of new residents drawn to the Front Range, our moving companies handle more PCS moves and out-of-state arrivals than almost any other region in the state. The good ones know how to work with military timelines, GTCC payment, and DITY (do-it-yourself) reimbursement paperwork. When you call around, ask whether they've handled military moves before — the answer should be immediate.
The roster below is local movers from our directory. Every Prime and Verified business has been verified by the 411 team — meaning we've confirmed the basics like a real address, a real phone number, and where applicable, the PUC permit. Please do your own due diligence, as well.
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