Moving in California: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in California — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Who regulates movers in California?
California Department of Consumer Affairs — Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) (BHGS / DCA)
- License required (intrastate): Yes
- License lookup: verify a mover
- Deposit cap: California does not set a fixed deposit percentage; the 110% at-delivery rule limits final charges on non-binding estimates.
How to file a complaint in California
Online: https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/file_complaints.shtml
Phone: (916) 999-2041
Mail: Bureau of Household Goods and Services, 4244 South Market Court, Suite D, Sacramento, CA 95834
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in California
- Movers must hold a BHGS Household Mover permit, issued by DCA since July 1, 2018 (authority moved from CPUC)
- Non-binding estimate may not be exceeded by more than 110% at delivery
- Mandatory written estimate and bill of lading; visual inspection required for binding estimates
Key statutes & rules
- California Household Movers Act (Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 13500–13584)
- CA Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Bureau of Household Goods and Services)
Since July 1, 2018, intrastate household-goods mover regulation moved from the CPUC to the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Verify a mover permit at search.dca.ca.gov.
Example estimates in California: 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 West region (2 movers + truck, excludes packing/materials). Figures are model estimates, not quotes.
| Home size | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $322 – $1,027 |
| 1 bed | $419 – $1,481 |
| 2 bed | $613 – $2,161 |
| 3 bed | $808 – $2,842 |
| 4 bed | $1,002 – $3,522 |
Estimates use the ReloFig model (BLS wages × regional × West factor). Always get three written quotes. Methodology.
Cities in California
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Sacramento
- Fresno
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Anaheim
- Riverside
- Stockton
- Irvine
- Santa Ana
Sample city estimates in California
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
| City | 2-bedroom estimate |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles → | $759 – $2,672 |
| San Diego → | $759 – $2,672 |
| San Jose → | $759 – $2,672 |
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 California 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 California?
California Department of Consumer Affairs — Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) (BHGS / DCA) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within California. Verify a mover at https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in California?
File online via the state portal (https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/file_complaints.shtml), or by phone at (916) 999-2041. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my consumer protections in California?
Movers must hold a BHGS Household Mover permit, issued by DCA since July 1, 2018 (authority moved from CPUC) Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in California?
Model estimates for a 2-bedroom home run roughly $613–$2,161, 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 California?
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: bhgs.dca.ca.gov bhgs.dca.ca.gov www.dca.ca.gov . ReloFig does not sell your information.