Moving in Delaware: Regulations, Rights & Costs
Everything you need before hiring a mover in Delaware — the regulator, how to verify a license, where to complain, your protections, and typical local move costs.
Who regulates movers in Delaware?
Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit (DE DOJ)
https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/consumers
- License required (intrastate): No / minimal
- Deposit cap: No state deposit cap; Delaware does not license intrastate movers.
How to file a complaint in Delaware
Online: https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/consumers
Phone: 1-800-220-5424
Mail: Delaware Department of Justice, Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French St, Wilmington, DE 19801
For interstate moves, also use FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071). Full guide.
Your consumer protections in Delaware
- Movers must be registered with Delaware Division of Revenue and carry cargo/liability insurance
- Consumer fraud and deceptive practices enforced by DE Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit
Key statutes & rules
- No dedicated state household goods mover license for intrastate moves
- General business registration and insurance requirements apply
Delaware does not require a state-issued moving license for intrastate moves. Oversight is limited to general business, insurance, and consumer-protection law.
Example estimates in Delaware: 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 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 Delaware
Sample city estimates in Delaware
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
| City | 2-bedroom estimate |
|---|---|
| Wilmington → | $635 – $2,237 |
| Dover → | $635 – $2,237 |
| Newark → | $635 – $2,237 |
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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
Delaware Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Unit (DE DOJ) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within Delaware. Verify a mover at https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/consumers. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in Delaware?
File online via the state portal (https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/consumers), or by phone at 1-800-220-5424. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my consumer protections in Delaware?
Movers must be registered with Delaware Division of Revenue and carry cargo/liability insurance Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in Delaware?
Model estimates for a 2-bedroom home run roughly $527–$1,859, 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 Delaware?
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: staging.threemovers.com www.movers.com . ReloFig does not sell your information.