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.
Example estimates in Maryland: 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 Maryland
Sample city estimates in Maryland
A few of the cities we cover, with model 2-bedroom ranges. Open a city for its full guide.
| City | 2-bedroom estimate |
|---|---|
| Baltimore → | $527 – $1,859 |
| Frederick → | $527 – $1,859 |
| Rockville → | $527 – $1,859 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland?
Maryland Department of Labor – Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (MD DOL) oversees household-goods movers operating entirely within Maryland. Verify a mover at https://dllr.state.md.us/license/hgm. Interstate movers fall under FMCSA (safer.fmcsa.gov).
How do I file a moving complaint in Maryland?
File online via the state portal (https://dllr.state.md.us/license/hgm), or by phone at 1-410-230-6226. For interstate moves also contact FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and the DOT OIG (1-800-424-9071).
What are my 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 Always get three written estimates and keep your Bill of Lading.
How much does a local move cost in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
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: dllr.state.md.us www.labor.md.gov . ReloFig does not sell your information.