What Is a Moving Permit?

How moving permits work

Moving permits are documents that provide temporary authorization to use or park a vehicle to load, transport and unload household goods. Requirements vary by state, but typically fall into one of two categories:

• Vehicle moving permit: Lets you temporarily operate or transport a vehicle without current registration
• Parking permit: Allows you to reserve or use curbside spaces to park moving vans while loading or unloading cargo

When is a moving permit required?

Whether or not you’re required to get a moving permit depends on state and local regulations in both your pickup point and destination. Generally, state motor vehicle department laws regulate vehicle moving permits while parking permits fall under municipal or county regulations. That’s why one of our biggest moving tips is to check local laws on vehicle and parking requirements before finalizing your plan.

» MORE: Plan your out-of-state move

Temporary operating permits vs. standard vehicle registration

All vehicles used on public roads must be registered with state transportation authorities, and commercial moving vehicles must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

However, there are some exceptions where a temporary operating permit or moving permit issued by state authorities can be used in place of a standard vehicle registration. In general, these tend to apply when standard registration paperwork is in process but not yet issued.

Exceptions include:

• You need short-term authorization (usually a period of three to 30 days) to drive an unregistered vehicle in a state to move it to a new home or take it to a repair center.
• You bought a vehicle, and the seller has yet to transfer the title paperwork.
• The standard registration process is delayed due to procedural issues or circumstances beyond your control.

Residents who have recently moved to a new state are typically granted a grace period before they’re required to register their vehicles. This is usually a de facto temporary operating authorization that doesn’t require formal paperwork. Grace periods vary by state.

Moving truck parking permits by city

Permit requirements and their application processes vary substantially by state and locality.  States regulate permits for temporarily operating or transporting unregistered vehicles, while cities and other local governments set requirements for reserving curb space or parking moving trucks.

Parking permit requirements are usually the domain of city, county or other local government agencies. Some cities have no requirements, while others have strict laws and enforcement around driving and parking moving vehicles.

Examples of city moving permit fees and applications

The table below provides examples of parking permit fees for a selection of major U.S. cities and includes links to application forms.

If you’re hiring a long-distance moving company, ask whether it will obtain any required parking permits or whether you’re responsible for them.

Moving permit requirements and documents

Here’s a list of information and documents you may have to submit when you apply for a permit:

• Proof of vehicle ownership such as the title, bill of sale or registration card
• Proof of insurance, if required
• Identifying information about the vehicle such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, license plate number and more
• Origin and destination addresses
• Route information
• Vehicle dimensions

Moving permit eligibility restrictions

Just because you apply for a moving permit and pay the required fee doesn’t mean you’ll be issued one. Local and state authorities may decide not to approve your application for reasons such as:

• Suspended or expired registration
• Canceled license plate
• Parking or other municipal debt
• Failed environmental or safety inspections

» RELATED: Tips for a safer move

Moving permit costs

Moving permit costs vary widely — usually from $0 to $100, although some oversize vehicle permits cost more. Most permits are valid for a single trip or a limited period ranging from several hours to 90 days.

The table below compares typical costs and validity periods by permit type:

Factors that can affect pricing include:

• State and local policies
• Type of moving permit
• Pricing structure (flat or per diem)
• Type of vehicle and registration status
• Parking location

When reviewing your moving quote, check to see if permit fees are included in the estimate or charged separately. If the quote doesn’t list them, ask the mover and independently verify the requirements and costs in your area.

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