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How to check a local mover’s Colorado permit
If your move starts and ends inside Colorado, the mover needs a household goods permit from the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Here is the five-step check we run ourselves, in the order we run it.
Ask for the permit number up front
Before you hand over any details, ask: “What is your PUC mover permit number?” A legitimate company answers without fuss. The number begins with HHG, followed by digits.
Look at their advertising
Colorado rule 6016 says every mover advertisement has to carry the phrase “CO PUC Mover Permit No.” with the HHG number, and the mover’s physical address. A web page, flyer or truck door that leaves both out is a warning sign. Source: 4 CCR 723-6-6016.
Confirm it with the PUC
Use the Commission’s movers page at puc.colorado.gov/movers to find its permit information, or phone the PUC. Check that the permit is active and issued to the company you are talking to.
Match the names
The same rule says an ad must use the name on the permit; an altered spelling such as swapping “and” for “&” is not allowed. So compare the permit holder, the name on your estimate and the name on the truck. If they differ, ask why before you sign.
Find the permit statement in the contract
By statute the written contract must say the company “is permitted with the public utilities commission of the state of Colorado as a mover” and give the number. Source: C.R.S. 40-10.1-505. No statement, no signature.
Is the move really “local”?
A trip from Aurora to Arvada is a Colorado move. A trip from Denver to Phoenix crosses a state line, so federal rules and a USDOT number apply as well. Our own screening asks for the extra federal numbers whenever a request leaves the state; you can read how on How it works.
Permit checked, now what?
A permit only proves the company is allowed to operate. It says nothing about price or care. Next, read how local movers bill and make sure the estimate and contract match what was promised.
Plain-language note: we could not open every PUC page in the course of writing this guide, so please treat the PUC’s own website as the final word on current permit rules.