Vehicle requirements
- Interstate carriers need apportioned registration (IRP) through TxDMV and an IFTA license from the Texas Comptroller.
- Drivers of vehicles over 26,000 lbs, or carrying placarded hazardous materials or 16+ passengers, need a commercial driver's license (CDL).
- CDL drivers must be in a drug and alcohol testing program and checked in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Oversize and overweight loads need permits from TxDMV.
Commercial insurance
- Federal minimum liability for interstate for-hire freight carriers in vehicles over 10,000 lbs is $750,000. Hazardous materials require more.
- Personal auto policies usually exclude business use — you'll need commercial auto coverage.
- Consider cargo, physical damage, and general liability coverage. Brokers and shippers often require them.
- Texas intrastate carriers must keep proof of insurance on file with TxDMV to keep their TxDMV number active. Household goods movers also need cargo insurance on file.
- Workers' comp is optional in Texas, but non-subscribers with employees must file DWC Form-005.
State / federal transportation requirements
- In-state carriers need a TxDMV number for vehicles over 26,000 lbs, placarded hazardous materials, or vehicles designed for more than 15 passengers.
- Movers who transport household goods for pay need a TxDMV number regardless of vehicle weight.
- Get your USDOT number (registered as intrastate) before applying for a TxDMV number.
- Crossing state lines: you need a USDOT number, and for-hire carriers also need an MC number (operating authority) from the FMCSA.
- Interstate carriers file Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) every year.
- New carriers go through an FMCSA safety audit in their first 12 months.
These are Texas state and federal requirements. Cities and counties often add their own. Requirements and fees change — confirm with the agency before you apply. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Other Texas Business Types
Texas Construction & Trades: Licenses and Permits
Construction / Trades license, permit, tax, and insurance requirements for Texas LLCs, as bullet points with official links.
Texas Food Business: Licenses and Permits
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