California is the most populous state, and its moves range from short local hops within Los Angeles or the Bay Area to long interstate moves to Texas, Arizona, Nevada and beyond.
Registered movers in California by city
| City area | Registered movers | Interstate authority | In-state only | Median time registered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 243 | 96 | 137 | 7 yrs |
| San Diego | 111 | 32 | 77 | 6 yrs |
Largest registered fleets in our California directories
| Company | Based in | Trucks | On register | Interstate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mills Van Lines | San Diego | 108 | 24 yrs | In-state |
| Corovan Moving & Storage Co | Poway | 88 | 15 yrs | In-state |
| Move Central INC | San Diego | 36 | 13 yrs | In-state |
| Move Happy Acme | Los Angeles | 31 | 8 yrs | Not active |
| Ackley Moving Services | Poway | 21 | 17 yrs | Yes |
| Republic Moving & Storage | Chula Vista | 21 | 6 yrs | Yes |
| Allstate Logistics | Poway | 18 | 29 yrs | Yes |
| Wetzel & Sons Moving & Storage INC | Pacoima | 17 | 14 yrs | Yes |
| The CMS Companies | San Diego | 17 | 52 yrs | Yes |
| Altar Boys Moving | Pacoima | 15 | 11 yrs | Yes |
Source: FMCSA Company Census File, data as of 2026-11-15. Fleet size is not a measure of quality. A listing is not an endorsement.
Moving regulations in California
California requires every company that moves household goods within the state to hold a Household Mover permit from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which took over this role from the CPUC. Movers must show their permit number (often called a Cal-T number) on their vehicles. Use the BHGS license search to check the permit is active and the mover is insured.
For moves to or from another state, the mover must be registered with FMCSA and hold interstate household-goods authority. How to check a moving company.
What to know about moving in California
State mover permits
Moves within California are regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). Every household mover needs a permit and must display its number on its trucks.
Interstate moves
Moves out of California are regulated by FMCSA. Check the mover's USDOT number and household goods authority.
Distance within the state
Los Angeles to San Francisco is roughly 380 road miles. An in-state move can easily be long-distance and priced by weight.
Access
Hillside homes, coastal parking and apartment rules are common challenges. Video surveys help movers plan.
Moving services
- Local Movers
- Long Distance Movers
- Interstate Movers
- Apartment Movers
- Office & Commercial Movers
- Packing Services
- Storage and Moving
- Last-Minute & Same-Day Movers
Frequently asked questions
Do movers in California need a license?
California requires every company that moves household goods within the state to hold a Household Mover permit from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which took over this role from the CPUC. Movers must show their permit number (often called a Cal-T number) on their vehicles. Use the BHGS license search to check the permit is active and the mover is insured.
How much does it cost to move within California?
Local moves are usually charged by the hour and long moves by weight and distance. See our moving cost guide for rough ranges.