Published by Chris Townsend
Kansas might seem like an easy place to move—wide roads, open landscapes, and fewer traffic snarls than in major metro areas. But that simplicity can be misleading. From tight neighborhood corners in Overland Park to downtown delivery restrictions in Wichita, every move in Kansas has rules. Street parking, oversize trucks, container placement, and mover licensing are all regulated at city and state levels. Whether you're moving locally, across state lines, or internationally, understanding which permits and licenses apply is key to avoiding fines, delays, or damage.
At Three Movers, we take care of the behind-the-scenes paperwork so your relocation in Kansas is legal, compliant, and stress-free. This complete guide covers all the permits, licenses, and state-specific rules you’ll need to know for moving anywhere in Kansas in 2025.
Kansas Moving Permits & Licensing Overview
| Permit or License | When Required | Issuing Office | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking or Street Use Permit | Blocking public streets or meters in cities | City public works / traffic departments | $10–$50 |
| Portable Storage Unit Permit | PODS on public land or curb | City engineering departments | $25–$75 |
| Intrastate Operating Authority | Movers working only within Kansas | Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) | Application fee + insurance |
| Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit | Truck exceeds size/weight limits | Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) | $25–$150 |
| USDOT and MC Number | Any interstate move | FMCSA | Free to check |
| Campus Move-In Permit | University dorm unloading zones | University parking offices | Free–$25 |
| Export Documents | For international moves | U.S. CBP and freight handlers | Varies |
Parking and Right-of-Way Rules in KS Cities
Wichita
- Street Use Permit: Required for moving trucks blocking a traffic lane or curb space. Request at least 48 hours ahead from the Public Works Department.
- Meter Bags: Available for downtown areas. Charges vary based on the number of meters and days reserved.
Overland Park & Olathe
- Residential Neighborhood Rules: Trucks over 26 ft may be restricted during peak traffic times. Temporary no-parking signs are required if you’ll block the curb or sidewalk.
- Storage Container Regulations: PODS may only stay on public property for a limited number of days—usually 3 to 7.
Topeka & Lawrence
- Permit Needed: For using public streets or placing equipment. Lawrence also requires reflective safety devices around any container or truck parked overnight.
Three Movers Tip: Always check with your local city office for updated permit forms and lead times. We help file permits on your behalf to avoid city violations.
Kansas Intrastate Moves: Licensing Requirements
If your move stays within Kansas, your moving company must be licensed with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) as a household goods carrier.
What’s Required:
- Certificate of Convenience and Necessity: Movers must apply through the KCC Transportation Division.
- Tariff Filing: Movers must publicly post their rates and provide written estimates.
- Proof of Insurance: Includes vehicle liability and cargo insurance.
- USDOT Number: Required even for in-state Kansas moves.
Operating without a KCC certificate is illegal. At Three Movers, we only work with movers who meet all Kansas intrastate legal and insurance requirements.
Interstate Moves: Federal Compliance Required
If you're moving from Kansas to another state—such as Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, or Nebraska—your mover must hold federal credentials:
- U.S. DOT Number: Required for all interstate transporters of household goods.
- MC Number (Motor Carrier Authority): Allows a mover to operate across state lines.
- FMCSA Registration: The mover must comply with federal safety, insurance, and complaint-resolution standards.
We verify these credentials for every long-distance move and include them in your quote so you’re never in the dark.
Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Permits in KS
Moving trucks sometimes exceed the state’s legal size or weight limits. If so, a special Oversize/Overweight Permit is required from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
Legal Limits Without a Permit:
| Metric | Limit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in |
| Height | 14 ft |
| Combined Length | 65 ft |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs |
Permits must be obtained before travel. The application can be done online through KDOT’s permit portal. Routes are sometimes restricted during high wind warnings or construction.
Three Movers Tip: We help manage oversize logistics and make sure any carrier moving your load has valid permits in hand.
Portable Storage Units: PODS & Containers
If you’re using a portable storage container for your move, here’s what you need to know in Kansas:
- Permit Required on Public Property: Any container placed on a public street or curb must be approved with a temporary placement permit.
- Private Property Use: You typically don’t need a permit if the container is fully on your driveway.
- Time Restrictions: Cities like Lawrence and Wichita often limit container use on public streets to 3–7 days.
HOAs or apartment complexes may also impose rules on placement, access hours, and aesthetics. Always check before delivery.
University Campus Move-In Rules
University of Kansas (KU – Lawrence)
- Move-In Appointments: Students are assigned specific time slots during official move-in week.
- Unloading Zones: Permits are provided for a limited window; after that, trucks must move to overflow parking.
Kansas State University (K-State – Manhattan)
- Curbside Unloading Rules: Trucks can unload in designated areas only. Time limits and directional traffic flow are enforced.
Wichita State University
- Temporary Unloading Passes: Available via Student Housing. Oversize trucks park in Lot 5, with shuttle carts to dorms.
Three Movers plans arrival times to match campus regulations and can coordinate smaller vehicles if needed for tight spaces.
Seasonal, Weather, and Roadway Considerations
Kansas weather and infrastructure can impact your move in ways you might not expect:
- High Wind Alerts: KDOT may issue restrictions on tall or high-profile moving trucks.
- Tornado Warnings: Sudden severe weather may delay travel or temporarily suspend truck movement.
- Low Clearance Routes: Many rural bridges and underpasses are under 13’6”. We pre-check every route.
- Flooded Roads: In low-lying counties, spring rains can temporarily shut down certain backroads.
We monitor all KDOT alerts and adjust routes as needed to avoid delays or safety risks.
International Moves Originating in KS
Though Kansas is landlocked, international household shipments are routed by rail or truck to coastal ports such as:
- Port of Houston
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of New York/New Jersey
Required Export Documentation:
- Bill of Lading
- Automated Export System (AES) Filing/ITN Number
- Passport and Customs Documents
- Inventory List in English and Destination Language
Three Movers coordinates the full logistics chain—including customs and freight forwarding—so your international relocation clears smoothly.
Insurance Requirements for Legal Movers
All legal movers operating within or from Kansas must carry:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Liability | $750,000–$1 million |
| Cargo Insurance | $5,000 or more |
| General Liability | $1 million aggregate |
| Workers’ Compensation | If company has employees |
We provide you with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before your move begins, naming your origin and destination addresses.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving in KS
- Not applying for a city parking permit — blocking a street or sidewalk without one could lead to fines or towing.
- Hiring a mover without Kansas intrastate certification — no license means no protection if something goes wrong.
- Skipping oversize vehicle permits — Kansas Highway Patrol may detain trucks without valid OS/OW clearance.
- Placing a PODS container on the street without a permit — especially in Overland Park or Wichita.
- Missing campus move-in slots — especially at KU or K-State, where move-in is highly scheduled.
Move-Day Checklist for Kansas Residents
✅ Verify your mover’s KCC license or federal DOT/MC number
✅ Get a Certificate of Insurance from the mover
✅ Apply for any street or container permits 3–5 days ahead
✅ Secure oversize truck permits if applicable
✅ Reserve your university move-in time (if needed)
✅ Review weather alerts and route conditions
✅ Prepare export documentation if moving internationally
Why Three Movers Makes Moving in KS Simple
- We handle your paperwork—from city parking permits to oversize vehicle clearances.
- We verify all movers—with current Kansas licensing, insurance, and clean safety records.
- We plan every detail—including truck size, weather delays, and route compliance.
- We simplify complex moves—from local to cross-country to international, all under one trusted contract.
Key Sources
- Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) – Household Goods Carrier Licensing
- Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) – Oversize/Overweight Permits
- City of Wichita Public Works – Temporary Street Use Permits
- Lawrence Municipal Code – Container Placement Regulations
- KU, K-State, Wichita State – Campus Move-In Parking Guidelines
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Mover Licensing Search
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection – AES Filing & Export Guidelines
Move the Kansas way—smart, legal, and stress-free—with Three Movers.
