Louisiana Moving Permits and Licenses: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning a move into, out of, or within Louisiana and wondering if you need a permit or special license? Will your moving truck require roadside paperwork? And what are the rules if you’re crossing state lines or heading abroad? Whether you're relocating to a quiet town like Natchitoches or to bustling Baton Rouge, understanding Louisiana's moving permit requirements can save you time, money, and avoid unwanted delays.

Louisiana has unique rules compared to many states when it comes to transportation, street usage, and permits—especially when large moving trucks are involved. For instance, if you're moving into downtown New Orleans or certain neighborhoods in Lafayette, you may need special parking permits or face fines. If you're planning a long-distance move, you'll need to make sure your transport carrier is fully authorized by federal regulators. And for international moves, documentation gets even more complex.

At Three Movers, we know that moving already comes with enough stress. That’s why we’ve put together this easy-to-understand guide that explains exactly what permits and licenses you’ll need in Louisiana—and when. Let’s dive in.

Do You Need a Moving Permit in Louisiana?

Unlike some major cities in the U.S. that require general moving permits, Louisiana does not mandate statewide moving permits for private residents. However, local city ordinances—especially in urban areas—may require:

Temporary No-Parking Permits
Right-of-Way or Curb Access Permits
Oversize Vehicle Permits for narrow or restricted roads

These permits are primarily required if your move involves using a large vehicle on narrow roads, in high-traffic areas, or in front of residential complexes with limited space.

When You Might Need a Permit

Downtown or Historic District Moves: Areas like the French Quarter in New Orleans are heavily regulated. Trucks are restricted in size, and parking can be extremely limited. You may need to secure temporary loading zone permits from the local city hall.
Apartment Complexes or HOA Areas: These communities may require advance notice or approval for large moving vehicles.
Street Parking Usage: If your truck will be parked curbside for more than a short time, you may need a “temporary occupancy permit.”

🚚 Tip: Always check with the local city or parish government where your origin and destination address are located before your move.

Local Moving Regulations: City-Specific Permit Rules

Let’s break down the rules in some of Louisiana’s most populated cities:

New Orleans

Parking Permits: Required for street parking a moving vehicle for longer than two hours.
Size Restrictions: Trucks over a certain length are not allowed in the French Quarter or Garden District without special routing.
How to Get Permits: Issued by the New Orleans Department of Public Works or online request portals.

Baton Rouge

Temporary Parking Permits: Required if blocking sidewalks or loading zones.
HOA Notifications: Common in suburban subdivisions.
Noise Ordinances: May apply if moving early in the morning or late at night.

Lafayette and Lake Charles

Typically more relaxed, but permits may be needed for large trucks parking in public areas.
Some parishes may require advance notice to law enforcement for trucks on smaller residential roads.

Interstate Moves: Licensing Requirements for Movers in Louisiana

When moving across state lines, you’ll need to make sure the moving company you hire complies with federal licensing regulations. These include:

U.S. DOT Number: Any company performing interstate moves must have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation number. This number ensures they are registered and follow safety protocols.
MC Number (Motor Carrier): This confirms the company is authorized to carry household goods across states.

Even though Louisiana does not require a mover to have an intrastate license unless operating exclusively within the state, interstate moves fall under federal jurisdiction. At Three Movers, we only partner with carriers who meet all these compliance standards to ensure your belongings are transported legally and safely.

In-State (Intrastate) Moves: Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) Requirements

If you're moving within Louisiana, your mover must be certified by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). This certification ensures that the mover meets insurance, safety, and tariff regulations set by the state.

What This Means for You:

Only certified carriers can legally move household goods within Louisiana.
The LPSC issues a Common Carrier Certificate for household goods movers.
Movers must provide a Bill of Lading outlining estimated costs, pickup/delivery dates, and insurance coverage.

If a company isn’t registered with the LPSC, they are operating illegally for in-state moves.

✅ Pro Tip: You can verify if a mover is authorized on the Louisiana PSC website before booking.

Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Permits

In Louisiana, commercial vehicles that exceed certain size or weight limits require special Oversize/Overweight Permits issued by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

These apply when:

Trucks exceed 8.5 feet in width
Trucks are over 13.5 feet in height
Vehicles exceed 80,000 pounds in gross weight

These permits must be obtained before transport, especially if the truck will be traveling on restricted highways or bridges.

Movers or their carriers are responsible for applying for these permits, and many moving trailers fall within the regulated dimensions. When working with Three Movers, we ensure all transport partners follow these rules to avoid delays or citations.

Permits for Special Situations

Moving into Gated Communities

Check HOA Rules: Many gated communities in Louisiana require advance notification for large vehicles or restrict the hours moving trucks are allowed.

College Campus Moves (e.g., LSU, Tulane)

Campus Parking Permits: Often needed for drop-off and loading zones.
Restricted Hours: Many campuses only allow move-ins during designated time slots.

Rural or Private Roads

If moving to or from rural areas with private or unpaved roads, trucks may need clearance or alternate routes to avoid damage or get approval from property owners.

International Moves from Louisiana

If you're relocating overseas from Louisiana—whether via the Port of New Orleans or an airport—several documents and approvals are required:

Bill of Lading
U.S. Customs Export Declaration (if value > $2,500)
Import Permits (for destination country)
Passport Copies, Visa, or Residence Permit
Inventory List in English and Target Country Language

Most international moves from Louisiana go through the Port of New Orleans, a major gateway for global shipments. If you're transporting a container internationally, it must be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and follow export regulations.

Working with the right carrier through Three Movers ensures your documents, freight forwarders, and customs agents are all coordinated efficiently.

Insurance Requirements for Movers

Licensed Louisiana movers (interstate and intrastate) must carry:

Liability Insurance
Cargo Insurance
Workers' Compensation Insurance

It’s important to ask for proof of insurance from the company handling your goods. All partners working with Three Movers provide valid insurance coverage so you don’t have to worry about unexpected damage or loss.

Permits for Storage Containers and PODS

If you plan to use portable storage units like PODS or U-Pack containers:

City Approval May Be Required: Particularly if placed on public streets or sidewalks.
Time Limits Apply: Usually, you’re limited to keeping containers for a few days without an extended permit.
Private Property Use: Doesn’t typically require a permit but may be regulated by your HOA.

In urban areas like New Orleans, you may need a Right-of-Way Permit to place a container on city streets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to check local city requirements—even if the state doesn’t require a permit.
Hiring unlicensed or uninsured movers, especially for local Louisiana moves.
Overlooking parking issues, especially in crowded or historic areas.
Not securing permits early, which can delay your move or lead to fines.
Assuming international moves are just like long-distance ones—they require much more documentation.

How Three Movers Helps You Navigate Louisiana’s Moving Laws

At Three Movers, we simplify the complicated parts of relocation so you don’t have to worry about permit applications, compliance, or legal pitfalls. We work closely with authorized and insured carriers who understand Louisiana’s local and state-level requirements—whether you're moving from Shreveport to Slidell, or preparing for a cross-country or overseas relocation.

Our team can help:

Determine if your move needs a city parking permit
Connect you with properly certified and insured moving carriers
Assist with planning around vehicle size restrictions
Ensure international shipping meets federal and foreign requirements

We’re not just connecting you to movers—we’re helping you move legally and efficiently, with confidence.

Final Checklist: Louisiana Moving Permits & Licenses

Permit Type	Required For	Issued By
Local Parking Permits	Curbside truck use	City/Parish Offices
Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit	Large trucks	Louisiana DOTD
Intrastate Mover License	In-state moving companies	LPSC
Interstate Licensing (USDOT, MC)	Cross-state moves	FMCSA
Temporary Occupancy Permits	Blocking sidewalks/streets	Local Public Works
International Export Clearance	Overseas shipping	U.S. CBP & Port Authority
Portable Storage Placement Permits	PODS on public property	Local Government

Louisiana Moving Permits and Licenses: Everything You Need to Know