1. (a) Except as provided in this chapter, a person may not operate a motor vehicle as an intrastate carrier upon an Indiana public highway to transport household goods or passengers for compensation until the person has obtained a certificate from the department.

2. (b) In order to apply for a certificate to operate as an intrastate carrier of household goods or passengers, a person must submit the following to the department:

   1. (1) Completed application forms prescribed by the department.
   2. (2) A certificate of existence from the secretary of state.
   3. (3) Proof of insurance in a format prescribed by the department.
   4. (4) The tariff amount that the carrier intends to charge pursuant to section 23 of this chapter.
   5. (5) In the case of a contract carrier, the contracts under which the carrier will be operating pursuant to section 26 of this chapter.
3. (c) The department shall charge an application fee as required under section 40 of this chapter.

4. (d) In determining whether a certificate shall be granted, the department may, among other things, consider the following:

   1. (1) Whether the applicant has any tax liabilities and has filed all appropriate tax returns with the department.
   2. (2) Whether the applicant is up to date on all unified carrier registration payments.
   3. (3) Whether the applicant has any current out of service orders issued by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
   4. (4) Whether the applicant is properly insured.
   5. (5) Whether the operations will threaten the safety of the public or be detrimental to the public welfare.
5. (e) Once the department approves an application, the department will issue a receipt of registration to the carrier in addition to issuing a certificate. The carrier must keep a copy of the receipt in each of its vehicles at all times.

As added by P.L.110-1995, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.205-2025, SEC.30.