Maryland towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Maryland towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county), how to check one online, the license types, and 202 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Maryland?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county |
|---|---|
| When a license is required | Parking-lot tows: fees capped at twice the local impound tow fee, or $250 tow plus $30/day storage where no local limit is set (Transp. 21-10A-04) |
State law sets notice, insurance and fee limits for towing from parking lots; counties may set their own rules and licenses. No statewide tow-company license was found.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Maryland?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official no state license; check city/county license search run by no state license; check city/county.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the towing company about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact no state license; check city/county.
How do you get a towing license in Maryland?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Maryland?
The Census Bureau counted 202 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Maryland in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Prince George's County | 45 |
|---|---|
| Baltimore County | 38 |
| Montgomery County | 23 |
| Anne Arundel County | 23 |
| Howard County | 12 |
| Baltimore city | 9 |
| Washington County | 8 |
| Harford County | 6 |
What do Maryland homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Maryland was built in 1979, 33% of households rent and 72% of homes are single-family houses. 43% of homes heat with utility gas and 43% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Maryland?
- Ask for the total price before the tow: hook-up fee, per-mile rate and any storage fees.
- Check that the company is licensed where you are; many cities license tow companies.
- Ask whether they'll take the car to the shop of your choice, not only their own lot.
- For a newer, AWD or low car, ask for a flatbed.
- Get a written receipt that shows the company's name, license number and charges.
Towing Companies in other states
Sources: Maryland licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.