New Mexico towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
New Mexico towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC)), how to check one online, the license types, and 74 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in New Mexico?
| Who licenses them | New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC) |
|---|---|
| License types | Towing Service Warrant |
| When a license is required | Warrant required for non-consensual tows, police-directed tows and repossession towing |
Towing companies doing police-directed or private-property (trespass) tows must hold a state warrant, follow maximum rates for law-enforcement tows, and give owners reasonable access to towed vehicles and belongings. No public online lookup of warranted tow companies was confirmed.
How do you look up a towing company's license in New Mexico?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC) license search run by New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC).
- 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 New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC).
What towing licenses does New Mexico issue?
- Towing Service Warrant
How do you get a towing license in New Mexico?
Licenses are issued by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official New Mexico Department of Transportation (motor carrier towing rules, 18.3.12 NMAC) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which New Mexico city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in New Mexico?
The Census Bureau counted 74 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in New Mexico in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Bernalillo County | 34 |
|---|---|
| Doña Ana County | 9 |
| McKinley County | 7 |
| San Juan County | 5 |
| Lea County | 5 |
| Quay County | 4 |
| Otero County | 4 |
| Sandoval County | 3 |
What do New Mexico homes mean for towing work?
The median home in New Mexico was built in 1984, 31% of households rent and 68% of homes are single-family houses. 62% of homes heat with utility gas and 23% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in New Mexico?
- 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: New Mexico licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.