New York towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
New York towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DCWP), how to check one online, the license types, and 465 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in New York?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses tow truck companies and drivers; trucks need NYS DMV tow truck plates. |
|---|---|
| License types | Tow Truck Company License (NYC DCWP), Tow Truck Driver License (NYC DCWP) |
In NYC, companies that tow for pay need a DCWP Tow Truck Company license, each driver needs a DCWP Tow Truck Driver license, and each truck must carry DMV tow truck plates. Outside NYC, towing rules are set by the city, county or town.
How do you look up a towing company's license in New York?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the New York towing license lookup run by DCWP.
- 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 DCWP.
What towing licenses does New York issue?
- Tow Truck Company License (NYC DCWP)
- Tow Truck Driver License (NYC DCWP)
How do you get a towing license in New York?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses tow truck companies and drivers; trucks need NYS DMV tow truck plates.. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DCWP source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which New York city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in New York?
The Census Bureau counted 465 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in New York in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Queens County | 66 |
|---|---|
| Suffolk County | 57 |
| Westchester County | 39 |
| Nassau County | 39 |
| Kings County | 31 |
| Erie County | 26 |
| Bronx County | 22 |
| Orange County | 21 |
What do New York homes mean for towing work?
The median home in New York was built in 1958, 46% of households rent and 47% of homes are single-family houses. 59% of homes heat with utility gas and 14% with electricity, and 17% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in New York?
- 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 York licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.