Oregon towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Oregon towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows), how to check one online, the license types, and 122 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Oregon?
| Who licenses them | Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows |
|---|---|
| License types | Towing Business Certificate |
| When a license is required | Certificate required for towing for compensation |
Under ORS 822.205, ODOT issues towing business certificates to companies that carry the insurance required of motor carriers. Under ORS 822.230, cities and counties may add rules for tows from private property. We found no public online lookup for the certificate.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Oregon?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows license search run by Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows.
- 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 Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows.
What towing licenses does Oregon issue?
- Towing Business Certificate
How do you get a towing license in Oregon?
Licenses are issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Oregon Department of Transportation (towing business certificate); cities/counties may also regulate private-property tows source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Oregon?
The Census Bureau counted 122 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Oregon in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Multnomah County | 25 |
|---|---|
| Lane County | 16 |
| Washington County | 12 |
| Clackamas County | 9 |
| Deschutes County | 8 |
| Linn County | 6 |
| Jackson County | 6 |
| Yamhill County | 5 |
What do Oregon homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Oregon was built in 1980, 37% of households rent and 68% of homes are single-family houses. 37% of homes heat with utility gas and 53% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Oregon?
- 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: Oregon licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.