Pennsylvania towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Pennsylvania towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License)), how to check one online, the license types, and 356 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Pennsylvania?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License) |
|---|---|
| License types | Tow Company License (Philadelphia), Tow Truck (Towing) License (Philadelphia) |
We found no statewide tow-operator license in Pennsylvania; Philadelphia requires a Tow Company License plus a registration for each truck, and other municipalities may have their own towing ordinances.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Pennsylvania?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Pennsylvania towing license lookup run by no state license; check city/county (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License).
- 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 (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License).
What towing licenses does Pennsylvania issue?
- Tow Company License (Philadelphia)
- Tow Truck (Towing) License (Philadelphia)
How do you get a towing license in Pennsylvania?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county (Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections: Tow Company License) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Pennsylvania?
The Census Bureau counted 356 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Pennsylvania in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Philadelphia County | 41 |
|---|---|
| Allegheny County | 35 |
| Montgomery County | 34 |
| Bucks County | 25 |
| Delaware County | 18 |
| Chester County | 16 |
| Lancaster County | 15 |
| Berks County | 14 |
What do Pennsylvania homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Pennsylvania was built in 1965, 31% of households rent and 76% of homes are single-family houses. 51% of homes heat with utility gas and 25% with electricity, and 15% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Pennsylvania?
- 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: Pennsylvania licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.