Washington towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Washington towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DOL), how to check one online, the license types, and 281 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Washington?
| Who licenses them | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) |
|---|---|
| License types | Registered Tow Truck Operator (RTTO) |
| When a license is required | Registration required for operators who impound, transport or store unauthorized vehicles or dispose of abandoned vehicles (RCW 46.55.010); towing at a customer's request is not specifically addressed in the definition |
Registered tow truck operators must carry a $5,000 surety bond and liability insurance ($100,000 per occurrence plus $50,000 for vehicles in their custody) and pass a Washington State Patrol inspection (RCW 46.55.030). Complaints go to DOL.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Washington?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Washington towing license lookup run by DOL.
- 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 DOL.
What towing licenses does Washington issue?
- Registered Tow Truck Operator (RTTO)
How do you get a towing license in Washington?
Licenses are issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DOL source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Washington?
The Census Bureau counted 281 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Washington in 2023. The counties with the most:
| King County | 82 |
|---|---|
| Pierce County | 40 |
| Snohomish County | 35 |
| Spokane County | 21 |
| Clark County | 14 |
| Yakima County | 13 |
| Thurston County | 11 |
| Kitsap County | 8 |
What do Washington homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Washington was built in 1984, 36% of households rent and 67% of homes are single-family houses. 34% of homes heat with utility gas and 58% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Washington?
- 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: Washington licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.