Wisconsin towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Wisconsin towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county), how to check one online, the license types, and 96 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Wisconsin?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county |
|---|---|
| When a license is required | State law sets rules for private-property tows, Wis. Stat. 349.13(3m) |
We found no statewide tow company license. Wisconsin law allows private-property tows only at the request of the property owner, a traffic officer or a parking enforcer, requires the tower to notify local police, and has state rules (Trans 319) setting tow and storage charges; cities may add their own towing licenses.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Wisconsin?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official no state license; check city/county license search run by no state license; check city/county.
- 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.
How do you get a towing license in Wisconsin?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Wisconsin?
The Census Bureau counted 96 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Wisconsin in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Milwaukee County | 16 |
|---|---|
| Waukesha County | 15 |
| Dane County | 11 |
| Outagamie County | 8 |
| St. Croix County | 5 |
| Portage County | 5 |
| Brown County | 5 |
| Rock County | 4 |
What do Wisconsin homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Wisconsin was built in 1975, 32% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 65% of homes heat with utility gas and 17% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Wisconsin?
- 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: Wisconsin licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.