Registered tow truck operator

You must have a registered tow truck operator license if your business:

• transports, impounds, or stores unauthorized vehicles.
• disposes of abandoned vehicles.

Licensing requirements

To get a license, you must have:

1. a $5,000 bond.
   • The name of the principal on the bond must be exactly the same as both the business owner name and the business firm name.
   • All bonds must be signed by the applicant and the attorney-in-fact for the bonding company.
   • Bonds are available through many insurance companies. We recommend you research the cost of your bond before you apply for a license.
2. a driver list, with the names and addresses of all employees who will drive a tow truck.
3. insurance
   • $100,000 liability for bodily injury or property damage.
   • $50,000 legal liability against damage to vehicles while they are in your custody.
4. a facilities and equipment inspection
   • You must arrange to have all your business facilities and equipment inspected by the Washington State Patrol before submitting your license application.
   • Submit the inspection report with your license application.
5. the following completed forms:
   • Master Business Application with all the necessary signatures.
   • Registered Tow Truck Operator Bond
   • Vehicle Transport/Disposal Addendum (Complete section 1,2, 5, and 6.)
   • Registered Tow Truck Operator Official Fees
   • Original Tow Truck-Business-Operator-Equipment Inspection Report Form. The inspecting officer from the Washington State Patrol will give you this form when your facilities and equipment are inspected.
   • If the business is a Profit Corporation, a Corporate Information form.
   • If the business is a Limited Liability Company, a Limited Liability Company Information form.

Tow truck requirements

Each tow truck must have a valid permit.

How to apply

Mail all the application materials listed above with the appropriate fees to:

• Master License Service
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9048
  Olympia, WA 98507-9048

Note: Please let us know, in writing, if you have a change of address so we can reach you with information about your license.