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Tow Truck License
Total cost: $500
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
State Licensed
Individual
License Type
Not Required
Background Check
$500,000
Min Insurance
N/A
Training Hours
$500
Operator Fee
It depends on the size of the tow truck. Illinois requires a valid driver's license, and the type of license depends on the vehicle:
Light-Duty Tow Trucks
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR — a regular driver's license is generally sufficient in Illinois
Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks
Over 26,000 lbs GVWR — a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) is required
CDL details: CDL Class A or B required for GVWR > 26,000 lbs
Federal FMCSA regulations require a CDL for any vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 lbs, regardless of state rules. You will also need the Relocation Towing License from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
You must be at least 18 years old. A valid driver's license is required. Clean driving record check required. Drug test required.
A regular driver's license works for light-duty tow trucks (under 26,001 lbs GVWR). A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for heavy-duty vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR. CDL Class A or B required for GVWR > 26,000 lbs
General liability insurance: $500,000. Garage keeper's liability: $100,000. On-hook coverage: Required. Surety bond: $25,000. Workers' compensation insurance is required.
Submit your application to the Illinois Commerce Commission. License fee: $500. Total initial fees: $500.
Your tow truck must pass a vehicle inspection. Equipment: Safety lights, reflective markings, fire extinguisher, safety chains, dollies. Vehicle markings: Company name, address, and phone number must be displayed on both sides of the tow truck.
Renew your license 1 year. Renewal fee: $500.
Licensing fees (excludes insurance premiums & equipment)
Application Fee
$0
License Fee
$500
Company license fee; individual requirements vary
Renewal Fee
$500
Liability Insurance
$500,000
Minimum general liability required
Surety Bond
$25,000
Company license fee; individual requirements vary
Licensing & Regulation
Mostly verifiedYes
State Licensed
Individual
License Type
Relocation Towing License
License Title
This state requires individual tow truck operators to be licensed. Operators must apply directly to the state licensing authority.
Training & Certification
Mostly verifiedNot Required
State Training
—
Training Hours
Accepted
WreckMaster Cert
Training Details
Training requirements vary; WreckMaster certification recommended
WreckMaster certification is a widely recognized industry standard for tow operators. Even in states without mandatory training, WreckMaster and TRAA (Towing and Recovery Association of America) certifications are recommended for professional development and may satisfy insurance requirements.
Browse Tow Truck Operator study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Requirement
Mostly verifiedMinimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Not Required
Driving Record Check
Required
Drug Test
Required
Valid Driver's License
Required
CDL for Heavy-Duty
Required (GVWR > 26,000 lbs)
CDL Class A or B required for GVWR > 26,000 lbs
Not sure if you need a tow truck operator license? Check whether your state requires one.
Coverage Type
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
$500,000
Garage Keeper's Liability
$100,000
On-Hook Coverage
Required
Surety Bond
$25,000
Workers' Compensation
Required
Insurance requirements apply to tow truck operators and companies. General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Garage keeper's liability covers vehicles in your care, custody, or control at your storage facility. On-hook coverage protects vehicles while being towed.
Vehicle Standards & Equipment
Mostly verifiedRequired
Vehicle Inspection
Required
Vehicle Markings
Equipment Requirements
Safety lights, reflective markings, fire extinguisher, safety chains, dollies
Marking Requirements
Company name, address, and phone number must be displayed on both sides of the tow truck
Inspection Details
Annual vehicle inspection required; must pass safety and equipment check
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $0 |
License Fee Company license fee; individual requirements vary | $500 |
Renewal Fee | $500 |
Total Initial Fees Company license fee; individual requirements vary | $500 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Rate Regulation
Mostly verifiedRegulated
Nonconsent Rates
$250
Light-Duty Max
$500
Heavy-Duty Max
Rate Details
ICC regulates nonconsent tow rates.
Nonconsent towing refers to tows ordered by law enforcement (police-ordered tows, accident tows, abandoned vehicle tows). Many states regulate the maximum rates that can be charged for these services to protect consumers. Consent towing (requested by the vehicle owner) is typically not rate-regulated.
Renewal Requirements
Mostly verified1 year
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
$500
Renewal Fee
CE Details
Continuing education not typically required; industry certifications recommended
Regulatory Board
Tow truck operator licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. While most states do not require formal CE hours, maintaining industry certifications (WreckMaster, TRAA) and staying current on safety standards is strongly recommended.
Illinois requires a relocation towing license for nonconsent operations. Annual company fee is $500.
A surety bond of $25,000 is required.
CDL is required for towing vehicles with GVWR over 26,000 lbs per federal FMCSA regulations.
Nonconsent tow rates are regulated. Light-duty max: $250. Heavy-duty max: $500.
Tow Truck Operator requirements in nearby states
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How does Illinois compare to other states for tow truck operator? See the full comparison →
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Tow Truck Operator Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Training guides and resources for tow truck operators and WreckMaster certification.
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Tow Truck Operator requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Commerce Commission, March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tow Truck Operator license to Illinois →
Transfer your Tow Truck Operator license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →
Illinois requires an individual operator license for tow truck operations. General liability insurance of $500,000 is required. Surety bond of $25,000 is required. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.