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Tow Truck License
Total cost: $50
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
$50
Operator Fee
It depends on the size of the tow truck. Oregon 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 Oregon
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 per federal FMCSA regulations
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 Tow Business Certificate (per-vehicle certificate, issued by DMV per ORS 822.205; formally called 'Tow Recovery Certificate/Registration Card' when registered with DMV) from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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 per federal FMCSA regulations
General liability insurance: $500,000. Garage keeper's liability: $50,000. On-hook coverage: Required. Surety bond: No surety bond required for tow business certificate under ORS 822.205 (insurance is required instead). Workers' compensation insurance is required.
Submit your application to the Oregon Department of Transportation. License fee: $50. Total initial fees: $50.
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 (valid for one year from the last day of the month in which the original certificate was issued). Renewal fee: $50.
Licensing fees (excludes insurance premiums & equipment)
Application Fee
$0
License Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$50
Liability Insurance
$500,000
Minimum general liability required
Surety Bond
No surety bond required for tow business certificate under ORS 822.205 (insurance is required instead)
Fee needs verification — the $50 amount shown across 15+ states suggests a placeholder. Contact the state agency to confirm current fee.
Licensing & Regulation
Mostly verifiedYes
State Licensed
Individual
License Type
Tow Business Certificate (per-vehicle certificate, issued by DMV per ORS 822.205; formally called 'Tow Recovery Certificate/Registration Card' when registered with DMV)
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 per federal FMCSA regulations
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
$50,000
On-Hook Coverage
Required
Surety Bond
No surety bond required for tow business certificate under ORS 822.205 (insurance is required instead)
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 | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Fee needs verification — the $50 amount shown across 15+ states suggests a placeholder. Contact the state agency to confirm current fee. | $50 |
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
ODOT 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 (valid for one year from the last day of the month in which the original certificate was issued)
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
$50
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.
Oregon requires an ODOT tow business certificate. The state regulates nonconsent tow rates.
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
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (you) | $5,050-$15,050 | 3–8 wks | |
| California | $7,575-$22,575 | 3–8 wks | → |
| Idaho | $3,050-$9,200 | 1–4 wks | → |
| Nevada | $5,375-$16,375 | 3–8 wks | → |
| Washington | $5,100-$15,100 | 3–8 wks | → |
See how Oregon compares: Tow Truck Operator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare tow truck operator requirements across all states →
Tow Truck Operator licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Oregon compare to other states for tow truck operator? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oregon.
Tow Truck Operator Schools in Oregon
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 Oregon verified against Oregon Department of Transportation, March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to Oregon? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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Oregon requires an individual operator license for tow truck operations. General liability insurance of $500,000 is required. Surety bond of No surety bond required for tow business certificate under ORS 822.205 (insurance is required instead) is required. All licensing is managed through the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.