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Tow Truck License
Total cost: $200 | Training: 8 hours
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
Required
Background Check
$500,000
Min Insurance
8 hrs
Training Hours
$200
Operator Fee
It depends on the size of the tow truck. Texas 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 Texas
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 Operator License — three types: Incident Management License, Private Property License, Consent Tow License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
You must be at least 18 years old. A valid driver's license is required. Background check 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
Complete 8 hours of approved tow truck operator training. Incident Management (IM) and Private Property (PP) operators must hold TRAA or WreckMaster certification BEFORE applying. Consent Tow (CT) operators do NOT need certification. Training hours vary by certification program. WreckMaster certification is accepted.
General liability insurance: $500,000. Garage keeper's liability: $50,000. On-hook coverage: Required. Surety bond: $10,000. Workers' compensation insurance is required.
Submit your application to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Application fee: $50. License fee: $150. Total initial fees: $200.
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: $150. 4 hours of continuing education required per renewal cycle.
Licensing fees (excludes insurance premiums & equipment)
Application Fee
$50
License Fee
$150
Renewal Fee
$150
Liability Insurance
$500,000
Minimum general liability required
Surety Bond
$10,000
Licensing & Regulation
Mostly verifiedYes
State Licensed
Individual
License Type
Tow Operator License — three types: Incident Management License, Private Property License, Consent Tow 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 verifiedRequired
State Training
8 hrs
Training Hours
Accepted
WreckMaster Cert
Training Details
Incident Management (IM) and Private Property (PP) operators must hold TRAA or WreckMaster certification BEFORE applying. Consent Tow (CT) operators do NOT need certification. Training hours vary by certification program.
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.
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Requirement
Mostly verifiedMinimum Age
18 years
Background Check
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
$10,000
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 | $50 |
License Fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees | $200 |
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Rate Regulation
Mostly verifiedRegulated
Nonconsent Rates
$255
Light-Duty Max
$500
Heavy-Duty Max
Rate Details
TDLR regulates nonconsent tow fees.
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
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
$150
Renewal Fee
CE Details
4 hours of continuing education per licensing cycle required by TDLR.
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.
Texas has a comprehensive licensing system through TDLR including incident management towing and nonconsent towing. Background checks required.
Background check and driving record review are required for licensing.
A surety bond of $10,000 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: $255. Heavy-duty max: $500.
Texas has three tow license types: Incident Management (IM), Private Property (PP), and Consent Tow (CT). IM and PP require TRAA or WreckMaster certification before applying. CT does not require certification. 4 hours CE per licensing cycle required.
Tow Truck Operator requirements in nearby states
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Tow Truck Operator Schools in Texas
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 Texas verified against Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tow Truck Operator license to Texas →
Transfer your Tow Truck Operator license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
Texas requires an individual operator license for tow truck operations. General liability insurance of $500,000 is required. Surety bond of $10,000 is required. All licensing is managed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.