TOW TRUCK DRIVER (125)
DCA Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
For more information, call 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside of New York City).
LICENSE DESCRIPTION:
You must have a Tow Truck Driver license if you drive a tow truck in the City of New York. Tow Truck Driver applicants must be at least 18 years old.
This description is only a general explanation of which individuals need to have a Tow Truck Driver license.
Important Update from DCA: DCA is investigating Metropolitan NY Towing, Auto Body & Salvage Association for allegedly engaging in fraudulent and illegal activity. Read the press release and letter to licensees for more information. Until the investigation is complete, DCA will not accept paperwork from the Association. You can submit your application personally or through an authorized representative other than Metropolitan NY Towing, Auto Body & Salvage Association. |
ADDITIONAL DCA LICENSE YOU MAY NEED:
- If your business will tow vehicles for profit in New York City, you must also obtain a Tow Truck Company license.
Note: New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible using the Public Access Portal. For convenience, sections of the New York City Licensing Law (and Rules, if enacted) are available as a downloadable handout.
Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is not responsible for errors or omissions in the handout. The information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.
When You File Your DCA License Application:
Below are requirements when filing your license application:
- Basic Individual License Application
NEW: Tow Truck Driver applicants can now submit new license applications online. Applying for the license online does not mean the license is automatically approved. A major credit card is required to submit applications online. Convenience fees apply. After reviewing application requirements, please click the Apply Online link at the bottom of this Web page to submit your application online.
For in-person application submission, applicants can download the Basic Individual License Application (in PDF)
- Child Support Certification Form (download)
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download)
If this application will be filed by someone other than the license applicant, the license applicant must submit a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
- Current color passport-size photograph of License Applicant
License Applicants can be photographed in the DCA Licensing Center at no cost.
Please note that you can upload an image file if you submit your license application online.
Fingerprints and Processing Fee
Tow Truck Driver applicants must be fingerprinted at the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Licensing Center. EXCEPTIONS: Any person who currently holds or has held within the past three years a DCA license that required fingerprinting does not need to be fingerprinted. Any person fingerprinted at the DCA Licensing Center within the past three years does not need to be fingerprinted. You must visit the DCA Licensing Center, located at 42 Broadway, 5th Floor, in lower Manhattan, and pay a $75 processing fee by check or money order, payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.
Your fingerprints will be checked for any criminal record that you may have. Note that a conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being granted a license. However, failure to reveal a conviction can constitute grounds for the denial of your application.
- Current Driver’s License
You must hold a motor vehicle driver’s license that is valid under New York State law, shows Tow Truck Operator endorsement (e.g., endorsement of “S” or “W”), and proves you are at least 18 years old, as required by New York State law. Valid licenses include:
- licenses issued by New York State
- licenses issued by other U.S. states
For information on New York State requirements for a valid driver’s license, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles online at www.dmv.ny.gov
Note: If you become a resident of New York State, State law requires that you get a New York State driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a New York State resident.
- Certified Proof of Valid Driver’s License
If you are not a resident of New York State and possess a valid driver’s license from another state, you must submit a Certified Abstract of your driving record issued within the last 30 days from the State Department of Motor Vehicles that issued your license that demonstrates the license is valid and in full force and effect.
Note: You may be required periodically to submit abstracts or other proof to demonstrate that your license remains valid and in full force and effect.
- License Fee
For in-person application submissions, the License Fee must be paid by credit card, money order, or check. Cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. Checks or money orders must be payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. The chart below lists the amount due depending upon when your license application is filed. Note: An odd year is any year ending in an odd digit; for example, 2009, 2011, etc. An even year is any year ending in an even digit; for example, 2010, 2012, etc.
Please note that convenience fees apply if you submit your license application online. A major credit card is required to submit applications online.
Tow Truck Driver License |
License Term | License Expiration Date | If You File Your Application Between These Dates: | Your License Fee is: |
2 years | October 31
Even years | From November 1 in an even year to April 30 in an odd year | $20 |
| From May 1 in an odd year to October 31 in an odd year | $15 |
| From November 1 in an odd year to April 30 in an even year | $10 |
| From May 1 in an even year to October 31 in an even year
| $5
OR
*$25 |
*Note: If you are applying for the license between May 1 in an even year and October 31 in an even year, you can pay the prorated fee for the license period about to end ($5) PLUS the fee for the new two-year license period ($20), for a total of $25. If you pay both fees, you will not need to renew the license until October 31 of the next even year.
Online Applicants: If you submit your license application online between May 1 in an even year and October 31 in an even year, you will be required to pay the combined fee totaling $25. You will not need to renew the license until October 31 of the next even year.
APPLICATION FILING PROCESS:
ONLINE SUBMISSION:
Please make sure that you have reviewed and recorded the information required to submit a license application online before clicking the button below. Note: After successfully filing the application form online, Tow Truck Driver applicants must visit the DCA Licensing Center within five (5) business days to be fingerprinted. As outlined in the “When You File” section, applicants must submit a copy of their driver’s license, certified proof that the license is valid (if applicable), and a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable). If you do not upload required documents as part of the application form submission, you must fax, e-mail, or bring documents to the DCA Licensing Center within five (5) business days after successfully filing the application form online. Applicants should follow instructions on the printed confirmation page. Your license application will not be complete without these requirements.
You will be routed to NYC Business Express.
IN-PERSON SUBMISSION:
Applications may be filed in person at the DCA Licensing Center at the address above between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
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