Arizona towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Arizona towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DPS), how to check one online, the license types, and 195 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Arizona?
| Who licenses them | Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
|---|---|
| License types | Tow Truck Company Registration, Tow Truck Permit Decal |
| When a license is required | Registration and permit required before operating any tow truck to tow vehicles, A.R.S. 28-1108 |
Tow companies must register with DPS, keep the state minimum financial responsibility (insurance) for each truck, and have each truck pass a DPS inspection to get a permit decal (A.A.C. R13-3-801 to R13-3-902). DPS has no public lookup of permitted tow companies; DPS Dispatch at (602) 223-2000 can tell you which firm is storing a vehicle.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Arizona?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official DPS license search run by DPS.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the towing company about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact DPS.
What towing licenses does Arizona issue?
- Tow Truck Company Registration
- Tow Truck Permit Decal
How do you get a towing license in Arizona?
Licenses are issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DPS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Arizona city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Arizona?
The Census Bureau counted 195 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Arizona in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Maricopa County | 105 |
|---|---|
| Pinal County | 20 |
| Pima County | 16 |
| Yavapai County | 13 |
| Coconino County | 10 |
| Mohave County | 7 |
| Gila County | 7 |
| Cochise County | 6 |
What do Arizona homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Arizona was built in 1992, 33% of households rent and 69% of homes are single-family houses. 33% of homes heat with utility gas and 60% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Arizona?
- Ask for the total price before the tow: hook-up fee, per-mile rate and any storage fees.
- Check that the company is licensed where you are; many cities license tow companies.
- Ask whether they'll take the car to the shop of your choice, not only their own lot.
- For a newer, AWD or low car, ask for a flatbed.
- Get a written receipt that shows the company's name, license number and charges.
Towing Companies in other states
Sources: Arizona licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.