Colorado towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Colorado towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit)), how to check one online, the license types, and 174 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Colorado?
| Who licenses them | Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit) |
|---|---|
| License types | Towing Carrier Permit |
| When a license is required | Permit required before offering towing service |
Tow companies need a PUC towing permit and must meet PUC insurance minimums; the PUC caps many tow rates and takes complaints about nonconsensual tows. The PUC's old online permit search link is dead, so contact the PUC to confirm a permit.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Colorado?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit) license search run by Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit).
- 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 Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit).
What towing licenses does Colorado issue?
- Towing Carrier Permit
How do you get a towing license in Colorado?
Licenses are issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Colorado Public Utilities Commission (towing carrier permit) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Colorado city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Colorado?
The Census Bureau counted 174 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Colorado in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Adams County | 28 |
|---|---|
| El Paso County | 18 |
| Arapahoe County | 18 |
| Weld County | 15 |
| Denver County | 15 |
| Larimer County | 14 |
| Jefferson County | 13 |
| Boulder County | 9 |
What do Colorado homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Colorado was built in 1987, 34% of households rent and 69% of homes are single-family houses. 67% of homes heat with utility gas and 25% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Colorado?
- 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: Colorado licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.