Connecticut towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Connecticut towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DMV), how to check one online, the license types, and 56 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Connecticut?
| Who licenses them | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
|---|---|
| License types | DMV dealer or repairer license, Wrecker registration (wrecker plates) |
| When a license is required | Wrecker registration required to tow; DMV sets maximum rates for non-consensual towing and storage |
Only DMV-licensed dealers and repairers can get a wrecker registration, and DMV caps rates for non-consensual tows (it does not regulate tows you request). Report excessive charges to the DMV Consumer Complaint Center.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Connecticut?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official DMV license search run by DMV.
- 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 DMV.
What towing licenses does Connecticut issue?
- DMV dealer or repairer license
- Wrecker registration (wrecker plates)
How do you get a towing license in Connecticut?
Licenses are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DMV source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Connecticut?
The Census Bureau counted 56 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Connecticut in 2023. The counties with the most:
| South Central Connecticut Planning Region | 16 |
|---|---|
| Capitol Planning Region | 16 |
| Western Connecticut Planning Region | 12 |
| Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | 7 |
| Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | 5 |
What do Connecticut homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Connecticut was built in 1967, 34% of households rent and 65% of homes are single-family houses. 36% of homes heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity, and 37% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Connecticut?
- 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: Connecticut licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.