District of Columbia towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
District of Columbia towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DLCP), how to check one online, the license types, and 14 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in District of Columbia?
| Who licenses them | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Basic Business License with Towing Business endorsement |
|---|---|
| License types | Towing Business endorsement (Basic Business License), Towing Service Storage Lot endorsement |
| When a license is required | Endorsement required to own or operate any towing business or storage lot |
DC towing companies need a Basic Business License with a Towing Business endorsement, at least $750,000 liability insurance and a $25,000 surety bond, and must file their billing form showing current tow and storage rates. Storage lots need their own endorsement.
How do you look up a towing company's license in District of Columbia?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the District of Columbia towing license lookup run by DLCP.
- 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 DLCP.
What towing licenses does District of Columbia issue?
- Towing Business endorsement (Basic Business License)
- Towing Service Storage Lot endorsement
How do you get a towing license in District of Columbia?
Licenses are issued by the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Basic Business License with Towing Business endorsement. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DLCP source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which District of Columbia city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in District of Columbia?
The Census Bureau counted 14 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in District of Columbia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| District of Columbia | 14 |
|---|
What do District of Columbia homes mean for towing work?
The median home in District of Columbia was built in 1957, 59% of households rent and 33% of homes are single-family houses. 49% of homes heat with utility gas and 46% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in District of Columbia?
- 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: District of Columbia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.