Georgia towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Georgia towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county)), how to check one online, the license types, and 274 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Georgia?
| Who licenses them | Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county) |
|---|---|
| License types | Nonconsensual Towing Permit (DPS) |
Companies that tow cars from private property without the owner's consent must hold an annual DPS permit, carry insurance and follow DPS maximum rates; cities and counties can add rules or lower rate caps. Complaints about nonconsensual tows go to DPS, not the Attorney General.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Georgia?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Georgia towing license lookup run by Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county).
- 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 Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county).
What towing licenses does Georgia issue?
- Nonconsensual Towing Permit (DPS)
How do you get a towing license in Georgia?
Licenses are issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Georgia Department of Public Safety (permits for nonconsensual towing and booting only); otherwise local (city/county) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Georgia city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Georgia?
The Census Bureau counted 274 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Georgia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Fulton County | 27 |
|---|---|
| Cobb County | 20 |
| Gwinnett County | 19 |
| DeKalb County | 19 |
| Cherokee County | 12 |
| Chatham County | 11 |
| Walton County | 10 |
| Houston County | 8 |
What do Georgia homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Georgia was built in 1991, 35% of households rent and 71% of homes are single-family houses. 38% of homes heat with utility gas and 56% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Georgia?
- 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: Georgia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.