Illinois towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Illinois towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (ICC), how to check one online, the license types, and 382 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Illinois?
| Who licenses them | Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for relocation (trespass) towing in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will and Winnebago counties; otherwise local (city/county) |
|---|---|
| License types | Relocation Towing License, Relocation Towing Operator Permit, Relocation Towing Dispatcher Permit |
The ICC licenses companies that tow cars off private property in five northern Illinois counties, along with their operators and dispatchers, on two-year terms. Police-ordered tows, street parking tows, breakdown/accident tows and repossessions are not covered, so contact local authorities for those.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Illinois?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Illinois towing license lookup run by ICC.
- 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 ICC.
What towing licenses does Illinois issue?
- Relocation Towing License
- Relocation Towing Operator Permit
- Relocation Towing Dispatcher Permit
How do you get a towing license in Illinois?
Licenses are issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for relocation (trespass) towing in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will and Winnebago counties; otherwise local (city/county). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official ICC source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Illinois city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Illinois?
The Census Bureau counted 382 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Illinois in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Cook County | 175 |
|---|---|
| Will County | 34 |
| DuPage County | 34 |
| Lake County | 23 |
| Kane County | 18 |
| St. Clair County | 11 |
| Peoria County | 11 |
| Winnebago County | 9 |
What do Illinois homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Illinois was built in 1970, 33% of households rent and 64% of homes are single-family houses. 76% of homes heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Illinois?
- 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: Illinois licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.