Massachusetts towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Massachusetts towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local), how to check one online, the license types, and 269 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Massachusetts?
| Who licenses them | Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local |
|---|---|
| License types | DPU Certificate (operating authority) for involuntary tows |
| When a license is required | DPU certificate required for involuntary (trespass or police-ordered) towing; DPU sets maximum involuntary tow rates (220 CMR 272.00) |
Rates for involuntary tows are capped by the DPU; voluntary tows you arrange yourself are not rate-regulated, so agree on the price first. Complaints can go to the DPU or the Attorney General's Office.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Massachusetts?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local license search run by Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local.
- 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 Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local.
What towing licenses does Massachusetts issue?
- DPU Certificate (operating authority) for involuntary tows
How do you get a towing license in Massachusetts?
Licenses are issued by the Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Department of Public Utilities, Transportation Oversight Division (involuntary/trespass and police-ordered tows); otherwise local source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Massachusetts city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Massachusetts?
The Census Bureau counted 269 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Massachusetts in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Middlesex County | 57 |
|---|---|
| Worcester County | 40 |
| Plymouth County | 32 |
| Suffolk County | 31 |
| Essex County | 31 |
| Norfolk County | 23 |
| Bristol County | 23 |
| Hampden County | 14 |
What do Massachusetts homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Massachusetts was built in 1963, 37% of households rent and 57% of homes are single-family houses. 52% of homes heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity, and 23% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Massachusetts?
- 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: Massachusetts licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.