Michigan towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Michigan towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (MSP), how to check one online, the license types, and 274 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Michigan?
| Who licenses them | Michigan State Police (MSP), Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) operating authority |
|---|---|
| License types | CVED Operating Authority (wrecker service; annual decals for police-initiated tows) |
Towing companies in Michigan are regulated by the State Police and must keep liability and workers' compensation insurance (or an approved exemption) on file. You can check a tow company's operating authority with the CVED search. To find a towed vehicle, use the Secretary of State's Abandoned Vehicle Search.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Michigan?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Michigan towing license lookup run by MSP.
- 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 MSP.
What towing licenses does Michigan issue?
- CVED Operating Authority (wrecker service; annual decals for police-initiated tows)
How do you get a towing license in Michigan?
Licenses are issued by the Michigan State Police (MSP), Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) operating authority. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official MSP source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Michigan?
The Census Bureau counted 274 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Michigan in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Wayne County | 66 |
|---|---|
| Oakland County | 32 |
| Macomb County | 28 |
| Kent County | 15 |
| Washtenaw County | 13 |
| Genesee County | 9 |
| Ottawa County | 8 |
| Muskegon County | 8 |
What do Michigan homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Michigan was built in 1972, 27% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 75% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Michigan?
- 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: Michigan licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.