New Jersey towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
New Jersey towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county), how to check one online, the license types, and 310 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in New Jersey?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county |
|---|
The 2009 amendment repealed state towing-company registration with Consumer Affairs; tow trucks are registered with NJ MVC with liability insurance of at least $750,000 (light/medium) or $1,000,000 (heavy-duty), and towns may license towers. Fees and non-consent towing are regulated under the Predatory Towing Prevention Act, and complaints go to the Division of Consumer Affairs.
How do you look up a towing company's license in New Jersey?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official no state license; check city/county license search run by no state license; check 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 no state license; check city/county.
How do you get a towing license in New Jersey?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in New Jersey?
The Census Bureau counted 310 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in New Jersey in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Middlesex County | 37 |
|---|---|
| Bergen County | 37 |
| Essex County | 27 |
| Union County | 24 |
| Passaic County | 22 |
| Morris County | 20 |
| Monmouth County | 20 |
| Camden County | 20 |
What do New Jersey homes mean for towing work?
The median home in New Jersey was built in 1969, 36% of households rent and 63% of homes are single-family houses. 73% of homes heat with utility gas and 16% with electricity, and 7% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in New Jersey?
- 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: New Jersey licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.