North Carolina towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
North Carolina towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list)), how to check one online, the license types, and 329 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in North Carolina?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list) |
|---|
North Carolina has no general state tow-company license; wreckers on the Highway Patrol rotation list must pass Patrol inspection and can't charge more than their non-rotation rates. Private-property towing is mainly regulated by city or county ordinance.
How do you look up a towing company's license in North Carolina?
- 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 (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list) license search run by no state license; check city/county (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list).
- 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 (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list).
How do you get a towing license in North Carolina?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county (NC State Highway Patrol sets rules for its rotation wrecker list) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which North Carolina city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in North Carolina?
The Census Bureau counted 329 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in North Carolina in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Wake County | 43 |
|---|---|
| Mecklenburg County | 41 |
| Guilford County | 19 |
| Cumberland County | 13 |
| Union County | 12 |
| New Hanover County | 11 |
| Forsyth County | 11 |
| Johnston County | 10 |
What do North Carolina homes mean for towing work?
The median home in North Carolina was built in 1990, 34% of households rent and 70% of homes are single-family houses. 24% of homes heat with utility gas and 65% with electricity, and 2% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in North Carolina?
- 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: North Carolina licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.