South Carolina towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
South Carolina towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (no state license; check city/county (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list)), how to check one online, the license types, and 144 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in South Carolina?
| Who licenses them | no state license; check city/county (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list) |
|---|---|
| When a license is required | SCDPS rotation-list wreckers must carry liability insurance by wrecker class (e.g. $500,000 for class B, $750,000 for class C) |
South Carolina's wrecker regulations (Reg. 38-600) set equipment, signage and insurance rules for tow companies that the Highway Patrol calls from its rotation list. A general statewide tow-operator license was not found, so check local rules for private-property towing.
How do you look up a towing company's license in South 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 (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list) license search run by no state license; check city/county (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation 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 (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list).
How do you get a towing license in South Carolina?
Licenses are issued by the no state license; check city/county (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official no state license; check city/county (South Carolina Department of Public Safety regulates wrecker services on its Highway Patrol rotation list) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in South Carolina?
The Census Bureau counted 144 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in South Carolina in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Lexington County | 19 |
|---|---|
| Spartanburg County | 15 |
| Charleston County | 14 |
| Berkeley County | 14 |
| Richland County | 13 |
| Greenville County | 11 |
| York County | 8 |
| Horry County | 8 |
What do South Carolina homes mean for towing work?
The median home in South Carolina was built in 1991, 29% of households rent and 68% of homes are single-family houses. 23% of homes heat with utility gas and 71% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in South 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: South Carolina licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.