Utah towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Utah towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (UDOT), how to check one online, the license types, and 97 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Utah?
| Who licenses them | Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Motor Carrier Division |
|---|---|
| License types | Authorized Towing Certificate (tow truck motor carrier, tow truck and tow truck operator) |
| When a license is required | UDOT certification is required before operating, renewed every two years; UDOT sets a non-consent towing fee schedule |
Tow companies, trucks and drivers must hold a UDOT authorized towing certificate, and drivers pass a fingerprint background check. UDOT publishes the non-consent towing fee schedule and a towing bill of rights, and takes towing complaints.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Utah?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Utah towing license lookup run by UDOT.
- 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 UDOT.
What towing licenses does Utah issue?
- Authorized Towing Certificate (tow truck motor carrier, tow truck and tow truck operator)
How do you get a towing license in Utah?
Licenses are issued by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Motor Carrier Division. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official UDOT source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many towing companies are there in Utah?
The Census Bureau counted 97 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Utah in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Salt Lake County | 54 |
|---|---|
| Utah County | 12 |
| Weber County | 10 |
| Washington County | 9 |
| Juab County | 4 |
| Davis County | 4 |
| Box Elder County | 4 |
What do Utah homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Utah was built in 1991, 29% of households rent and 75% of homes are single-family houses. 79% of homes heat with utility gas and 16% with electricity.
How do you choose a towing company in Utah?
- 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: Utah licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.