Virginia towing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Virginia towing license lookup: who issues towing company licenses (DCJS), how to check one online, the license types, and 293 motor vehicle towing businesses by county.
Do towing companies need a license in Virginia?
| Who licenses them | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registers tow truck drivers; localities regulate towing fees |
|---|---|
| License types | Tow Truck Driver Registration |
| When a license is required | Every tow truck driver must hold DCJS registration |
DCJS registers individual tow truck drivers only (Va. Code § 46.2-116), and drivers must carry the registration; driving a tow truck without it is a misdemeanor. Cities and counties may set limits on private-property towing fees under Va. Code § 46.2-1233.
How do you look up a towing company's license in Virginia?
- Ask the towing company for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the official DCJS license search run by DCJS.
- 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 DCJS.
What towing licenses does Virginia issue?
- Tow Truck Driver Registration
How do you get a towing license in Virginia?
Licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registers tow truck drivers; localities regulate towing fees. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official DCJS source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Virginia city is the job in?
How many towing companies are there in Virginia?
The Census Bureau counted 293 motor vehicle towing businesses with employees in Virginia in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Fairfax County | 28 |
|---|---|
| Loudoun County | 19 |
| Henrico County | 18 |
| Chesterfield County | 16 |
| Chesapeake city | 15 |
| Virginia Beach city | 13 |
| Prince William County | 12 |
| Richmond city | 11 |
What do Virginia homes mean for towing work?
The median home in Virginia was built in 1984, 33% of households rent and 73% of homes are single-family houses. 32% of homes heat with utility gas and 57% with electricity, and 3% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a towing company in Virginia?
- 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: Virginia licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.