Tow Truck Driver License

You need a Tow Truck Driver License to move or remove cars. This includes cars that are disabled, parked illegally, abandoned or in accidents. You need this license if you do this work for money in New York City. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives out this license.

• Complete the Basic Individual License Application.

• Submit a copy of your current driver's license:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have a valid New York State driver's license with the "W" endorsement (Tow Truck Operator endorsement).
  • If you live in another state, you must have a valid out-of-state driver's license that allows you to drive a tow truck in New York State.

• Submit a Certified Abstract of your driving record if you live in another state:

  • This must be issued within the last 30 days from the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Your license must be valid and in full force and effect.

• Submit a current color passport-size photo of yourself:

  • You can be photographed at the DCWP Licensing Center at no cost.
  • Alternatively, upload your photo online.

• Complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation if someone else will file the license application for you.

• Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:

  • Visit uenroll.identogo.com.
  • Enter Service Code 1585N7 and Agency ID (numbers only from your Application Number).
  • Follow the instructions and pay the required fees.

• List of fees:

  • $20: License Fee for new Tow Truck Driver License from November 1 of even-numbered years to April 30 of odd-numbered years.
  • $15: License Fee for new Tow Truck Driver License from May 1 of odd-numbered years to October 31 of odd-numbered years.
  • $10: License Fee for new Tow Truck Driver License from November 1 of odd-numbered years to April 30 of even-numbered years.
  • $5: License Fee for new Tow Truck Driver License from May 1 of even-numbered years to October 31 of even-numbered years.
  • Fingerprint processing fee.
  • Non-Refundable 2 percent convenience fee for paying with a credit card.

• List of accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person application submissions)
  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person application submissions)
  • Credit card including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Card

You will get a letter about your license within two weeks. This is after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers.

• If your application is approved: DCWP will send you your license.
• If your application needs more information: DCWP will send you a letter. It will tell you what to send. You must send the materials within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.
• If your application is denied: DCWP will tell you why. They will also tell you how to reapply.

• License validity: Licenses are good for up to two years. They expire on October 31 of even-numbered years.

• Informing DCWP: If your information changes, tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. DCWP suggests calling 311 to see if you need to visit the center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Driver's license proof: You may need to show that your driver's license is valid. Note: If you become a New York State resident, you must get a New York State driver's license within 30 days.

• Compliance with laws: Follow all New York City laws and rules. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find them on the Public Access Portal.

• Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking on the Apply Online button:
  • You will be redirected to a new web page where you will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page:

  • The Confirmation Page will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application.
  • These materials must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.

• Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation.

• Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions. If you want to keep operating, submit your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, required papers and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You must make an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a renewal application and instructions. If you want to keep operating, submit your renewal application, required papers and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You can mail these using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov