Service overview
You need a Tow Company License to operate a towing company. This includes businesses, such as auto repair shops, that provide towing as part of another service.
You are also required to obtain a separate Tow Truck (Towing) License to register each tow truck you operate. You must have an active Tow Company License before you can get a Tow Truck (Towing) License.
Tow companies located outside Philadelphia do not need this Philadelphia license if they are licensed in the jurisdiction where they operate and are performing a tow that:
- Passes through Philadelphia.
- Begins outside Philadelphia and ends within the City.
- Begins in Philadelphia and ends outside the City.
This exemption does not apply to any tow company that participates in Philadelphia’s police tow rotation program.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Supplemental documents
You must include the following information with your application:
- Towing Vehicle Driver Identification Form
- Tow Truck Contract Location Form
- You must provide a written towing agreement with the owner or custodian of any property that you tow vehicles from. It must include the name and address of the business.
- You must provide a fee schedule/rate card on company letterhead listing charges for towing, storage, services related to towing, and minor roadside repairs.
You must include the following information about each tow vehicle:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle year
- Whether the vehicle is for hire
Insurance
You must provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes the minimum amount:
- Garage Keeper’s Legal Liability Insurance (if storing vehicles): $100,000.
- Automobile Insurance (identifying make, model, and VIN number of each vehicle covered)
- At least $200,000 per bodily injury
- At least $500,000 per incident
- At least $50,000 per property damage claim
The Certificate of Insurance must name the City of Philadelphia as the certificate holder.
Tax compliance
You must be current on City taxes to get this license.
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
Cost
Renewal fee: $392
Renewal fee: $126
There is a non-refundable application fee of $20 applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due once your application is approved.
Renewal late fee: If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Inspections
A vehicle inspection is required before you may operate the tow truck.
After your Tow Truck License is issued, contact the Philadelphia Police Department Truck Enforcement Unit at (215) 685-1557 to schedule a vehicle inspection.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE.
Required for renewal:
- Be current on all City taxes.
- Hold current insurance.