License Overview 

You need a Tow Truck License to tow damaged or disabled vehicles from the public way, or to operate a storage lot where towed vehicles are stored. A tow storage lot license is required to store towed vehicles unless vehicles are towed to a location with a Motor Vehicle Repair license.

Related Licenses 

The location to which towed vehicles are taken must either be a licensed tow storage lot, or have a Motor Vehicle Repair license.

Application Requirements 

A fingerprint-based background check will be conducted for all controlling persons as part of the application process.

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Liability insurance insuring the owner and the operator (1) for injury to person, in an amount not less than $100,000 to any one person and $300,000 for any one crash; (2) for damage to property other than a vehicle being towed, in an amount not less than $50,000 for any one crash; and (3) for damage to any vehicle towed by the tower, in an amount not less than $15,000 per vehicle.
• Detailed site plan of the storage lot where towed vehicles will be kept must be provided as part of the application.
• The make, model, license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number of each tow truck is required as part of the application.
• Individual History Form for all controlling persons required to be fingerprinted
• A safety relocator’s registration certificate issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission is required to obtain a City of Chicago tow truck license.
• A site plan for any tow storage lot
• Driveway Release Letter from CDOT for any driveways leading from the public way to the tow storage lot.

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person
• Receive zoning approval from the City for the tow storage lot
• Complete and submit a full license application
• Get fingerprinted for a fingerprint-based background check. Every owner, corporate officer, or any person who has a 25% or more interest in the business will be prompted to get fingerprinted.
• Make payment for the license
• Receive license once all requirements are met and tow truck decal for display on the tow truck windshield.

Cost 

$250 license fee per truck

$250 per storage lot

How to Apply

In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.

Operating Requirements 

• Tow operators cannot solicit a vehicle owner to have their vehicle towed. Towers may only stop at a damaged or disabled vehicle if called to the location by law enforcement, a government agency, or the vehicle owner, operator, or agent.
• Certificate of the required insurance policy must be carried in the cab of each tow truck and displayed on demand to a police officer or other authorized government official.
• See Chapter 4-227 of the Municipal Code for a full list of operating requirements.

Renewal Requirements 

Tow truck and tow storage lot licenses are issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

Resources 

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.744.1944, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org