Tow Truck Drivers Certificates
Find out how to apply for a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate if you are planning to work as a tow truck driver in NSW.
Your responsibilities as a tow truck driver
You must have a valid tow truck drivers certificate issued by NSW Fair Trading to drive a tow truck. Your certificate shows that you are authorised to tow vehicles in NSW.
As the holder of a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate, you are required to meet standards and act in a suitable manner. Some of the responsibilities you have include:
- always wear your Tow Truck Drivers Certificate so it’s clearly visible while you’re working
- wear protective clothing
- maintain your truck equipment
- display your number plates
- always behave in a respectful manner
- never tout or solicit work.
Many tow truck drivers are also the business owner. If you want to operate a tow truck business, you must also apply for a tow truck operator licence.
Read the Tow Truck Driver Guide for more information on your requirements as a tow truck driver.
How to apply
Gather supporting documents
You must provide these supporting documents with your application for a tow truck drivers certificate:
All applicants
- A clear photo or scan of your current, unrestricted Australian drivers licence (front and back)
- One recent, passport-quality, colour photograph of your head and neck on a plain, light background with no hats or sunglasses.
- A National Police Check Certificate that is no older than 6 weeks at the time of application.
- A driving record that is no older than 6 weeks at the time of application. Please refer to Service NSW for further information.
If you have lived overseas within the past 10 years
- A National Police Check Certificate must be obtained from the relevant Police agency for the period you resided in that jurisdiction. The check must be in the English language and be no older than 6 weeks at the time of application.
If you hold or have held a driver licence from a state, territory or country other than NSW in the past 3 years
- A copy of your complete driver licence history and traffic history record check details from each licensing authority, that is no older than 6 weeks at the time of application.
We use these documents to assess if you are a suitable person to drive a tow truck.
Complete the Tow Truck Drivers Certificate online application form
Fill out the online application form. In the application form, you must select if you would like a 1, 3 or 5 year Certificate.
Complete the tow truck drivers certificate online application form
Pay the application fee
Check the current application fees
You will be prompted to pay for your application prior to submission of your online application.
We cannot process your application if you have not paid the application fee.
If your application is approved
We will send your certificate to your nominated postal address. Postage can take up to 3 weeks.
If your application is refused
We will notify you in writing. You can apply for a review if you disagree with the decision.
Common questions about Tow Truck Drivers Certificates
How do I renew my Certificate?
We will send you a renewal form before your current certificate expires. You may renew your Certificate for 1, 3 or 5 years.
If we receive your application to renew before the expiry date, the certificate remains valid whilst a decision is pending on your application and you can continue working with your current Tow Truck Drivers Certificate.
If you do not apply for a renewal before the expiry date, the certificate expires. If your certificate expires, you have up to 3 months to apply for a restoration of your certificate.
Please refer to ’What happens after you apply’ for information on the current assessment timeframes.
How can I get a replacement Certificate?
You can obtain a replacement Drivers Certificate by submitting a completed Replace a Tow Truck Driver Certificate / Operator Licence application form to: towtrucks@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
The cost for a replacement Driver Certificate can be found in the listed Fees and you must the receipt number for your payment in your completed form.
What if I have a Certificate or Licence from another Australian state or territory?
Under the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme there is no need to obtain a local licence in a second state or territory or pay any licensing fees, as long as there is a home state licence in force.
You can check if your occupation is included in the AMR scheme, and if necessary, how to meet notification requirements.
How do I update my details?
If you need to update the details in your Certificate, you must do this at least 7 days before the proposed change.
You will need to complete a Change of Details - Tow Truck Driver Certificate form.
If updating details means that we need to send you a new Tow Truck Driver Certificate, you may have to pay a replacement fee.
What happens if my driver licence is cancelled or suspended?
If you no longer have a valid motor vehicle driver licence, your Certificate is revoked and you must inform us by emailing towtrucks@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.
You must return your Tow Truck Driver Certificate by mail:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
You can reapply for a new Tow Truck Drivers Certificate when you have a valid motor vehicle driver licence again.
You cannot reapply if you have not returned the revoked Tow Truck Driver Certificate.
Who doesn’t need a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate?
There are some situations where you don’t need a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate. This includes operating a truck registered with a scrap metal exemption certificate e.g. flatbed truck, equipped with a crane.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Tow Truck Drivers Certificate or would like support completing your application, please call the Licensing Team.