Tow Truck Operator Licences

• Different types of work will require a different licence.
• Category A (4 digit TT plates) - accident and breakdown/trade tow.
• Category B (3 digit TT plates) - breakdown/trade tow.
• Category B - Restricted (3 digit TT plates) - towing for the purposes of vehicle dismantling, vehicle demolishing, vehicle/metal recycling.

You do not need a tow truck operator licence if you are towing, salvaging or storing certain exempted vehicles and trailers. See the full list of all exempted vehicles. 

You must provide the required supporting documents with your application for a Tow Truck Operator Licence. 

The following documents must be provided with your application. Your application will not be assessed if you do not provide all required documents. For further information, refer to the Tow Truck Operator Licence Supporting Document Checklist.

Individual documents

• Documents must be no older than 6 weeks at the time of your application.
• A copy of photo ID for all authorised persons of the nominated business. For example: a Driver Licence or proof of age card (front and back), or passport.
• National Police Check Certificates for all authorised persons of the of the nominated business.
• If any officers of the nominated business lived overseas within 10 years at the time of application: National Police Check Certificates for all applicable persons obtained from the relevant Police agency for the period resided in that jurisdiction.
• National Police Certificates must be provided in the English language. If issued in a non-English language, a translated version must be provided. Translation must be completed via Multicultural NSW.
• Important: A completed and signed declaration is required from all authorised persons of the nominated business.

Business documents

• All business types: Certificate of currency for public liability insurance for the nominated place of business.
• Company (Pty Ltd): Certificate of incorporation and Latest annual company statement/extract which shows current directors’ and shareholders’ details.
• Sole Trader: Certificate Registration of Business Name.
• Company and Sole Trader documents available at www.asic.gov.au.

Vehicle documents

• Certificate of currency for on hook insurance for each vehicle to be operated under licence or a completed exemption form for licences operating solely under clause 10 of the Regulation.
• A copy of current vehicle registration papers or on hold receipts/copy of lease for tow trucks not owned by applicant (if applicable) – also required when the lease is renewed for a further term.
• View the list of exempted vehicles. 

Holding Yard documents (Category A towing work)

• Certificate of currency for public liability insurance for your holding yard(s)
• Proof of ownership of the holding yard. This may include:
  • a copy of current rates notice if the applicant owns the property, or
  • a valid commercial lease agreement between the owner of the property and the applicant, or
  • a copy of a current rates notice for the property combined with a signed and dated letter of permission from the owner of the property, confirming that the applicant has permission to use the property as a tow truck holding yard for the storage of damaged vehicles.
  • Important: A property lease is not required again until it is renewed for a further term.
• Clear colour photographs of the nominated holding yard(s) showing:
  • perimeter fencing showing that it is permanently fixed, undamaged and 2m in height
  • view of the premises from the road/street
  • view of the adjoining premises
  • all vehicular and pedestrian access, including locks
  • any other access points - Floodlighting (for external yards)
  • vehicle storage area / space
  • security systems including sensors, cameras and alarms.

Fill out the online application form. In the application form, you must select if you would like a 1, 3 or 5 year licence. 

Complete the tow truck operator online application form

Check the current application fees and pay your application fee. You will be prompted to pay for your application prior to submission of your online application.

Fees are exempt from GST and include a non-refundable processing component.

The total operator licence fee payable includes:

Grant an operator licence fee:
•    Duration of licence: 1, 3, or 5 years.
•    Region: Metro or Country.
•    Non-refundable application processing fee.

Towing category plate fee (per tow truck plate):
•    Towing category A, B, and/or C.
•    Region: Metro or Country