Tow Truck Licence

We currently are not accepting in-person appointments for Licensing Applications. Please contact the Business Licensing Clerk at Businesslicensing@richomondhill.ca for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for a Tow Truck Licence

For information regarding tow truck licensing, or to request a tow truck application package contact the Business Licensing Clerk at 905-747-6497 or by email at . Please note that failure to attend a scheduled appointment may result in further fees being applied to the Tow Truck License application.

Tow Truck Driver Application

Apply for Tow Truck Plate Holder Licence Application

Applications submitted after the June 30 licence expiry date may be subject to a late fee of $225.

Tow Truck Plate Holder Licence Application

Required documents

Tow Truck Plate Holder required documents

A completed application form
Payment for the appropriate fees (Owner/Broker Licence fee and identification card fee, see below)
Proof of eligibility to gain employment in Canada (Canadian Passport, Canadian citizenship card, Canadian Birth Certificate, record of landing papers, Certificate of Indian Status, Permanent Resident Card, Work Permit)
Certificate of Incorporation
Ontario Master Business Licence (if applicable)
Vehicle Ownership
Proof of Insurance
Proof of MTO Safety Certificate (Valid for 35 days)
A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (Valid for 60 days)
Vehicle Inspection Report (MTO) (Valid for 60 days)
Schedule of Rates

Tow Truck Driver required documents

A completed application form
Payment for the appropriate fees (Driver Licence fee and identification card fee, see below)
Proof of eligibility to gain employment in Canada (Canadian Passport, Citizenship documents, Permanent Resident Card, Work Permit, Canadian Birth Certificate)
Valid Canadian Driver’s Licence
Driver’s Record Search (MTO) (Valid for 30 days)
Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Record (CVDR) from the MTO (if applicable)
A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (Valid for 60 days)
Proof of employment with licensed Tow Truck Owner/Broker

Service	Fee (2023)
New Owner/Broker licence (per licence plate)	$2,312.60
Renewal Owner/Broker licence (per licence plate)	$461.70
Driver licence	$288.31
Owner/Broker/Driver Identification Card	$16.00
Late renewal penalty	$230.85
Replacement Owner/Broker plate	$31.81
Replacement tariff card	$31.81
Appeal Hearing	$435.02
Appointment No Show Fee	$52.32
Re-Inspection Fee	$26.67
Permission to Tow Form Replacement Fee	$10.26

Licensing By-law

The Tow Truck Licensing By-Law requires all tow trucks, and tow truck drivers to be licensed. Tow truck drivers must have you sign a Permission to Tow Form outlining costs and where your vehicle will go before they may tow your vehicle.

Price list for towing services:

Service	Price
Collision scene towing	$250
Non-collision scene towing	$125
Winching	$103
Indoor storage	$60 per day
Outdoor storage	$55 per day
Wait time	$17 per 15 minutes
Wait time	$68 per hour
Towing for the first 30 km	$3.10 per km
Towing after the first 30 km	$1.55 per km

Rules for Towing and Vehicle Storage

Updated provincial requirements for tow truck drivers and vehicle storage facilities are now in effect. Consumer Protection Ontario's Fact Sheet outlines the new rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Licensing Officers look for when licensing a tow truck?

Licensing Officers complete tow truck inspections and make sure the truck and operator meet strict standards including:

Safety for riders such as operational seat belts, operational door locks and secure bumpers
Safety materials for an accident scene such as flares, first aid kit and absorbent material for cleaning spills on roads
Safety materials for towing and lifting such as flares, two large tow safety chains, one large wheel lift and flashing amber lights
Comfort for riders such as a clean interior and proper armrests

A tow truck must pass inspection to get a licence.

How does Richmond Hill protect me while using a tow truck service?

Richmond Hill's Tow Truck Licensing By-Law keeps your safety in mind and makes sure rules are followed including:

Tow trucks must have insurance
Tow truck drivers must undergo a criminal record check
Tow truck drivers must have a valid driver's licence, and a good driving record
Your property and the contents of your car must be kept safe during a tow
You must be towed to an agreed upon location
Tow truck drivers must provide access to the Tow Rate Sheet
You must complete and be provided a copy of the Permission to tow form before your vehicle is towed

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