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All drivers must have a license to operate motor vehicles. In some cases, however, those who drive vehicles as a profession will need additional licensure. In the state of Texas, for instance, not only do towing companies and vehicles have to be licensed, but towing operators must be, as well. 

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) offers a few different types of licenses for towing operators, each associated with vehicle permits. These licenses expire annually and must be renewed to continue operating as a towing professional.  

With that in mind, below is everything you should know about licenses and the renewal process in Texas. 

What Types of Licenses Are Available? 

There are three different types of towing licenses (and permits, by extension) available in Texas, each of which must be renewed annually: 

Consent Tow 

An operator with a Consent Tow License may operate a vehicle with a Consent Tow Permit. In other words, they may tow vehicles at the request of a vehicle’s owner or someone who has possession or custody of the vehicle. 

Private Property 

When cars are parked in a towing zone or on private property without permission, trucks with Private Property Permits may remove them at the expense of the vehicle owner. A Private Property License also allows for consent towing. 

Incident Management 

Incident Management Licenses cover the broadest scope. In addition to consent and private property towing, they allow tow operators driving trucks with Incident Management Permits to participate in incident towing of cars on roadways. That includes coordinating with authorities and first responders to clear vehicles from the scene of an incident/accident to restore normal traffic flow. 

How to Renew Your License 

Towing licenses remain valid for one year from the date of issue. To renew your license, you must complete a suitable continuing education (CE) course and submit a certificate of completion to the TDLR before your license expiration date. 

License renewal requires four hours of CE, which must include one hour focusing on roadway safety and another covering Texas’ laws and rules regulating the conduct of towing operators. The remaining two hours may be spent on further education in these two subjects or on any of the following: 

• Driver safety 
• Towing techniques 
• Equipment operation and safety 
• Customer service and documentation 

If you have an Incident Management License, your first renewal must include eight hours of CE, with four hours required for subsequent renewals. No matter which license you are renewing, though, all classes may be taken online for the convenience of working professionals. 

Finding the Right CE Program 

The best CE programs will offer online access that allows for self-paced learning whenever it’s convenient for you. You should choose a state-approved program that offers an instant Certificate of Completion for your records and submission to the TDLR. 

RocketCert offers programs created by experts and educators for industry professionals. If you need to complete a CE course to renew your Tow Operator License in Texas, contact us today to get started.