Renewing your licence
You'll be sent a renewal form before your current tow truck operator licence expires.
You can renew your licence for 1, 3 or 5 years.
Make sure you renew before your current licence expires. Working under an expired licence is illegal.
Expired licences can be 'restored' (using the renewal form) if no more than 3 months have passed since the expiry date. If more than 3 months have passed, you'll need to reapply for your licence.
What you need
Individual documents
- A copy of a current photo ID for all authorised representatives and close associates 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 representatives and close associates of the nominated business. Certificates must not be older than 6 weeks at the time of the application.
If any officers of the nominated business have lived overseas within 10 years and have not already provided the details since last renewal or application:
- National Police Check Certificates for all applicable persons obtained from the relevant Police agency for the period resided in that jurisdiction. Certificates must not be older than 6 weeks at the time of the application.
- National Police Check Certificates must be provided in the English language. If issued in a non-English language, you must provide a translated version. Translation must be completed via Multicultural NSW.
A completed and signed declaration is required from all authorised representatives and close associates of the nominated business. If more than one person is required to complete the declaration, complete Tow Truck Operator Licence - Declaration and Consent form and attach it to your application.
Business documents
All business types: certificate of currency for public liability insurance for the nominated place of business.
Companies (Pty Ltd): latest annual company statement/extract which shows current directors’ and shareholders’ details.
Vehicle documents
- Certificate of currency for on-hook insurance for each vehicle to be operated under licence (must state entity name, not personal name) or a completed exemption form for licences operating solely under clause 10 of the Regulation.
- Copy of current vehicle registration papers (must state business use), 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.
- A list of exempt vehicles is available on the NSW Fair Trading website.
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.
Note: 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.
How to renew your licence
Complete the Tow Truck Operator Licence Renewal/Restoration Application online form.
If you’re unable to apply online, call NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
Replacing your licence
If your tow truck operator licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, to replace it you'll need to:
- complete the Replace a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate/Operator Licence Form
- provide a copy of the current driver licence of the operator licence representative (both sides).
Updating your details
Notify NSW Fair Trading in writing within 7 days if there are any changes to the information listed on your tow truck operator licence.
To update your details, complete the relevant form.
For all other changes, write a signed and dated letter outlining the changes and:
- email to towtrucks@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
- post to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124.
If the updated details mean a new licence will need to be issued, a replacement fee may apply.