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Starting a towing company in California: registrations, permits and what the truck needs
Short answerA California tow company needs a Motor Carrier Permit (with a CA number), a USDOT number, commercial registration and insurance, a CHP tow truck inspection, and, for police rotation work, a place on the local CHP or city rotation list. The truck itself needs the company name, city, phone number, USDOT and CA number on both doors.
The checklist, in order
- Form the business and get an EINLLC or corporation, then an IRS EIN. You'll need both for the MCP and insurance.
- USDOT numberFree at FMCSA. California requires it even for intrastate-only carriers.
- Motor Carrier Permit and CA numberApply with the California DMV. Requires proof of insurance ($750,000 minimum for tow trucks under 10,001 lbs; more for heavier), the USDOT number, and enrollment in the CHP's BIT inspection program.
- Commercial registration and weight feesRegister the truck as commercial with the DMV; weight fees apply.
- CHP tow truck inspectionCHP inspects tow trucks for equipment and safety before you can operate on rotation. Keep the inspection certificate in the cab.
- InsuranceLiability, on-hook (garagekeepers) and cargo. Lenders and rotation lists set minimums above the state floor.
- Rotation listsPolice-initiated tows come through CHP and city rotation lists with their own applications, truck standards and rate schedules.
- Letter the truckCompany name, city, phone, USDOT and CA number on both doors, readable from 50 feet. CHP inspects markings at the truck inspection.
What goes on the truck
| Company name | Legal or trade name as on the MCP |
|---|---|
| City | Business city |
| Phone | Dispatch number |
| USDOT | USDOT 1234567 |
| CA number | CA 123456 |
Both sides, contrasting color, readable from 50 feet in daylight. Two inch numbers is the standard; the rule is legibility, not a fixed height.
Related questions
Do I need an MC number for towing?
Not for California-only towing. Only for-hire interstate work needs MC authority.
Can I start with one truck?
Yes. Most tow companies start with one rollback and a cell phone.
Checked September 2026 against FMCSA, California DMV, CHP, CSLB and BHGS requirements. A plain-English summary, not legal advice; fees and insurance minimums change, so confirm with the agency before filing.