Tow truck forms
News: NSW Fair Trading has released the Tow truck operator self-audit checklist, use the checklist to check your tow truck business meets its obligations under the law.
You must hold a current certificate issued by NSW Fair Trading to drive a tow truck. The certificate helps the public easily identify that you are authorised to tow their vehicle.
Many tow truck drivers are also the business owner. If you want to operate a tow truck business, you also need to hold a Tow Truck Operator Licence.
How do I apply
1. Gather supporting documents
To be issued with a certificate you must prove you are a suitable person to be the driver of a tow truck.
To do this you will need to provide these documents with your application:
- a photocopy of your current, unrestricted Australian driver licence (front and back)
- two recent passport size and quality photographs of your head and neck (no hat or sunglasses on a pale background). We recommend you get your photo taken at your local Australia Post Office
- if you have lived outside of NSW within the past 10 years you must do a National Police Check then provide us a copy. The check must be dated within six weeks of your application being made. You can apply for a check through Police in your current state/territory. If you’re in NSW, apply here.
- if you have lived overseas within the last 10 years, you must do a criminal history check issued by the relevant authority from each country, then provide us a copy
- your driving record will also be checked.
If you hold or have held a driver’s licence in another state, territory or overseas within the last three years, you will need to provide a copy of your complete driving history and licence details from each licensing authority, dated within six weeks of your application.
2. Complete the application form
Complete the Tow Truck Drivers Certificate application form.
3. Pay the application fee
Your application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee. For information on how much to pay, visit the fees page.
4. Send us your application
Email your application form and supporting documents to:
Please ensure that the receipt number is written on page 1 of your application form.
What happens after I apply
Once we have received your completed form, supporting documents, and fee payment, we will assess your application.
This typically takes between 4 - 6 weeks. If your application is approved, we will send your printed certificate to your nominated postal address.
Your first certificate will be valid for one year and is valid from the date it is issued. If your application is refused, you will be notified in writing. You can apply for a review if you disagree with the decision.
How to renew
A renewal form will be sent to you before your current certificate expires. It will state if you are eligible for a one, three, or five-year certificate.
How to get a replacement certificate
Complete the application for the Replacement Tow Truck Drivers Certificate and mail it to us. For information on how much to pay, visit the fees page.
Working interstate
There are several ways of working across borders and you can find information on each of these at our Working interstate and in New Zealand page.
Automatic mutual recognition
Under the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme it is easier for occupational licence holders to work across state borders without having to apply for a second licence and pay fees.
Under the scheme some interstate licensees can start work automatically in NSW and others will be required to notify us of their intention to work here. This does not include workers from Queensland as that state is not participating in AMR.
To be eligible for the AMR scheme, you must hold a current licence or registration in your home state or territory for the activity covered by an occupation that you intend to do in the second state or territory.
For more information on the AMR scheme, visit the NSW Government website.
Mutual recognition
Interstate licensees who are not eligible for AMR may be able to apply to work in NSW under Mutual Recognition (MR).
If you hold a tow truck certificate from another Australian state or territory, you can apply for MR. It makes it easier for you to be authorised to conduct work in NSW without having to apply for a new Tow Truck Drivers Certificate.
For information on how much to pay, visit the fees page.
Your responsibilities as a tow truck driver
As the holder of a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate, you are required to meet standards and act in a suitable manner. Some of the responsibilities you have include:
- Display your Tow Truck Driver Certificate clearly at all times
- Always behave in a respectful manner
- Never tout or solicit work
- Wear protective clothing
- Maintain your truck equipment
- Display your number plates
Read the tow truck driver guide for more information on your requirements as a tow truck driver.
Further information
Contact us
Call the Licensing team on 1300 131 134 (select option 1)
Who doesn’t need a tow truck certificate
There are some situations where you don’t need a tow truck certificate. This includes scrap metal collections using a flatbed truck with crane.
Cancelled or suspended licences
If your regular driver licence is suspended, disqualified, cancelled or expires, your tow truck driver certificate will be revoked, and you must return it to Fair Trading.
You can return your tow truck driver certificate by mail:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
No future applications will be considered until your revoked driver certificate is returned.