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.
If you want to operate a tow truck business, you must hold an Operator Licence issued by NSW Fair Trading.
To be issued with an Operator Licence, you must have nominated tow truck drivers who hold current Tow Truck Driver Certificates issued by NSW Fair Trading.
How to apply
1. Which type of licence do you need
First, you need to work out what category of licence you will need to apply for. Different types of work will require a different licence.
- Category A (4 digit TT plates) – Accident and breakdown/trade tow
- Category B (3 digit TT plates) – Breakdown/trade tow
- Category B-Restricted (3 digit TT plates) – Scrap work
You do not need a Tow Truck Operator Licence if you are towing, salvaging or storing certain exempted vehicles and trailers. See the full list of all exempted vehicles.
2. Gather supporting documents
The documents you need to submit when you apply will be different depending on which category you are applying for and the type of business you are running.
Category A
| Type of business | Required documents |
|---|---|
Sole trader All documents to be in the name of the Sole Trader |
|
Partnership All documents to be in the name of the Partnership |
|
Company Pty Ltd All documents to be in the Company name |
|
Category B
| Type of business | Required documents |
|---|---|
Sole trader All documents to be in the name of the Sole Trader |
|
Partnership All documents to be in the name of the Partnership |
|
Company Pty Ltd All documents to be in the Company name |
|
Category B - Restricted
| Type of business | Required documents |
|---|---|
Sole trader All documents to be in the name of the Sole Trader |
|
Partnership All documents to be in the name of the Partnership |
|
Company Pty Ltd All documents to be in the Company name |
|
3. Complete the application form
Complete the Tow Truck Operator Licence application form and checklist.
4. Pay the application
When applying for your Operator Licence you will need to pay for the Operator Licence (including a non-refundable application fee) and for tow truck plates per truck.
You can pay fees by credit card or PayPal on our secure portal.
Find more information on fees.
5. Send us your application
Post your application form and supporting documents to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Or email to: [email protected]
What happens after you apply
Once we have received your completed form, supporting documents, and fee payment, we will assess your application. This can take up to 10 -12 weeks.
If your application is approved, we will send you your licence. Your first licence 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 to refuse a licence.
How to renew
A renewal form will be sent to you before your current licence expires. It will state if you are eligible for a one, three, or five-year certificate.
If you do not apply for a renewal before the expiry date, the licence expires. Should your licence expire, you have up to three months to apply and have your licence restored.
How to get a replacement licence
For information on how much to pay, visit the fees page.
How to update licence details
You need to notify Fair Trading in writing of any changes to the information listed on your operator licence. These changes may include your address, drivers licence, name, or employer. You must notify us within 14 days of the change.
To update your details, send us a signed and dated letter outlining the changes by emailing [email protected].
You can send your application by post:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
If updating details require a new licence to be issued, a replacement fee may apply
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 are a sole trader and hold a tow truck licence 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 Operator Licence.
For information on how much to pay, visit the fees page.
Add or remove a holding yard
To operate a tow truck business, your primary business premises and holding yard(s) must be approved by your local council. If your truck is over 20 tonnes, a Holding Yard is not required.
If you are moving the location of your holding yard or wish to remove your holding yard from your Operator Licence, you need to submit an application.
Contact us
You can contact the Licensing team in the following ways:
Call: 13 32 20 (select option 1)