You need a tow/recovery business certificate and registration if you:
- Tow or recover vehicles, other than vehicles you own, for compensation;
- Tow or recover vehicles that are wrecked, damaged, disabled, or abandoned or replacement vehicles; or
- Solicit or advertise that you perform towing services.
You do not need a tow/recovery business certificate and registration if you are helping another motorist, as long as it is not for business purposes.
Tow vehicle is defined in
ORS 801.530.
Oregon Tow/Recovery Vehicle Requirements
Each tow/recovery vehicle must have:
- Valid registration with DMV or Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD);
- Insurance coverage for $50,000 cargo and $750,000 liability per accident; and
- A tow/recovery business certificate and tow/recovery plates from DMV.
DMV issues title and registration
if:
- The combined weight (empty vehicle weight plus the total weight of the load) is 26,000 pounds or less.
- The combined weight is over 26,000 pounds, or the vehicle has prorate registration.
- When you register with CCD, you must put both the DMV and CCD plates on the vehicle.
Out-of-State Tow/Recovery Vehicle Requirements
Each tow/recovery vehicle, for out-of-state tow/recovery businesses towing in Oregon, must have:
- Valid prorate registration (apportioned registration, international registration plan or IRP);
- Insurance coverage for $50,000 cargo and $750,000 liability per accident;
- A
temporary pass from Commerce and Compliance Division, if the vehicle has a combined weight (empty vehicle weight plus the total weight of the load) over 26,000 pounds; and
- A tow/recovery business certificate and tow/recovery plates from DMV.
- To apply:
- Complete the
application;
- Provide a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance; and
- Submit your payment of $41.50, application, and insurance certificate to:
- Oregon DMV
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314-2250