Corpus Christi, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Under Sec. 57-222, a wrecker company or auto wrecker operator may not perform a nonconsent tow within the city unless the truck displays a current permit issued by the chief of police, and a separate permit is required for each auto wrecker. Sec. 57-223 requires an application listing all owners, proof of ownership, a paid-tax certificate from the county tax assessor-collector, a Texas sales and use permit, a certificate of occupancy, and for rotation-list permits a Texas vehicle storage facility license, criminal background checks on owners and drivers, and proof of insurance meeting Tex.

Occ. Code ch. 2308. Sec. 57-226 sets the fees: a $100 application fee (applied to the permit fee if approved, forfeited if denied), a $126 auto wrecker operation fee per truck, and a $315 rotation list permit fee. Permits run January 1 through December 31 under Sec. 57-227 with no refunds. Sec. 57-224 requires Category A wreckers to have a manufacturer's GVWR of at least 15,000 pounds and an 8,000-pound single-line winch, while Category B wreckers need a 26,000-pound GVWR and a 35,000-pound winch, plus standard equipment like fire extinguishers, wheel chocks and rotating warning lights.

Sec. 57-230 requires liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured, with the permit automatically suspended if coverage lapses. Sec. 57-231 lets the chief of police deny, suspend or revoke a permit for a disqualifying conviction, a ch. 2308 or city ordinance violation, false application information, or unpaid fines, after a hearing on ten days' notice; the owner may appeal to the city manager within ten days, and the chief's decision is stayed pending that appeal. Sec. 57-232 bars reapplying for one year after a revocation.