St. Charles County, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Chief of Police / Registrar
- License term
- 1 year, renewable
- Renewal fee
- $35
- Min. liability insurance
- $300K/$1M/$150K
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 30 days jail
Summary
St. Charles County requires every towing business to hold a Chief of Police license issued through the Registrar before operating a tow truck anywhere in the county.
From and after May 1, 2003, it shall be unlawful for any person or corporation (1) to operate a towing business within St. Charles County, or (2) to conduct more than fifty percent (50%) of its wrecker or tow service business activities in the County ... unless the owner of the tow truck business shall first have obtained a license from the Chief of Police and delivered by the Registrar for said tow truck business.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863880; v61 updated 2026-05-11; through 05-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Tow Truck Code, any wrecker or tow service based in St. Charles County, or doing more than half its tow business here, must be licensed by the Chief of Police and registered with the Registrar before it can operate. The license covers the business and each individual tow truck, which must display the licensee's name, ID number, and the phrase "tow vehicle licensed by St. Charles County, Missouri." Licensees must also file a price schedule for towing and storage, carry minimum liability insurance ($300,000/$1,000,000/$150,000), and disclose their storage facility. Licenses run one year and can be suspended or revoked by the Chief of Police for violations, theft-related convictions, or other disqualifying offenses.
Violations & Fines
Operating unlicensed, charging above the filed price schedule, or cruising for business is a violation punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in the county detention center, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every tow truck in St. Charles County need a county license?
Can a towing company in St. Charles County charge whatever it wants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Charles County
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