Denton, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Tow company permit (TCP)
- $300–$500 application fee
- Tow truck permit (TTP)
- $100 per truck
- Tow operator permit (TOP)
- $30 fee
- Max fine
- $500 per day, Sec. 23-101(n)
- Enforcing agency
- Denton Police Department
Summary
Non-consent tow companies, trucks, and operators in Denton must each hold a separate annual permit from the police department before towing any vehicle without the owner's consent.
No tow service shall engage in the business of nonconsent towing of vehicles without first obtaining a permit from the city.(b)Before an annual permit is granted, the application for the annual permit must be approved by the director. The granting of an annual permit is at the discretion of the director, but will not be granted unless:(1)The proposed tow service is required by the public convenience and necessity; and(2)The applicant qualifies for operating authority under sections 23-84(e) and 2384(f) of this article and is otherwise fit, willing, and able to operate the tow company following the requirements of this article, rules and regulations of the director, provisions of the annual permit, TDLR rules and regulations, FMCSA regulations, and other applicable law.(c)No permit shall be transferred or assigned from any person to another. When any change of ownership or change of controlling interest occurs, the prior permit shall be null and void unless amendment is approved by the director in writing. (Ord. No. 24-2174, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Denton Police Department's Regulatory Services division licenses non-consent towing under City Code Ch. 23, Art. IV. A tow company needs a Tow Company Permit (TCP), each truck needs a Tow Truck Permit (TTP), and each driver needs a Tow Operator Permit (TOP): plus proof of TDLR licensing, garage liability insurance (at least $500,000/$2,000,000), and garagekeeper's liability insurance naming the city as additional insured. Permits run through September 30 each year and require a Denton vehicle storage facility.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unpermitted tow company, truck, or operator is a separate offense for each day violated, punishable by a fine up to $500 per Local Government Code Ch. 54.001; DPD can also suspend or revoke permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denton's towing permit rule cover tows I request myself?
Who issues Denton's tow permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
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