Everett, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual license fee
- $100
- Insurance minimum
- $100,000 combined limit
- Storage facility location
- Within 2 miles of city
- Unlicensed towing penalty
- Up to $1,000 / 90 days
- New-applicant fee
- $50 investigation fee
Summary
Everett requires tow truck companies to hold a city license, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and keep an in-city storage yard before towing any vehicle.
It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and/or imprisonment for not more than ninety days, for any person, corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business entity to operate a towing business or towing service within the corporate limits of the city without having a valid and current license therefor issued by the city. Such license shall not be transferable, and upon a sale or transfer of the towing business, a new license must be obtained as provided in this chapter. The fact that the operation of any tow truck is ancillary to the operation of any other business shall not exempt such operation from the licensing requirements of this chapter. The license required by this chapter is in addition to a general business license required by this code and the regulations established in this chapter are supplemental to the general licensing requirements of this code. (Ord. 1830-91 § 2, 1991.)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC Chapter 5.70 makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail, to operate a towing business within Everett, Washington's city limits without a current, nontransferable city license, on top of any general business license. Applicants pay a $100 annual fee plus a $50 investigation fee for new licenses (EMC 5.70.030, .050), and must carry at least $100,000 combined single-limit liability insurance plus $50,000 minimum coverage for vehicles in their custody (EMC 5.70.040). Licensees must maintain a secure storage facility located within the city or within two linear miles of it (EMC 5.70.090), and the city clerk may deny, suspend or revoke a license for fraud, lapsed insurance, or unlicensed drivers.
Violations & Fines
Towing vehicles in Everett without a current city towing license is a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail under EMC 5.70.020, on top of license suspension or revocation for insurance or recordkeeping lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tow truck companies need a separate license in Everett?
How much insurance must an Everett towing company carry?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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