Minneapolis, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License class
- Class A required for non-consent tows
- Surety bond
- $10,000 minimum
- Liability insurance
- $100,000/$300,000/$25,000 minimum
- Storage lot location
- Must be within city limits
- Police notice
- Immediate call after each tow
Summary
Minneapolis requires a Class A license, a $10,000 surety bond, and liability insurance before any company can tow a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent.
No person shall provide any motor vehicle service as described in any of the classifications in section 349.10 nor shall any person permit a service vehicle to be kept or maintained in the City of Minneapolis without being licensed under this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 349 of the city code, any business that tows, hauls, or pushes vehicles for compensation must hold a Class A, B, C, D, or E license from the licensing official before operating in Minneapolis. Class A licensees, who handle non-consent tows from private lots, must post a $10,000 surety bond, carry liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000/$25,000, keep the storage lot within city limits, and phone the police auto desk immediately after each tow with the vehicle description and storage location. Paying or receiving kickbacks to solicit a tow is separately banned under § 349.100.
Violations & Fines
Violations, including fraud on a license application, damaging vehicles through negligence, or failing to pay a judgment within 90 days, can lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the license under § 349.220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Minneapolis tow company store my car outside city limits?
Can a towing company pay a property owner to call them for tows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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