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Washington, DC Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Required endorsement
Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair
Issuing agency
Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Rule violation penalty
Misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail
Operating rules authority
Mayor, via Title 16 DCMR

Summary

Tow truck operators in Washington, D.C. no longer get a standalone license; they must carry a Basic Business License with a Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair endorsement to legally run a towing business.

(j) (1) The following licenses are eliminated as separate license categories: ... (H) Tow Truck. (2) Businesses meeting the criteria established by law or regulation for the establishments listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall receive a Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair license endorsement.

View official code

Full Breakdown

D.C. Code § 47-2851.03a eliminated "Tow Truck" as its own license category and folded it into the Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair endorsement under the Basic Business License system run by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Under § 47-2851.02, no one may operate that business in the District without first obtaining the basic license and endorsement. Separately, § 47-2850 lets the Mayor issue detailed operating rules for the towing trade, and breaking those rules is a misdemeanor carrying a fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Violations & Fines

Running a tow truck business without the Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair endorsement violates § 47-2851.02; violating the Mayor's towing rules under § 47-2850 is a misdemeanor, fine plus up to 90 days imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does D.C. issue a separate tow truck license?
No. Tow truck businesses were moved off the standalone license list and now need a Basic Business License with a Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair endorsement instead.
What happens if a towing company breaks D.C.'s towing rules?
It's a misdemeanor under D.C. Code § 47-2850, punishable by a fine plus up to 90 days in jail per violation.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington

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All Washington rules

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