Wrecker Driver - Incident Management

A Wrecker Driver - Incident Management permit is for any person who drives an auto wrecker and performs non-consent tow services on a public road, highway, freeway or private property at the request of a police officer.

Permit must be kept on premises.

An annual, non-scheduled, unannounced inspection can be conducted at anytime to ensure compliance.

Renewal invoices are sent 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date.

If the Wrecker Driver - Incident Management permit is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, applicant will have to re-apply as new and pay initial fee cost.

• What You Need
• Apply in Person

• Wrecker License application
• Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails from the state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
• Current copy of Certificate of Liability insurance
  • Automotive liability for $1 million
  • Cargo on hook for $50,000
  • Occupational safety or workman’s compensation
  • Owner of the business needs to be covered with City of Houston as Certificate Holder
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
  3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
  5. Pay the license fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor, and bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement.
  6. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a criminal background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  7. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
     • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
     • If approved, license will be processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
  • What You Need
  • Renew in Person
  • Conditions & Exceptions
  • Wrecker License application
  • Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails from the state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
  • Current copy of Certificate of Liability insurance
    • Automotive liability for $1 million
    • Cargo on hook for $50,000
    • Occupational safety or workman’s compensation
    • Owner of the business needs to be covered with City of Houston as Certificate Holder
    1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within in 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
    2. If the background check passes, bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
    3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
    4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
    5. Pay the renewal fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor.
    6. Bring the receipt back to Auto Dealers station in the basement to receive the new license.

    If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

    Conditions & Exceptions

    A background check must be passed before license is issued.

    If license is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, applicant will have to re-apply as new and pay initial fee cost.

    • What You Need
    • Renew in Person
    • Conditions & Exceptions
    • Wrecker License application
    • Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails from the state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
    • Current copy of Certificate of Liability insurance
      • Automotive liability for $1 million
      • Cargo on hook for $50,000
      • Occupational safety or workman’s compensation
      • Owner of the business needs to be covered with City of Houston as Certificate Holder
      1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within in 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
      2. If the background check passes, bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
      3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
      4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
      5. Pay the renewal fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor.
      6. Bring the receipt back to Auto Dealers station in the basement to receive the new license.

      If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

      Conditions & Exceptions

      A background check must be passed before license is issued.

      If license is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, applicant will have to re-apply as new and pay initial fee cost.