Start a tow truck business in Ontario
What do I need to start a tow truck business in Ontario?
An Ontario towing business needs the appropriate provincial certification. The tow operator, tow driver and vehicle storage operator certificates are separate. Registering a business alone does not authorize towing.
Where to begin
- Choose the required certificates: operator for the towing business, driver if you will drive, and storage operator if you will provide vehicle storage. Review eligibility before paying for training or applying.
- For the operator application, arrange the applicable CVOR or NSC, required insurance, vehicle safety compliance, and Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks for the applicant and applicable corporate officers/directors.
- If driving, meet the licence, background-check and approved training requirements for the driver certificate. If providing storage, prepare storage locations and the required insurance for that certificate.
- Apply or renew online through Ontario’s towing and vehicle-storage certificate page, using the individual/sole-proprietor name or corporate legal name as applicable.
- Before opening a yard, check local zoning and property permissions with the municipality. Provincial towing certification does not settle site-specific municipal permissions.
Before you open the official service
- Whether you will operate, drive and/or store vehicles
- CVOR or qualifying NSC, insurance information and required record checks
- Business structure and municipality for registration and local premises checks
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Use the certificate-specific insurance and eligibility rules. The general small-business guide is not a substitute for towing requirements.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
ontario.ca · Official websiteOntario — Get a towing or vehicle storage certificateOntario has separate tow operator, tow driver and vehicle storage operator certificates. A certificate is required to provide towing or vehicle storage services under the TSSEA; the official page lists exemptions. Tow operators require a valid Ontario CVOR or, where applicable, NSC; commercial vehicle safety compliance; required insurance; and a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check for the applicant and applicable corporate officers and directors. Tow drivers need at least a valid G licence, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check issued within 90 days and approved mandatory training, subject to the published eligibility restrictions. Apply or renew online using the official certificate page. Use the individual/sole-proprietor name or corporate legal business name, as applicable. Storage applications include all storage locations and insurance information.Checked
bizpal.ca · Official websiteBizPaL — Find permits for a business activity and locationBizPaL finds permits and licences by business activity and municipality. Confirm site-specific zoning and property permissions with the issuing local authority.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.