Wrecker Driver - Private Property

A Wrecker Driver is any person who drives an auto wrecker and performs non-consent tows at the request or authorization of a police officer or property owner or their designee.

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 License is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply and must pay initial fee cost.

• What You Need
• Apply in Person

• Wrecker License Application
• Criminal background check - The background check is conducted at an IdentoGo site.
• Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails sent from the state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
• Current Texas Driver’s License
• Current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation card or print out from TDLR
• Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.

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 will review 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

• Application for Wrecker License
• Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
• Criminal background check - The background check is conducted at an IdentoGo site.
• Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails sent from state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
• Current Texas Driver’s License
• Current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation card or print out from TDLR
• Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.

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.

A background check must be passed before license is issued.

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

• What You Need
• Renew in Person
• Conditions & Exceptions

• Application for Wrecker License
• Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
• Criminal background check - The background check is conducted at an IdentoGo site.
• Five panel drug test from a state approved laboratory - Only the original report or emails sent from state laboratory will be accepted. Please email drug test reports to [email protected].
• Current Texas Driver’s License
• Current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation card or print out from TDLR
• Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.

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.

A background check must be passed before license is issued.

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