Tennessee Tow Truck License Requirements (2026)
The Short Answer
In Tennessee, towing is regulated by the Tennessee DOSHS. City tow permits; no statewide license. A CDL is only required when the truck plus towed vehicle exceeds 26,001 lbs GVWR.
Tennessee operators lose weeks to the wrong paperwork order. This is the full TN license checklist, from federal registration down to city permits.
Required in Tennessee
- Tennessee LLC or corporation registration
- Federal EIN
- USDOT number (10,001+ lbs GVWR commercial operation)
- Tennessee DOSHS: City tow permits; no statewide license
- Proof of insurance filed with the state where required
- City or county tow permits in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville
CDL Thresholds
| Combined GVWR | License needed |
|---|---|
| Under 26,001 lbs | Standard TN driver's license |
| 26,001+ lbs, single unit | Class B CDL |
| 26,001+ lbs with 10,000+ lb towed unit | Class A CDL |
The Combination Trap
An F-550 flatbed at 19,500 GVWR carrying an 8,000 lb SUV is fine. Add a dolly-towed second vehicle and you can cross 26,001 lbs — CDL territory, even though the truck alone is not.
Driver-Level Requirements in Tennessee
- DOT medical card for every commercial driver
- Clean MVR — insurers in TN decline drivers with recent major violations
- Drug and alcohol testing enrollment if CDL drivers are on payroll
- Background check where Tennessee or the local police rotation requires it
Renewals and Deadlines
- USDOT biennial update — free, but the number is deactivated if missed
- UCR fee annually in most states
- Tennessee tow authority renewal, typically annual
- Local permits renew on the city's fiscal calendar, not yours
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CDL to drive a tow truck in Tennessee?
Only when the truck plus the towed vehicle exceeds 26,001 lbs combined GVWR.
Does Tennessee require a state tow license?
City tow permits; no statewide license, administered by the Tennessee DOSHS.
Do I need a USDOT number for intrastate towing?
Most states, including Tennessee, require USDOT registration for commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs even without crossing state lines.
How much do the licenses cost?
Typically $50–$600 total in state and local fees, plus your LLC filing. USDOT itself is free.
What happens if I tow without the permit?
Fines, impound of the wrecker, and disqualification from Tennessee police rotation lists for a set period.
Related Guides
Derek Halston
Independent tow operator with 12+ years running light- and medium-duty wreckers on motor club and private property impound work, and the lead instructor at Tow Truck Pro Academy.