During the 2012 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, the Board of Towing and Recovery Operators (BTRO) was eliminated along with the towing regulations managed by BTRO. This action became effective on January 1, 2013.
However, certain responsibilities of BTRO will continue under the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). DCJS will be responsible for licensing of tow drivers only. Tow operators and companies will no longer be licensed or regulated by any state government entity. This does not impact any local governance or oversight of the towing industry.
Below is a summary of the legislative changes that are effective January 1, 2013:
A person licensed by BTRO and holding a valid driver authorization document (DAD) shall continue to be licensed in the same manner by DCJS. After January 1, 2013, initial and renewal driver applicants will make application for a towing license with DCJS. Tow companies and operators will no longer be required to be licensed.
Changes have been made in the criminal history requirements for drivers. The new requirements include, but are not limited to, conviction of a violent crime as defined in subsection C of Section 17.1-805 of the Code of Virginia, or a conviction of any crime involving the driving of a tow truck including drug or alcohol offenses, but not traffic infraction convictions. A person required to register as a sex offender will continue to not qualify for a towing license.
These are the exemptions from DCJS licensing as a tow driver; driving for a franchised motor vehicle dealer as defined by Section 46.2-1500 of the Code of Virginia; using a tow truck owned by a dealer when transporting a vehicle to or from a repair facility owned by the dealer; towing when the dealer does not receive compensation from the vehicle owner for towing of the vehicle; or when transporting a vehicle in which the dealer has an ownership or security interest. All other persons driving a tow truck will be required to hold a towing license with DCJS.
Applications may be submitted to the Department using one of the following options:
In-person at the Washington Building, 1100 Bank St., Richmond, VA 23219 (you may use the secure drop box located inside the main entrance)
Regular mail to this address: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, ATTN: Tow Truck Driver Registration , P.O. Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218
Fax at 804-786-6344 (applications must have the Credit Card Authorization Form attached for processing)
Use this application to apply for an initial driver's authorization document.
Complete this application in its entirety, including attaching a completed fingerprint card (no copies and must show a current date) for a Federal criminal background check (Card No. FD-258). DO NOT LEAVE ANY BLANKS. Processing will be delayed for incomplete application and/or missing fingerprint card.
Please print or type all answers, do not use pencil, make sure application is signed and dated, and retain a copy for your records.
Additional information may be requested after receipt of and review of the application and any attachments.
Include a contact phone number where you can be easily reached.
All fees are nonrefundable. Enclose a check or money order made payable to the "Treasurer of Virginia" in the amount of $137.00. You may also pay by credit card as provided in this application.
Mail the completed application, fingerprint card for a Federal criminal background check (Card No. FD-258), and $137 payment to the Department of Criminal Justice Services, ATTN: Tow Truck Driver Registration, PO Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218.
Applications may be submitted to the Department using one of the following options:
In-person at the Washington Building, 1100 Bank St., Richmond, VA 23219 (you may use the secure drop box located inside the main entrance)
Regular mail to this address: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, ATTN: Tow Truck Driver Registration , P.O. Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218
Fax at 804-786-6344 (applications must have the Credit Card Authorization Form attached for processing)
Use this application when applying to renew a current valid driver's authorization document. Submit this form and required documents 45 days in advance of the current license expiration.
Complete this application in its entirety, including attaching a completed fingerprint card (no copies and must bear a current date) for a Federal criminal background check (Card No. FD-258). DO NOT LEAVE ANY BLANKS. Processing will be delayed for incomplete application and/or missing fingerprint card.
Please print or type all answers, do not use pencil, make sure application is signed and dated, and retain a copy for your records.
Additional information may be requested after receipt of and review of the application and any attachments.
Include a contact phone number where you can be easily reached.
All fees are nonrefundable. Enclose a check or money order made payable to the "Treasurer of Virginia" in the amount of $137.00. You may also pay by credit card as provided in this application.
Mail the completed application, fingerprint card for a Federal criminal background check (Card No. FD-258), and $137 payment to the Department of Criminal Justice Services, ATTN: Tow Truck Driver Registration, PO Box 1300, Richmond, VA 23218.
