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Tow Truck Drivers

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides statutory oversight of individuals who drive a tow truck in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and DCJS is responsible for providing technical assistance to our constituents.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone: 804-367-0714

Email:    Contact (www.dcjs.virginia.gov/users/towing/contact)

** DCJS is responsible for the registration of tow truck drivers only. **

Apply for Tow Truck Driver Registration

  1. Login to www.dcjs.virginia.gov/online and click “Create New Account” and pay the applicable non-refundable fee.
  2. Schedule an appointment for fingerprints.  Schedule an appointment at www.fieldprintvirginia.com or call 877-614-4364.  DCJS will automatically be notified once you have been fingerprinted.

Tow truck drivers are required to have their tow truck driver registration document in their possession when driving a tow truck.   
NOTE:  It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to drive a tow truck without having a valid license or DCJS registration. This conviction will make you ineligible from obtaining a license again. Submission of an application does not grant authority to drive a tow truck. 

How do I apply for a Tow Truck Driver Registration?

Apply for a Tow Truck Driver Registration through our online application portal.  The total cost for the online application portion is $112. Once the online application is completed, you will receive instructions on how to have your fingerprints scanned through Fieldprint to complete the criminal background check.

Once I submit a Tow Truck Driver Registration Application, can I operate/drive a tow truck?

Submission of an application does not grant authority to drive a tow truck.  Tow truck drivers are required to have their tow truck driver registration document in their possession when driving a tow truck.  

How long does it take to process a completed Tow Truck Registration Application?

Once DCJS receives a completed application, we have to await the results of the Federal criminal history check before making a licensing decision. This can take up to 60 days.

Can I renew my expired registration card?

If your registration has expired, you must submit an Initial Application to obtain a new Tow Truck Driver Registration.

Can we submit one check or one credit card for the payment of multiple tow truck drivers?

Checks and money orders are not accepted.  A credit card may be used for the bulk processing of payments for multiple applicants. 

Why do I need to be fingerprinted at each renewal cycle?

The criminal history background check process is handled through the Virginia State Police and FBI using your fingerprints. In compliance with state and federal guidelines, fingerprints must be destroyed after processed.

Can I submit a paper application?

As of October 1, 2018, DCJS no longer accepts paper applications. Applications must be submitted through the online application portal. 

What might cause a delay in the processing of my Tow Truck Driver Registration Application?

A delay in processing may result from submitting an incomplete application or if the applicant delays getting their fingerprints submitted through Fieldprint. If the applicant completed their fingerprints at Fieldprint prior to submitting their online application, they must contact DCJS to move their application forward.

Are all convicted felons denied from obtaining a registration with the Department?

Persons that have been convicted of a felony are not automatically denied a Tow Truck Driver registration.  To review the criminal history background check requirements, please visit Section 17.1-805.C. of the Code of Virginia utilizing this link.   http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/17.1-805/

I have lost or damaged my Tow Truck Driver Registration Document, in addition to my address changing. How may I replace my card and change my address of record?

Changing an address or requesting a duplicate registration can be done by logging into your online account.  A change of address should be submitted within ten days of your change of address.  This assists us in our communications with applicants and registrants.

Are the registration fees refundable?

No.  All registration and form fees are nonrefundable. 

Can I verify a Tow Truck Driver Registration online?

Yes.  You may utilize this link for individual search: 
https://www.cms.dcjs.virginia.gov/GLSuiteWeb/Clients/VADCJS/Public/IndividualVerification/Search.aspx.  

I have a complaint against a tow and recovery operator (the business) and/or a tow truck driver. What can I do?

A consumer aggrieved may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General utilizing the link below.  
http://www.oag.state.va.us/files/ConsumerProtection/Towing_Complaint_Form.pdf