Tow Trucks

Find your occupation to see if it is included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme. If it is included, you will find information to help you notify the relevant regulator and begin work in NSW.

Occupations which are exempt or not included in the AMR scheme may be included at a future date.

Last updated: 24 June 2024

Scrap Metal Exemption Authority

Activities under this authority will not be included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.

Interstate licensees need to apply to the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, for a scrap metal exemption. 

Tow Truck Driver Certificate 

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

Tow Truck Driver Certificate holders can drive, use, operate, or assist in the use or operation of a licensed tow truck. The certificate enables the public to identify that you are authorised to tow their vehicle.

Find more information about Driver Certification at NSW Fair Trading.

How to comply with NSW laws 

Tow truck drivers must display their home-state certificate/licence while working in NSW under AMR. 

Notify the regulator 

Interstate tow truck drivers and operators are required to notify the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR.

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.

Notify the regulator

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification.

Tow Truck Operators Licence – Category A 

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

You must hold a Tow Truck Operator Licence to carry on the business involving the operation of any tow truck for the purposes of towing motor vehicles, in this case for accident and breakdown/trade tow.

If you want to operate a tow truck business as a sole trader you must hold an Operator Licence.

Find more information about Operator Licences at NSW Fair Trading.

How to comply with NSW laws 

Tow truck operators working in NSW under AMR will be issued with identifying signage, which must be displayed at all times. 

Notify the regulator 

Interstate tow truck drivers and operators are required to notify the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR.

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.

Notify the regulator  

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification.

Tow Truck Operators Licence – Category B 

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

You must hold a Tow Truck Operator Licence to carry on the business involving the operation of any tow truck for the purposes of towing motor vehicles, in this case for breakdown/trade tow. 

If you want to operate a tow truck business as a sole trader you must hold an Operator Licence. 

Find more information about Operator Licences at NSW Fair Trading.

How to comply with NSW laws 

Tow truck operators working in NSW under AMR will be issued with identifying signage, which must be displayed at all times. 

Notify the regulator 

Interstate tow truck drivers and operators are required to notify the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR.

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.

Notify the regulator 

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification. 

Tow Truck Operators Licence – Category B Restricted

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

You must hold a Tow Truck Operator Licence to carry on the business involving the operation of any tow truck for the purposes of towing motor vehicles, in this case for scrap work.

If you want to operate a tow truck business as a sole trader you must hold an Operator Licence.

Find more information about Operator Licences at NSW Fair Trading.

How to comply with NSW laws 

Tow truck operators working in NSW under AMR will be issued with identifying signage, which must be displayed at all times. 

Notify the regulator 

Interstate tow truck drivers and operators are required to notify the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR.

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.

Notify the regulator  

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification.

Tow Truck Operators Licence – Category C Prohibited Tow Trucks 

Activities under this occupation are included in the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme in NSW.  

Included activities

See below the licensed activities included under this type of licence in NSW. This should be used as a guide to align the activities a person is licensed to do in their home state with the activities they wish to carry out in NSW.

You must hold a Tow Truck Operator Licence to carry on the business involving the operation of any tow truck for the purposes of towing motor vehicles, in this case with a vehicle exempted under Clause 53(2) of the Regulation. 

If you want to operate a tow truck business as a sole trader you must hold an Operator Licence.

Find more information about the Prohibited Tow Truck Policy and Operator Licences at NSW Fair Trading.

How to comply with NSW laws 

Tow truck operators working in NSW under AMR will be issued with identifying signage, which must be displayed at all times. 

Notify the regulator 

Interstate tow truck drivers and operators are required to notify the regulator, NSW Fair Trading, of their intention to work in NSW under AMR. 

The link to notify the regulator will take you to the Service NSW website where you can complete your notification.  

Notify the regulator 

You can update your notification details or complete the outstanding actions on your notification. Outstanding actions are where you have been asked to clarify information provided in your notification.

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