Tow Truck Operator / Business Licence Application — NSW, VIC, QLD

Issuing authority

NSW Fair Trading / Transport Victoria (Department of Transport and Planning) / QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)

Official source

How to apply

1. Determine the applicable licence category for your business: NSW — Category A (accident and breakdown/trade tow), Category B (breakdown/trade tow), or Category B-Restricted (scrap/dismantling); VIC — Accident Tow Truck Operator/Depot Manager accreditation; QLD — Tow Truck Operator Accreditation under the tow truck licensing scheme.
2. Ensure at least one nominated driver holds a current Tow Truck Driver Certificate (NSW) or equivalent driver accreditation (VIC/QLD) before lodging the operator application.
3. NSW: log in to the NSW Fair Trading / Service NSW portal and complete the online Tow Truck Operator Licence application; upload supporting documents including photo ID, National Police Check certificates for all authorised persons, public liability insurance certificate, business registration documents, vehicle registration and on-hook insurance, and (for Category A) holding yard photographs and proof of ownership.
4. VIC: download the Accident Tow Truck Operator/Depot Manager Accreditation application form from transport.vic.gov.au/business/tow-truck-operators, complete and submit with supporting documents to the Department of Transport and Planning — existing licences cannot be created new and must generally be purchased/transferred from a current licence holder.
5. QLD: complete Form F4644 (Tow Truck Licence Application) and lodge at a TMR customer service centre or authorised Queensland Government Agency Program Office, with fees paid per tow truck at lodgement.
6. Pay the applicable operator licence fees — NSW fees depend on region (metro/country), duration (1, 3, or 5 years), and licence category; VIC and QLD fees are listed on the respective department websites and are indexed annually (QLD increased 3.4% from 1 July 2026).
7. Allow the assessment period to complete — NSW applications take up to 10–12 weeks; VIC and QLD timeframes depend on completeness of application.
8. Display your operator licence/accreditation as required and ensure all vehicles and drivers remain compliant with ongoing obligations.

Related topics

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• National Police Check
• Firearms Licence Application
• Liquor Licence Application
• Food Business Registration