Apply to perform involuntary tows in Massachusetts

Do you wish to perform involuntary tows, including police-ordered or trespass tows, in Massachusetts? First, you will need to get operating authority from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
All completed applications received each month will be scheduled for a public hearing on the second Tuesday of the next month.

Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division

The Details

What you need

Type of businessDocument(s) you will need to submit
An individual proprietorshipNone
An individual proprietorship operating under a d/b/aA certified copy of the business certificate filed with the city or town clerk
A partnershipA certified copy of the business certificate filed with the city or town clerk
A corporation incorporated in MassachusettsA certified copy of the articles of incorporation from the Massachusetts Secretary of State
A foreign corporation incorporated under the law of another stateA certified copy of foreign corporation approval to do business in Massachusetts from the Secretary of State and a certified copy of corporation papers from the home state

Fees

The Department now accepts online payments through Catalis or by mail.

  • $100 filing fee for the application
  • $40 for each vehicle identification decal

How to apply

You can submit your application to perform involuntary towing online and pay fees through Catalis. 

 Please include what attachments you have available.  You will also need to pay required fees through Catalis or by check or money order mailed to the Department.  Please note that paying fees by mail will delay processing.

More info

  • All completed applications received each month will be scheduled for a public hearing on the second Tuesday of the next month.
    • You will be notified by email the date and time of your hearing.
    • Your application must be complete to be scheduled for a hearing.
    • The principal owner of the business is required to attend the hearing.
    • You have 60 days following the date of the hearing to supply all of the documents needed to get DPU operating authority.
      • The required documents are provided below in the Required Documents section.
    • Every year, after obtaining your Department operating authority, you are required to submit:
      • Proof of insurance;
      • Renewal decal application (which you will receive by mail); and
      • An annual report which summarizes the revenue generated from involuntary tows and storage collected.

Required Documents

Along with your application, you are required to submit the following documents before the Department can grant operating authority:

  • Proof of registered business
  • Balance sheet
  • Certificate of insurance
  • Department decal application
    • There is a $40 fee per vehicle
  • Annual report

Downloads

Contact

Address
Department of Public Utilities Transportation Oversight Division
One South Station, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02110

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