How to Renew Your Texas Tow Operator License (2026)
To renew a Texas tow truck operator license, you must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (CE) each renewal cycle, then renew and pay your state fee at TDLR. The 4 hours must include 1 hour of roadway safety, 1 hour of Texas towing law & rules, and 2 hours of industry-related topics(16 TAC 86.250). Here's exactly how it works, and how to knock out the CE part online.
The 3 steps
1Complete your 4 hours of continuing education
Take a TDLR-approved 4-hour tow operator CE course covering roadway safety, Texas towing law and rules, and industry topics, for example, online at TowingRenewal.com. It's self-paced with no exam.
2Your provider reports the completion to TDLR
An approved provider reports your CE completion directly to TDLR, so it's on file when you renew.
3Renew your license and pay the state fee at TDLR
Log in at tdlr.texas.gov to complete your tow operator license renewal and pay the state renewal fee. The CE is a prerequisite; the renewal itself is handled by the state.
Do your 4-hour CE now, online
TowingRenewal.com is TDLR CE Provider #2553 (Course #33203). The course is self-paced, mobile-friendly, has no exam, and we report your completion to TDLR for you.
Start your 4-hour CE courseFrequently asked questions
How many continuing education hours do Texas tow operators need?
Licensed Texas tow operators must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education each renewal cycle (16 TAC 86.250). The 4 hours must include 1 hour of roadway safety, 1 hour of Texas laws and rules regulating tow operators, and 2 hours of industry-related topics. Confirm the current requirement for your license type with TDLR.
What topics does the tow operator CE course have to cover?
By rule (16 TAC 86.250) the 4 hours must break down as: 1 hour roadway safety; 1 hour Texas laws and rules regulating towing operators (Occupations Code Ch. 2308 and 16 TAC Ch. 86); and 2 hours of industry-related topics such as driver safety, towing techniques, equipment operation and safety, and customer service and documentation. This course is built to that exact breakdown.
I have an Incident Management (IM) license. Does this course count for me?
First-time IM license renewals require an 8-hour in-person professional development course rather than the 4-hour online CE (verify current requirement at tdlr.texas.gov). This online 4-hour course serves Private Property (nonconsent) operators, Consent operators, and IM operators on subsequent renewals. If you are unsure which applies to you, confirm with TDLR before enrolling.
How often do I have to renew my Texas tow operator license?
Tow operator licenses are renewed through TDLR on the term shown on your license (verify your exact term and expiration at tdlr.texas.gov). Your continuing education must be completed within the license term before you renew.
Do I take an exam to complete the continuing education?
No. The 4-hour CE course is self-paced instruction with no exam. Once you finish the material your certificate is issued.
Does TowingRenewal.com report my completion to TDLR?
Yes. Completions are reported directly to TDLR (typically within 7 days), so your renewal isn't held up. Your certificate is available to download as soon as the one-time course fee is paid.
Is the course approved by TDLR?
Yes. TowingRenewal.com is TDLR CE Provider #2553, and this course is TDLR Course #33203.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes. The course is fully online and mobile-friendly, and your progress saves automatically across phone, tablet, and computer.
Do I have to pay before I finish the course?
No. You can start and complete the course first and pay the one-time fee any time, before, during, or after. Your certificate downloads and your completion is reported to TDLR as soon as payment is made.
When should I complete my continuing education?
Complete it before your TDLR renewal date rather than waiting until the deadline, so your completion is on file with TDLR when you renew. The course is self-paced and most people finish in a sitting or two.
How much does the Texas tow operator CE course cost?
It's a single one-time fee for the full 4-hour course, no subscription and no hidden charges. The exact price is shown before checkout and your price is locked once you enroll.
What does it cost to renew the license itself with the state?
TDLR charges its own tow operator license renewal fee, which is separate from the CE course fee and is paid at tdlr.texas.gov (verify the current amount at tdlr.texas.gov). The CE course is a prerequisite for renewal; the renewal and state fee are handled by TDLR.
The state license renewal and renewal fee are handled by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at tdlr.texas.gov. Continuing education is a prerequisite for renewal. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and deadlines for your license type with TDLR.