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Auto Dealers Detail - Auto Theft Division
- UPDATE
- Pursuant to Department of Public Safety (DPS) protocol, effective immediately, all new applicants who wish to apply for an automotive related license with the Houston Police Department Auto Dealers Detail must first submit an application in person prior to getting their fingerprints done with IdentoGo. Please contact the Auto Dealers Detail for any questions you may have regarding this change.
- 2022 PPSLA
- The 2021 revised Police Private Storage Lot Agreement (PPSLA) can be found here. Auto Dealers Detail has prepared a Power Point presentation to assist you in filling out the PPSLA. Call Auto Dealers at (832) 394-4800 if you have any questions.
- 2021 PATSA
- The 2021 revised Police Authorized Tow Service Agreement can be found here. Auto Dealers has prepared a Power Point presentation to assist you in filling out the PATSA. Call Auto Dealers at (832) 394-4800 if you have any questions.
The primary objective of the Auto Dealers Detail is to regulate, inspect, and license automotive businesses and salespersons, oversee the towing and storage industry, dispose of vehicles abandoned in storage facilities, and to administer agreements with storage lots and towing companies that service the police department. Another goal of the unit is to ensure that the automotive industry complies with the many laws that govern their operations and to ensure consumer protection. The Auto Dealers Detail is devoted to working cooperatively with all of its customers seeking creative and innovative ideas to continually provide excellent quality customer service.
Created in 1945, the unit licenses a variety of automotive related trades including car dealerships and salespersons, repair shops, salvage yards, storage lots, tow truck drivers, paid parking lots, and auto parts stores. Each of these trades must meet their own unique licensing requirements and comply with business specific federal and state laws and city ordinances. To learn more, go to Business Licenses or Individual Licenses. All license applications are subject to the approval, of the City of Houston Automotive Board.
Link to schedule appointments. https://cohcal.cxmflow.com/AppWizard/AppHome.aspx
The Houston Police Department conducts the public auction of unclaimed vehicles in state licensed vehicle storage facilities as required by Chapter 683 of the Texas Transportation Code. This process includes the notification of registered owners and lienholders of a pending sale and a notice of auction to the general public. For details go to Vehicle Auction.
The purpose of the TOW AND GO program is to save lives, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure that citizens are treated fairly by wrecker drivers. Citizens who have questions or complaints about the City’s TOW AND GO program should contact Auto Dealers Detail by phone or go to Contact Us. The TOW AND GO Motorist Bill of Rights link is below and is both in English and Spanish.
Motorist Guidelines
TOW AND GO Web Site
Regulation includes the investigation of complaints received on licensed and unlicensed businesses. To file a complaint with our office go to Contact Us.
Issues of the day!
When involved in a crash in the City of Houston, an important law to remember is that the tow truck operators role is to tow your vehicle per a police officers direction. The law forbids tow truck operators to solicit your business for towing, removing, or repairing any abandoned or disabled vehicle at a police scene by words, cards, or gestures until such time as a law enforcement officer has departed from the scene. Therefore, under this Ordinance, a tow truck operator will be in violation of the law if they should approach you offering, suggesting or requesting to have your vehicle taken to a body shop for the repair of your vehicle.
| Auto Dealers Detail | ||
| Hours of Operation: | 8 AM to 4 PM | |
| Phone: | (832) 394-4800 |
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| 24/7 Emergency Number: | (832) 394-4869 (HTOW) |
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| Fax: | (832) 394-4801 |
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| Address: | Houston Permitting Center 1002 Washington Ave. |
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| Mail: | PO Box 3408 Houston, TX 77253-3408 |
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| E-mail: | ||