POLICE Department

Auto Dealers Detail - Auto Theft Division



Archived Updates
  • The 2023 Non-Consent Tow Rates are: $207.50 for Regular and $316.00 for Heavy-Duty. Please note there is a 2-hour minimum for Heavy-Duty Tows.

  • 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.



The 2021 PATSA is due in Auto Dealers by November 1, 2021, at the close of business. The three major changes are as follows:

  • Only workers' compensation insurance is acceptable
  • Cargo on hook insurance has been raised to $100,000
  • Only the name of the tow company can be on the front door of the wrecker.

  • This must be completed upon submission of the PATSA.




    • New PPSLA contract and ordinance changes:
    • After the industry meetings in June, Auto Dealers received feedback. Some changes to the PPSLA and Chapter 8 were made in response to the feedback. Please review the proposed revisions. A video was made highlighting the changes. You can view the video here: Bit.ly/PPSLASeptRevisions.
    • For information regarding the upcoming PPSLA contract and ordinance changes, please click on the following video links.
    • Ordinance Revision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAmCdMTPrZc
    • PPSLA: https://youtu.be/Tb2etE0n5Cc

    • After watching the videos and reviewing the documents, please email any questions, comments, or concerns to hpd.autodealers@houstonpolice.org. We will not be responding to individual emails. However, the Auto Dealers Detail will host question and answer sessions via Microsoft TEAMS and in-person meetings tentatively scheduled for June 15th and June 16th to address the questions, comments and concerns we receive.

      Please ensure that your email address on file is current, as we will be sending out meeting information to existing contract holders as soon as the dates/times are finalized. You will not need to download the TEAMS app to join a virtual meeting. You can access a meeting using a computer or a phone.

    • Auto Dealers Detail
      Phone:  (832) 394-4800
      E-mail: HPD.AutoDealers@HoustonPolice.org

      PPSLA_Revision_9-2021.pdf | PPSLA_CODE_AMENDMENTS_REDLINE_5.12.21.pdf

    • New PATSA contract and ordinance changes:
      For information regarding the upcoming PATSA contract and ordinance changes, please click on the following video links.
      Ordinance Revision: https://youtu.be/AAvhXSSjKfU
      PATSA: https://youtu.be/Tb2etE0n5Cc

        The following Q&A sessions will be held virtually next week via Microsoft Teams Meeting. 
      • Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 1:00pm CST
      • Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 9:00am CST
      • Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6:00pm CST
      • Monday, March 8, 2021 at 9:00am CST
      • Monday, March 8, 2021 at 1:00pm CST
      • The meeting invites will be sent to all PATSA holders and all private property tow companies. Please ensure we have your correct email address on file.  Contact Auto Dealers Detail if you have any additional questions.   

      • Auto Dealers Detail
        Phone:  (832) 394-4800
        E-mail: HPD.AutoDealers@HoustonPolice.org

        2020_PATSA.11.23.20-DRAFT | PATSACODE12.15.20(DRAFT)


    • Auto Dealers will be closed on Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16 due to anticipated severe weather. All appointments will be rescheduled. The office will resume normal officer hours on Wednesday, February 17.

    • Pursuant to the City of Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 8-123 (d)(1), the City will conduct a rate review of non-consent tow rates in 2021, as requested by tow operators performing non-consent tows in Houston. As a result, the 2020 non-consent tow rates will remain in effect until the new rates are established.

      NON-CONSENT TOWS (OTHER THAN PRIVATE PROPERTY TOWS)

      The following rates for non-consent and heavy duty tows shall remain in effect as of January 1, 2021

      NON-CONSENT TOW RATES (OTHER THAN PRIVATE PROPERTY TOWS)
      Non-consent tows $174.00
      Heavy duty tows $264.50 per hour, 2-hour minimum
    • Effective January 1, 2021

      Effective January 1, 2021 – the 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase is 0.2764%. Revised fees affected by this CPI increase will reflect in the City of Houston Fee Schedule. Beginning in 2021, the Houston Police Department will no longer post abandoned vehicle notices in the Houston Chronicle. New legal notices of abandoned vehicles will be posted in the Daily Court Review.

    • COVID-19 UPDATE

      In light of the circumstances we are facing with COVID-19, the Auto Dealers Detail has made changes to how we operate to keep the public and our staff safe.  At this time, the Houston Permitting Center is limiting the number of people in the building to those with appointments. 

      To lower the risk of exposure, we will be accepting applications via mail to provide applicants an alternative method of acquiring required licenses.

      Please complete the appropriate application form for your license type.  Please print, sign, and submit the completed application along with all required documents and payment.  The application will  not be accepted with any scratch outs or crossed out information and must include payment.  Only business checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders will be accepted forms of payment; be sure to include your full name and driver’s license number on your payment.

      HPD Auto Dealers Detail
      Attn: Application Processing
      P.O. Box 3408
      Houston, TX 77253-3408

      Application forms can be found on our website here.  Additional information including required documents for each specific license type can be found on the Houston Permitting Center’s website here.
      If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please call (832) 394-4800 or email us at HPD.AutoDealers@HoustonPolice.org.

      As our current situation is constantly evolving, please continue to monitor our website for additional information. 




    Auto Dealers Detail
    Hours of Operation: 8 AM to 4 PM
    Phone:
    (832) 394-4800
    24/7 Emergency Number:
    (832) 394-4869 (HTOW)
    Fax:
    (832) 394-4801
    Address:
    Houston Permitting Center
    1002 Washington Ave.
    Mail:
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
    E-mail: