What is a vehicle storage facility (VSF)?

Are towing companies required to post a towing fees schedule at the VSF?

Who should obtain a license?

Are there any exceptions?

How do I apply?

What are the fees?

What are the insurance requirements?

How do I renew my VSF license?

How long is a VSF license valid?

Will I receive a renewal notice?

Is a VSF license transferable?

How do I avoid license expiration?

My VSF license was revoked, how do I re-register?

How do I make changes to my original VSF license application?

What does the Texas Administrative Code say about VSFs?

What is a vehicle storage facility (VSF)?

A vehicle storage facility is defined as a garage, parking lot, or any facility owned or operated by a person, other than a governmental entity, for storing or parking 10 or more vehicles per year, without the consent of the owners of the vehicles.

Are towing companies required to post a towing fees schedule at the VSF?

Yes. Towing companies that perform non-consent tows are required to post their towing fees schedule at all vehicle storage facilities to which vehicles are delivered. VSFs must make the schedules available to persons claiming vehicles.

Who should obtain a license?

A person may not operate a VSF unless the person holds a current VSF license issued by the Texas Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Division (TxDOT MCD). 

Are there any exceptions?

Provisions of the Vehicle Storage Facility Act do not apply to a vehicle parked or stored at a VSF with the consent of the vehicle's owner, nor to VSFs operated by persons licensed pursuant to the Texas Motor Vehicle Commission Code, Occupations Code, Chapter 2301. Additionally, VSFs operated by governmental entities are subject to the provisions relating to fees only. VSFs are responsible for providing proof regarding whether or not a particular vehicle was stored with the vehicle owner’s consent.

How do I apply?

• Complete Form 1894, Vehicle Storage Facility License Application, and return it to the Texas Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Division (TxDOT MCD). Applications may be submitted by fax (512-465-3521) or mail application to: TxDOT-Attn. MCD-BC, P.O. Box 12984, Austin TX 78711-2984.

• All applications for a VSF license shall be accompanied by the appropriate fees and proof of insurance (filed on a Form "T" from your insurance company). Faxed applications must include credit card payment information when fees are due.

What are the fees?

Original Application	$100
Renewal	$ 75

• Fees are payable by:

  • Credit card (a $1 processing fee will be charged)

  • Electronic funds transfer

  • Personal check, business check, cashier's check, or money order, made payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.

• All fees are non-refundable.

• Applications submitted by fax must include credit card payment information.

What are the insurance requirements?

• Proof of insurance coverage is to be submitted by your insurance company on a Form T, which must show the physical location of the vehicle storage facility.

• Insurance coverage is to be in an amount of not less than the amounts below:

VSF Storage Capacity	Coverage Amount for loss and damage to property of others
Not more than 50 vehicles	$9,000
51 to 99 vehicles	$18,000
100 or more vehicles	$25,000

• The VSF's insurance policy must be kept in full force and effect as long as the facility is operating. The VSF's insurance policy is to provide that the insurance company will give MCD 30 days prior written notice of any policy cancellation or expiration. MCD will cancel the license if the insurance has been canceled or has expired.

How do I renew my VSF license?

 A person whose vehicle storage facility is still in business and whose license is not renewed must file a Vehicle Storage Facility Supplemental Application to renew the expired license. The assigned expiration date will remain the same. The application must be accompanied by a fee of $100 and proof of insurance. 43 TAC §18.84 (e) (3).

How long is a VSF license valid?

A Vehicle Storage Facility license is valid for a period of one year from issuance.

Will I receive a renewal notice?

Renewal notices are mailed by MCD approximately 60 days before license expiration. 
Failure to receive the notice does not relieve the licensee of the responsibility to renew the VSF license. 

Is a VSF license transferable?

No. A VSF license is non-transferable.

How do I avoid expiration?

In order to avoid expiration, a renewal application and fee must be received by the MCD before the expiration date.

My VSF license was revoked, how do I re-register?

In order to re-register a vehicle storage facility license that has been revoked, the licensee must complete a Vehicle Storage Facility License Supplemental Application, file proof of  insurance, and pay the required fee.

How do I make changes to my original VSF license application?

Use the Vehicle Storage Facility License Supplemental Application to:

• Cancel a license

• File a name change (no change in ownership)

• File a corporate conversion

• File a change of address

• Change corporate officers/titles

• Change the storage capacity

• Renew a license.

What does the Texas Administrative Code say about VSFs?

The Texas Administrative Code prescribes specific requirements concerning vehicle owner notification, documentation and records, facility requirements, technical requirements, and fees. See these requirements for specific details. Information concerning penalties and sanctions are also included here.