Storage Lot Operator

HPDADD1013
Plan Review
Not Required
Inspection
Not Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
$81.37
Renewal fee
$68.75
Valid Period
1 year
Processing Time
1 hour
APPLY QUESTIONS
Houston Police Department

Physical Address:
1002 Washington Ave., Basement
Houston, TX 77002

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3408
Houston, TX 77253-3408

832.394.4801
8 am to 4 pm

About

Storage Lot Operator permit is for a person that works at a non-consent storage lot releasing vehicles that were towed to the owner.

After Approval

Permit must be kept on premises.

An annual, non-scheduled, unannounced inspection can be conducted at anytime to ensure compliance.

Renewal invoices are sent 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date.

Conditions & Exceptions

If the license is not renewed within 90 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply and pay initial fee cost.

What You Need
  • Salesman license application
  • Criminal background check - conducted at an IdentoGo site. 
  • Current Texas ID or government-issued ID
  • Passport-style photo no smaller than 1.5 inches by 2 inches
  • Current ID card or license number issued by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.
Apply in Person
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
  5. Pay the license fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor, and bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement.
  6. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a criminal background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  7. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
    • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
    • If approved, license will be processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
Apply by Mail
  1. Within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check, call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. If the background check passes, mail the application, supporting documents and payment (checks payable to the City of Houston) to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  3. The new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Conditions & Exceptions

Background check must be passed before permit or license can be issued.

What You Need
  • Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
  • Criminal background check - conducted at an IdentoGo site. 
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.
Renew in Person
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. Bring the invoice and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called
  5. Pay the license fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor, and bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement.
  6. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a criminal background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  7. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
    • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
    • If approved, license will be processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
Renew by Mail
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. If the background check passes, mail the invoice and payment (checks payable to the City of Houston) to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  3. The new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Conditions & Exceptions

Background check must be passed before permit or license can be issued.

If the license is not renewed within 90 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply as new and pay initial fee cost.

What You Need
  • Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
  • Criminal background check - conducted at an IdentoGo site. 
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.
Renew in Person
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. Bring the invoice and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  3. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  4. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called
  5. Pay the license fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor, and bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement.
  6. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a criminal background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  7. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
    • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
    • If approved, license will be processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
Renew by Mail
  1. Call the Auto Dealers Detail at 832.394.4800 within 48 to 72 hours after completing the background check to ensure the criminal history has been obtained.
  2. If the background check passes, mail the invoice and payment (checks payable to the City of Houston) to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  3. The new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Conditions & Exceptions

Background check must be passed before permit or license can be issued.

If the license is not renewed within 90 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply as new and pay initial fee cost.