Motor Salvage Operator/Scrap Metal Dealer Registration

To be a motor salvage operator or scrap metal dealer, you need to register with your local authority.

A person is a motor salvage operator if they:

recover for reuse or sale, in whole or in part, salvageable parts from motor vehicles and sell or otherwise dispose of the rest of the vehicle
mainly or wholly buy written-off vehicles and repair and resale the same vehicle
mainly or wholly sell or buy motor vehicles that are to be subject to any of the two activities above
carry out activities that fall under the latter two points above

Eligibility criteria

The local authority may refuse to consider an application or renewal if the applicant is considered as not being a ‘fit and proper’ person to carry on the business of a motor salvage operator either at the time of application or for the duration of the three-year period.

What the law says

Application evaluation process

We shall, on receiving an application under subsection (1) in respect of the register for their area, register, or (as the case may be) renew the registration of, the applicant in that register unless they are satisfied that he is not a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator.

We will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a renewal is refused twe do not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.

If we intend to refuse an application or cancel a registration we must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what we are proposing to do, the reasons for it and the period during which the person may make representations. This period must not be less than 14 days and starts from the date of service of the notice.

A notice will be served detailing our decision as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.

How long will it take you to process my application?

We aim to process your application within 28 days of receiving it. Please contact us if you have not heard from us by the end of this period. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by using the contact details on this page.

How to apply

Can I appeal if my application is refused?

Please contact us in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence or wants to object to a condition on the licence can appeal to their local magistrates' court within 21 days of receiving notice of the decision.

Complaints about motor salvage operators or scrap metal dealers

If you wish to complain that a motor salvage operator or scrap metal dealer is causing a nuisance such as noise, or if you believe that there has been a breach of licence conditions, please contact us. If you are in the UK, you can also contact Consumer Direct who will give you advice. From outside the UK please contact the UK European Consumer Centre.