Overview

Anyone who buys, sells, or collects scrap metal in England and Wales must have a valid scrap metal dealer licence from their local council.

There are two main types of scrap metal dealer licence:

Site Licence

You need this if you run a scrap metal business from a fixed site. It allows you to buy, sell, and move scrap metal to and from that site, even across council areas. Each site must have a named site manager. The licence must be clearly displayed at the site.

Collector’s (Mobile) Licence

You need this if you collect scrap metal but do not operate from a fixed site. You must have a separate licence for each council area where you collect.
The licence must be clearly displayed on any vehicle used for collecting scrap.

Who can apply

You can apply for a scrap metal dealer's licence if:

you collect scrap metal
you are a business that collects scrap metal
you keep scrap metal before selling it
you are a business that stores, buys, or sells scrap metal

Fees

The application fees for a 3 year licence are:

collector licence - £710
site licence - £920
replacement licence - £35

How to apply

You will need the following to complete this application:

environment agency permits and/or waste carrier licence
basic criminal records disclosure certificate - all applicants will require one of these. The certificate must be dated within 3 months of submitting your application and is available from GOV.UK
photographic ID - all applicants must present either a valid photocard driving licence or passport in person
evidence of home address - this can be a utility bill, council tax demand/statement, bank or credit card statement
evidence of bank details - confirming details supplied in the application e.g. bank statement

You will need to register for an account on our licencing website before you can apply.

Register now

If you already have an account, you can login and apply. You will be prompted to pay for your permit at the end of this application.

Login and apply now

Making changes to your licence

Licences must be renewed before they run out. If the renewal application is submitted before the licence expires, the business can keep collecting scrap metal without having to stop.

Change of name or address

You must tell us if you change your name or address so that your licence can be updated. You will need to write to us with your new details and your current licence.

Scrap metal dealer licence