Metal dealer's licence

A metal dealer is someone who runs a business buying or selling metal including gold and silver. 

The law is changing and if you run a business as a motor salvage operator recovering salvageable parts from motor vehicles for re-use or sale and selling or disposing of the rest of the vehicle for scrap or buying significantly damaged motor vehicles and subsequently repairing and reselling them you may require a metal dealer’s licence. If you require a licence you will need to apply by 1 June 2016.

If you currently hold a metal dealer’s licence the law is amended to provide forms of payment that may be accepted by you. The only acceptable ways in which payment can be made are either bank transfer or cheque. Cash cannot be used as a method of payment.

The way in which you keep your records is also changing. You are required to keep records of metal acquired (whether or not for value) or processed or disposed of (by any means). These requirements now include recording the details of the person the metal was acquired from or disposed of by sale or exchange and documents used to verify the name and address of that person. Records must be kept for a period of three years.

How to apply

Apply for Metal dealer's licence

If you already have a licence, you may wish to make changes to its terms, you can also do this online.

How the application is dealt with

If you haven't heard from us within 28 days please contact the Licensing and Registration office and we will let you know about your application's progress.

You must bring proof of identification when you collect your documents.

If someone else is collecting them for you, they must bring something in writing from you stating that you give your permission. This must be signed by you and give the details of the person who is collecting your documents. The signature on the letter will be compared with the signature on the application form. We will not accept an email.

Can anyone object?

Once we have your application there is a 28-day objection period. Your application will be copied and sent to Police Scotland for any comments or objections they may have.

How much does it cost?

Full licence fee - £283.02