Apply for or renew a scrap metal dealer licence

If you’re collecting, buying or selling scrap, you must hold a scrap metal dealer licence.

There are 2 types of licence:

• a site licence, which allows you to operate a site and collect any scrap relevant to that site
• a collector's licence, which allows you to collect scrap only within the authority area that it was issued

Licences are valid for 3 years.

You're exempt from needing a licence if you:

• make articles and sell scrap metal only as a by-product of the articles you make (or as surplus materials not required for making the articles)
• deal in gold, silver or any alloy of which 2% or more is gold or silver

A tax check confirms that you’re registered for tax.

You'll need to complete a tax check if you:

• are renewing a scrap metal site or collector's licence
• have held a scrap metal licence in the previous 12 months
• have held a scrap metal licence with another council

Visit GOV.UK to complete a tax check for a scrap metal licence.

After you have completed the tax check, you'll be given a 9 character tax check code. You'll need to provide this code on your licence application or we will not grant your licence.

New applicants must confirm that they are aware of the HMRC guidance about their tax obligations. The guidance is available on the following websites:

• https://www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment
• https://www.gov.uk/corporation-tax
• https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/how-you-pay-income-tax

Schedule 23 to Finance Act 2011 (Data Gathering Powers) and Schedule 36 to Finance Act 2008 (Information and Inspection Powers), grant HMRC powers to obtain relevant information from third parties. This includes licensing bodies being required to provide information about licence applicants.

To apply or renew, you’ll need to submit:

• an application for a scrap metal licence PDF, 267KB
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check issued within the last month
• a passport photograph with your application (scrap metal collector's licence only)

Post to:

Licensing Department
The Gateway
Gatehouse Road
Aylesbury
HP19 8FF

Once you've completed the application form, you'll need to pay for your application online.

You'll need to make sure you input the correct fee for your application type.

You should contact [email protected] in the first instance if you'd like to appeal the decision of your application.

If you carry out a business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence, you may be fined up to £5,000.

This is in line with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

If you want to change your licence type or licence holder details, you can apply to make changes to an existing licence.

If you need help with your application, email [email protected]. We offer an application assistance service for £94.