Apply for a scrap metal dealer or collectors licence

You must hold either a site or mobile collector's licence, issued by the council, if you're a scrap metal dealer in England and Wales.

Step 1 - request a basic DBS check

To apply for a scrap metal dealer or collectors licence, you must first apply for a basic disclosure.

Completing this form takes around 10 minutes.

You will need to pay an application fee of £25.00.

Request a basic DBS check

Download the form and send it to us with your payment
Guidance notes for scrap metal licence applications
There is a cost for this licence
Each licence is valid for 3 years
A screenshot or copy of your Tax Check Code. For further guidance visit tax check

Completing this form takes around 10 minutes.

If there are no objections and the applicant fulfils the application criteria, the application will be granted.

A site licence will allow you to operate a site and collect any scrap relevant to that site.
A collectors licence will allow you to collect scrap only within the authority area that it was issued.
You will need to apply for collector's licences from separate authorities should you wish to operate in more than one council area.

Cost of licence
Licence type	Fee
Site licence (valid for three years from date of issue)	£781.34
Site licence renewal (valid for three years from date of issue)	£704.01
Application to vary a site licence	£103.03
Collectors licence (valid for three years from date of issue)	£453.99
Collectors licence renewal (valid for three years from date of issue)	£397.11
Variation	£63.86
Change of site details	£32.30
Change of collector details	£25.76
Change of site manager	£94.45
New/replacement vehicle plate	£25.76