Motor salvage operator registration
If you are a motor salvage operator, you must register with your local authority.
Eligibility criteria
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
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application evaluation process
Applications for registration must comply with any requirements set by the local authority and must be accompanied by a fee, and a completed 'police enquiry form', which may be downloaded from the right hand menu.
Applications will be refused if the local authority is not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator. The local authority will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a renewal is refused the local authority does not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.
A local authority may cancel a registration and does not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.
If a local authority intends to refuse an application or cancel a registration they must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what they 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 the decision of the local authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.
Notice of changes to registered information must be made to the local authority within 28 days of the change.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.
Apply online
Apply for a motor salvage operator licence
Tell us about a change to your existing motor salvage operator licence
Failed application redress
Please contact your local authority in the first instance.
If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
Licence holder redress
Please contact your local authority in the first instance.
If an application for renewal is refused or a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, The Citizens Advice consumer service will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Eg. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade associations
British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)
