Apply for a new scrap metal dealer licence
You must have a scrap metal dealer licence if you collect or buy scrap metal.
Scrap metal includes:
- any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material
- any product, article or assembly made from or containing metal that is broken, worn out or at the end of its useful life
Gold and silver are not considered scrap metal.
Licences are valid for 3 years and can be renewed. See our fees and charges page for costs.
We offer 2 types of licence:
- site licence - for fixed sites
- collector’s licence - for mobile collectors
You can only apply for one type of licence.
Your licence must be displayed clearly:
- on your vehicle if you are a mobile collector
- at your site if you are a site operator
Tax checks
You must complete a tax check if you are:
- renewing a licence
- applying for the same type of licence you held less than a year ago
- applying for the same type of licence you hold with another licensing authority
You must do the tax check yourself. You cannot ask an agent or adviser to do it for you.
The tax check will ask about how you pay tax on income from your licensed trade. After completing the check, you will get a 9-character tax check code. You must include this code in your application.
For guidance on tax registration, visit GOV.UK:
Apply by email
To apply by email:
- Download and complete the application form.
- Add a scan of your signature.
- Email the form to licensing@birmingham.gov.uk
After we receive your application, a licensing officer will contact you to take payment by debit or credit card for the appropriate fee.
Conditions
Local authorities can add conditions to a licence if the licensee or site manager has been convicted of a relevant offence.
These conditions are:
- scrap metal can only be received between 9:00am and 5:00pm
- all scrap metal must be kept in the form it was received for up to 72 hours
Page last updated: 14 November 2025
