Motor Salvage Operator Registration

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

The Vehicles Crime Act 2001 and the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2002 requires Motor Salvage Operators to:

• to be registered with the local authority in the area where the premises is situated, otherwise this will be an offence
• to maintain appropriate records of purchase and disposals
• require identification checks for vendors and purchasers
• allow the police right of entry to premises and right of search without warrant

When considering an application the Council must be satisfied that the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person, having no recent serious criminal convictions to carry out the business of a Motor Salvage Operator in their area.

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 will be served detailing the decision of the local authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration and will allow time for an applicant who may want to make representations.

If an application, or registration renewal has been refused or cancelled the applicant may appeal to the local magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.

Please contact Licensing Service below in the first instance.

Notice of changes to registered information must be made to the local authority within 28 days of the change.

Each registration will be valid for a period of 3 years.

Once registered you will have the right of appeal under Section 5(7) of Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 against any of the conditions attached to the registration.

Apply online
Apply for a licence for a Motor Salvage Operator

Tell us about a change to your existing motor salvage operator licence

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 of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress
E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Please see the related links for trade associations.