Itinerant metal dealer's licence

If you buy and sell scrap or second‑hand metal as a travelling or visiting trader, you must have an itinerant metal dealer’s licence. This licence lets you trade legally in South Lanarkshire and explains how you must take payments and keep records.

An itinerant metal dealer is someone who runs a business buying or selling metal items that are old, broken, worn out, partly made or damaged, where the items are wholly or partly metal.

What you need to know

You cannot accept cash for metal. You can only take payment by bank transfer or cheque.

You must keep clear records of all metal you:

• buy or receive, even if it is free
• process
• sell, exchange or dispose of

Your records must include:

• who you got the metal from or sold it to
• proof used to check their name and address

You must keep these records for three years.

If you already hold a licence, you can also use this service to apply to change the terms of your existing licence.

How to apply

Once you submit your application, we will process it and keep you informed.

What happens after you apply

After we receive your application:

• there is a 28 day objection period
• we send a copy of your application to Police Scotland for comments or objections

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact the Licensing and Registration office and we will update you on progress.

Collecting your licence

When your licence is ready, you must bring proof of identification to collect your documents.

If someone else is collecting them for you, they must bring: 

• something in writing from you giving permission 
• their own identification

The signature must match the signature on your application form. We do not accept permission by email.

You must bring proof of identification when you collect your documents.

Licence fee

Itinerant metal dealer's licence £339.47

Apply or get help

You can apply online for a new licence or request changes to an existing one.

If you need help with your application or want an update, contact the  Licensing and Registration office.