Scrap Metal Processor License

You need a Scrap Metal Processor license to run a business that buys, processes and ships scrap metal. This includes both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues this license.

• Business Certificate: You need a Business Certificate based on your business type. DCWP may ask for this document. You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • Sole proprietors using a name other than your own need a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships need a Partnership Certificate and, if needed, an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies or limited liability partnerships must register and stay active with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Basic License Application: Complete the Basic License Application.

  • This application needs business information; identification numbers (like EIN, SSN or ITIN); contact information; history of criminal or civil charges for business owners, partners, shareholders and officers; and any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives.
    Download Basic License Application (PDF)

• Sales Tax Identification Number: Provide your New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application.

• Granting Authority to Act Affirmation: If someone else will file the application for you, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
  Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF)

• Permit fees:

  • $75: License Fee for new applications from July 1 to December 31
  • $38: License Fee for new applications from January 1 to June 30
  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments
  • $75: License Renewal Fee

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection; accepted only for in-person submissions)
  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection; accepted only for in-person submissions)
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Card)

• Notification by mail: You will get a letter about your license within two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all needed papers.

  • Approved application: If your application is approved, DCWP will send you a license.
  • Additional information needed: If more information is needed, DCWP will send you a letter. You must send the needed papers within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.
  • Denied application: If your application is denied, DCWP will tell you why and how to reapply.

• License validity: Licenses last for one year. They expire on June 30 each year.

• Information changes: If your information changes, tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. It is best to call 311 first to see if you need to visit. You must make an appointment to visit in person. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Compliance: Follow all New York City laws and rules. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find them on the Public Access Portal.

• Review requirements: Review the requirements and gather all materials before clicking on the Apply Online button. You will be redirected to a new web page where you need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• Print confirmation page: After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. This page lists the additional steps and materials needed to complete the application. These materials must be submitted within five business days if they were not uploaded online.

• Complete forms and gather documents: Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documents.

• Schedule an appointment: Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Renewal application: DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, submit your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

• Renewal application: DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You must make an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Renewal application: DCWP will send you a renewal application and instructions before your license expires. If you want to keep operating, send in your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. Use the orange return envelope to mail your materials to the DCWP Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov