Arkansas Scrap Metal Dealer Registration Requirements

Arkansas regulates scrap metal dealers under Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-46-101 et seq. (the Arkansas Scrap Metal and Junk Dealers Act). The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration administers dealer registrations.

Registration at a Glance

Item	Detail
Issuing agency	Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Annual fee	$100 per location
Surety bond	None required
Background check	Required for owners
Payment hold	3 business days — regulated metals
Cash payment	No cash for catalytic converters and copper
Record retention	2 years

Arkansas Catalytic Converter Law (Act 769, 2023)

Arkansas's Act 769 (2023) created specific catalytic converter requirements: seller photo ID, VIN of source vehicle, current registration or title signed by the seller, photograph of converter and seller, no cash payment, and a 3-day hold. Arkansas uniquely requires the vehicle registration to be signed by the seller at the time of the transaction — a witnessed signature requirement that differs from simply presenting the document.

Little Rock Metro Considerations

Pulaski County and the City of Little Rock have active metal theft enforcement. The Little Rock Police Department's property crimes unit coordinates with state revenue department investigators on compliance inspections. Dealers in the Little Rock metro area should expect regular inspection activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Act 769 requires the seller to physically sign the vehicle registration document at the time of the transaction — adding their signature as a declaration that they are the owner of the vehicle and that the catalytic converter came from it. This signed document becomes part of your transaction record. You should have a designated space on your transaction form where this signed registration is attached or referenced. Retain the signed registration with your transaction records for the required 2-year period.

Verify current Arkansas requirements at dfa.arkansas.gov. Not legal advice.