Kentucky Scrap Metal Dealer Registration Requirements

Kentucky regulates scrap metal dealers under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 433A (Scrap Metal Dealers). Registration is administered by the Kentucky Department of Revenue, with local law enforcement handling compliance inspections.

Registration at a Glance

Item	Detail
Issuing agency	Kentucky Department of Revenue
Annual fee	$150 per location
Surety bond	None required statewide
Background check	Required
Payment hold	3 business days — catalytic converters and nonferrous metals
Cash payment	No cash for catalytic converters; check or EFT required
Record retention	1 year minimum

Jefferson County (Louisville) Additional Requirements

Jefferson County Metro Government has enacted local ordinances that go beyond state requirements, including mandatory daily reporting to the Louisville Metro Police Department's metal theft unit and a stricter prohibited items list. Louisville dealers should obtain the current Jefferson County Metro ordinance text in addition to complying with state law.

Kentucky Catalytic Converter Law (SB 148, 2022)

Kentucky requires for every catalytic converter purchase: seller photo ID, VIN of source vehicle, current registration or title, photograph of converter, no cash payment, and a 3-business-day hold. Kentucky law also specifies that dealers may not purchase catalytic converters between the hours of sunset and sunrise — a time restriction not common in other states.

Nighttime purchase prohibition: Kentucky's prohibition on catalytic converter purchases between sunset and sunrise is operationally significant for dealers with extended hours. Post a clear notice at your purchase counter that catalytic converter transactions cannot be completed after sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kentucky's sunset-to-sunrise restriction applies specifically to catalytic converter purchases under SB 148. General nonferrous metal purchases do not have a time restriction under state law. However, some Kentucky counties and municipalities may have enacted local ordinances with broader nighttime restrictions — check with your county attorney's office for any applicable local rules.

Verify current Kentucky requirements at revenue.ky.gov. Not legal advice.