Oklahoma Scrap Metal Dealer Registration Requirements

Oklahoma regulates scrap metal dealers under Oklahoma Statutes Title 78, Chapter 5 (the Scrap Metal Dealers Act). The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry administers dealer registrations — an unusual agency assignment that reflects Oklahoma's rural, agriculture-oriented regulatory framework.

Registration at a Glance

Item	Detail
Issuing agency	Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Annual fee	$200 per location
Surety bond	$10,000 required
Background check	Required for owners and operators
Payment hold	3 business days — regulated nonferrous metals
Cash payment	No cash for regulated metals over $50
Record retention	2 years

Oklahoma Transaction Requirements

Oklahoma requires dealers to record for every regulated metal purchase: seller full name, address, and ID; make, model, and license plate of seller's vehicle; description of materials; weight; amount paid; and employee name. Oklahoma also requires a digital photograph of the seller and the material to be retained in electronic records for 2 years.

Oklahoma Catalytic Converter Law (HB 3019, 2022)

Oklahoma's catalytic converter law requires: seller photo ID, vehicle VIN, current registration or title, photograph of converter and seller, no cash payment over $50, and a 3-day hold. Oklahoma also requires dealers to submit catalytic converter transaction data to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) within 48 hours via the approved LeadsOnline reporting system.

Agricultural Equipment Exception

Oklahoma's agricultural heritage creates a specific consideration: scrap metal from agricultural equipment (tractors, irrigation systems, grain bins, etc.) is common in rural Oklahoma. Legitimate agricultural equipment scrap typically requires documentation from the farm owner or operator. Oklahoma law does not create a specific agricultural equipment exception, so standard documentation rules apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma has extensive tribal jurisdictions following the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court decision (2020), which affirmed tribal territorial sovereignty in much of eastern Oklahoma. Scrap dealers operating on tribal land or purchasing from sellers on tribal land should consult with tribal authorities about whether tribal business licensing requirements apply in addition to state registration. The intersection of state and tribal regulatory authority in Oklahoma is an evolving legal area — consult an attorney familiar with Oklahoma tribal law for guidance specific to your location.

Verify current Oklahoma requirements at oda.state.ok.us. Not legal advice.