Motor Salvage Operators

A summary of the regulation relating to this registration:-

• The Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2002 '(External Link)'
• Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 (External Link)

You can complete and submit an application online via the Government's Business Link website, or alternatively, you can download an application and return it to us using the contact details below:-

Apply online for a motor salvage operator registration (External Link)

Apply online to renew an existing motor salvage operator registration (External Link)

Downloadable application form for the grant or renewal of a motor salvage operator registration (.pdf, 192KB)   

Guidance on the provision of the Motor Salvage Operators Regulations 2002 and The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (.pdf, 30KB)

Yes. If you would like to view the register please contact the Licensing Section using the details below. There is no charge for viewing the register.

A person is a motor salvage operator if they:

• recover for reuse or sale, in whole or in part, salvageable parts from motor vehicles and sell or otherwise dispose of the rest of the vehicle
• mainly or wholly buy written-off vehicles and repair and resale the same vehicle
• mainly or wholly sell or buy motor vehicles that are to be subject to any of the two activities above
• carry out activities that fall under the latter two points above

The legislation states that for the purposes of obtaining a registration if you make any false statement or omit any material, you will be guilty of an offence and liable to prosecution.

Applications will be refused if the local authority is not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator. The local authority will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a renewal is refused the local authority does not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.

A local authority may cancel a registration and does not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.

If a local authority intends to refuse an application or cancel a registration they must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what they are proposing to do, the reasons for it and the period during which the person may make representations. This period must not be less than 14 days and starts from the date of service of the notice.

A notice will be served detailing the decision of the local authority as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.

If a registration is issued this will be valid for three years.  If you wish to continue the uninterrupted functioning of motor salvage activities you must submit a valid application for the renewal of your registration to the Council before your existing registration period ends.

Applications for registration must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.  Full details are available on our fees and charges page.

The following supporting documents are also required:-

• Proof of Identity (i.e. diving licence, passport)  - Two means of identification must be submitted in respect of each person listed on the application.

Upon receipt of an application the Licensing Section will consult with Greater Manchester Police.

No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Licensing Section within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service '(External Link)' or use the contact details below.

Notice of changes to registered information must be made to the local authority within 28 days of the change.  This includes the surrendering of a registration.

• Notify us online of any change (External Link)
• Notify us online of your intention to surrender a registration (External Link)

Please contact the Licensing Section in the first instance.  If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.

Please contact the Licensing Section in the first instance.  If an application for renewal is refused or a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct '(External Link)' will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre '(External Link)' .

• British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) '(External Link)'
• Car and Accessory Trader (CAT) '(External Link)'
• Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association (MVDA) '(External Link)'