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State laws

Catalytic converter selling laws by state

Most states we checked let only a licensed or registered scrap business buy a detached catalytic converter, ask the seller to prove the car was theirs, and many bar cash payouts. We have confirmed 23 states against the statute text so far and mark the rest as not confirmed.

Last checked November 4, 2026

Short answer

Bring the title or registration for the car the converter came from, or the shop receipt if a mechanic replaced it, plus a photo ID, which most state scrap laws already require. Expect a check, a bank deposit or a wait instead of cash in many states. In Arizona, scrap metal dealers cannot buy converters from the public at all, and in Washington only licensed scrap processors and vehicle wreckers can buy them.

Converter rules in each state

Click State, Status or Cash to sort. Confirmed means we read the state's converter section in the statute. "Not in the section we checked" means that section does not cover the column, and another section might. Not confirmed means we have not read the statute text yet, so we left the row blank instead of guessing. Download the whole table as a free CSV file.

Who may buySeller proofPayment ruleHoldRecordsStatuteAs of
AlabamaConfirmedOnly registered secondary metals recyclers, at a registered or licensed business addressA licensed dealer, repair shop, dismantler or distributor gives a copy of its business license. Anyone else gives who removed it and for whom, the make, model and VIN, the converter part number, a copy of their ID, and a title or registration showing ownershipNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedThe recycler notes any paint, labels or engravings on the converterAla. Code 13A-8-37.32026-11-04
ArizonaConfirmedA scrap metal dealer may not knowingly buy a converter or its nonferrous parts, except from an industrial account or another scrap metal dealer, or after a peace officer authorizes releaseNot in the section we checkedNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedAllowed purchases must be recorded and reported electronicallyAriz. Rev. Stat. 44-1642.012026-11-04
CaliforniaConfirmedA used converter may be bought only from a licensed dismantler, core recycler, dealer, repair dealer or other licensed business, or from a person with the title or registration of the vehicle it came fromTitle or registration naming the seller, with a VIN that matches the VIN marked on the converterNo cashNo cash. Payment by check, mailed or picked up no earlier than the third business day after the saleNot in the section we checkedCopy of the seller's ID, a photo of the seller and the converter, a written statement of how the seller got it, records kept 2 yearsCal. Veh. Code 10852.5; Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 216102026-11-04
ColoradoConfirmedJunk dealers, salvage yards and other secondhand dealers, who must log every detached converter purchase in a registerGovernment photo ID and a signed, sworn affidavit that the seller owns the converter or is entitled to sell it, plus the plate and description of the delivery vehicleCapped or conditionalCash allowed up to $300. Above that, payment by check unless the buyer photographs the seller when payingNot in the section we checkedA photo or video identifying the seller and the converter, kept 180 days. Buyers must also sign up for the scrap theft alert systemColo. Rev. Stat. 18-13-1112026-11-04
FloridaConfirmedSecondary metals recyclers, at a fixed location, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. A detached converter is restricted regulated metals propertyReasonable proof the seller owns it, such as a receipt or bill of sale, or a dated letter from the owner authorizing the saleNo cashNo cash in any amount. Check mailed to the seller's street address (not a P.O. box) or electronic payment to the seller's account, within 3 daysThe recycler may not process or remove a detached converter for 10 business days after purchaseNot in the section we checkedFla. Stat. 538.26 and 538.2352026-11-04
GeorgiaConfirmedOnly a registered secondary metals recycler may buy a used, detached converterIt must come from a licensed dealer, repairer, converter maker or registered recycler, or from a seller with a replacement receipt or work order naming the vehicle's make, model and year plus a title or registration for that vehicleNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedGa. Code 10-1-3512026-11-04
IllinoisConfirmedOnly a licensed recyclable metal dealer, at the dealer's fixed business addressNot in the section we checkedCapped or conditionalNo cash for a converter or its contents worth $100 or moreNot in the section we checkedThe dealer must keep the records required by Section 3 of the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law815 ILCS 325/4.42026-11-04
IndianaConfirmedA valuable metal dealer may buy a detached converter only from a used parts dealer or an automotive repair companyAny other seller needs an affidavit from a law enforcement officer saying the officer reasonably believes the converter was lawfully obtainedNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedInd. Code 25-37.5-1-92026-11-04
KentuckyConfirmedRecyclers and dealers in junk or metals. No purchases from anyone under 18, and no retail purchases outside 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.A copy of the seller's photo ID, the receipt for the replacement converter, and the title or registration for the vehicle in the seller's nameNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedThe buyer keeps the converter, or a photo of it, for 3 business daysReported to the LeadsOnline database within 2 days, with photos of the converter and the delivery vehicle, kept 2 yearsKy. Rev. Stat. 433.920 (formerly 433.890)2026-11-04
LouisianaConfirmedAnyone in the business of buying or selling used or detached converters needs a catalytic converter dealer license from the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission. Scrap recyclers may not buy a converter that is not part of a whole vehicle without a signed consent statement from the company or government entity that owns itA signed statement that the converter is paid for or owned by the seller, plus ID and the year, make, model and VIN of the vehicle it came fromNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedA photo of the converter and of the seller and the delivery vehicle's plate, kept 3 yearsLa. R.S. 37:1893, 37:1895 and 37:19702026-11-04
MichiganConfirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNo cashNo cash unless the seller is an auto recycler, a converter maker or wholesaler, or a muffler shop, tire store or similar retailer. Payment by direct deposit, check, money order or payment card, and at $25 or more a day the check or card is mailed to the address on the seller's IDNot in the section we checkedPurchases go to a state-selected electronic database by noon the next business day, once one is in operationMich. Comp. Laws 445.4262026-11-04
MinnesotaConfirmedOnly a registered scrap metal dealer may buy a detached converterThe converter must be marked with the removal date and the VIN (or a number linked to it), and the seller must give a copy of the vehicle's title or registrationNo cashPayment no sooner than 5 days after the sale, by check mailed to the seller's address or by deposit to the seller's bank accountThe dealer must hold the converter for 7 daysNot in the section we checkedMinn. Stat. 325E.21, subds. 11 to 132026-11-04
MississippiConfirmedOnly registered scrap metal dealers, at the dealer's fixed business addressBought as part of a vehicle or from a dealer, repair shop, manufacturer, demolisher or converter distributor. Otherwise the name of who removed it and for whom, the make, model and VIN, and a copy of the seller's IDNo cashNo cash. Check made out to the seller or electronic funds transferNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedMiss. Code 97-17-71.3 and 97-17-712026-11-04
NevadaConfirmedAnyone buying a used converter must buy it from a licensed auto wrecker, a licensed scrap metal processor, a licensed vehicle dealer or rebuilder, another business that reasonably generates converters, or the ownerTitle or registration naming the seller as owner of the vehicle, with a VIN matching the VIN permanently marked on the converterNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNev. Rev. Stat. 205.274172026-11-04
North CarolinaConfirmedOnly secondary metals recyclers with a sheriff's permit may buy a converter that is not attached to a vehicleThe seller must be a licensed dealer, repair shop, recycler or salvage yard, or an individual with registration showing the converter came off a vehicle registered in their name and is being replacedNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedAn inked or electronic index fingerprint next to the seller's signature, a copy of the seller's photo ID, and a photo or video of the seller with the metalN.C. Gen. Stat. 66-424, 66-421 and 14-164.12026-11-04
OhioConfirmedScrap metal dealersThe vehicle's title or registration, or a repair shop or dealer invoice showing the converter was replaced and the vehicle's VIN. A state affidavit form can take the place of theseNo cashNo cash. Check or another traceable paymentNot in the section we checkedA photograph is required with the purchase recordOhio Rev. Code 4737.041 (effective October 6, 2026)2026-11-04
OklahomaConfirmedLicensed scrap metal dealers. The converter must arrive in a motor vehicleProof the seller owns or may sell it, such as a receipt or bill of sale, plus a signed written declaration, or proof the seller is an exempt businessCapped or conditionalNo cash over $1,000 for converters and other regulated items unless the seller is exempt. Checks are payable only to the sellerNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedOkla. Stat. tit. 2, 11-92 and 11-932026-11-04
OregonConfirmedScrap metal businesses may buy a detached converter only from a commercial seller or the owner of the vehicle it came fromPhoto ID, plus the VIN and a copy of the title or registration of the vehicle it came fromNo cashNo cash. Electronic transfer, stored value card or a mailed check, paid no earlier than 3 business days after the saleNot in the section we checkedA photo or video of the seller and a signed declaration that the property is not stolen, kept 1 yearOr. Rev. Stat. 165.116 and 165.1172026-11-04
South CarolinaConfirmedOnly secondary metals recyclers with a sheriff's permit, at the recycler's fixed site or a licensed seller's siteA state permit to transport and sell nonferrous metals, plus who removed the converter, the make, model and VIN, the converter part number, and a title or registration showing the seller's ownership. Licensed businesses can show a business license or repair record insteadCapped or conditionalNo cash for converters totaling $25 or more. Payment by check made out to the seller, and no more than one cash transaction per seller per dayPolice hold notices onlyThe seller's photo, ID copy, plate number and signed ownership statement, plus any markings on the converter, kept 1 yearS.C. Code 16-17-6802026-11-04
TennesseeConfirmedOnly registered scrap metal dealersUnless the sale is in person at the dealer's fixed site, the dealer keeps a copy of the seller's license or the seller's documentation and vehicle registration. An individual may hold a detached converter only with documentation that it was replaced on a vehicle registered in their nameNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedThe dealer notes any paint, labels or engravings on the converterTenn. Code 62-9-1152026-11-04
TexasConfirmedRegistered metal recycling entities. Sales between businesses follow a separate subchapterThe year, make, model and VIN of the vehicle the converter came from, plus a copy of the title or other proof of ownership of that vehicleCapped or conditionalCash or debit only to a seller with a state cash transaction card. Otherwise check, money order or direct depositThe recycler must hold the converter for 5 days, not counting weekends and holidaysThe recycler marks each converter with a unique number and takes a thumbprint unless the seller has a cash transaction cardTex. Occ. Code 1956.0321, 1956.033, 1956.037, 1956.03812026-11-04
VirginiaConfirmedOnly a scrap metal purchaser that follows the documentation rules. Any other purchase or sale of a detached converter is a Class 6 felonyA bill of sale, receipt, letter of authorization or similar proof that the seller lawfully has the converter, plus the buyer's documented inquiry into the seller's right to sellNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedDocumentation kept at least 2 yearsVa. Code 59.1-136.3(E) and 18.2-146.12026-11-04
WashingtonConfirmedOnly a licensed scrap processor or vehicle wrecker may buy a converter removed from a vehicle. Anyone else commits a class C felonyNot in the section we checkedNot confirmedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedNot in the section we checkedRev. Code Wash. 9A.82.1902026-11-04
AlaskaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
ArkansasNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
ConnecticutNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
DelawareNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
HawaiiNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
IdahoNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
IowaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
KansasNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
MaineNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
MarylandNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
MassachusettsNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
MissouriNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
MontanaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
NebraskaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
New HampshireNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
New JerseyNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
New MexicoNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
New YorkNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
North DakotaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
PennsylvaniaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
Rhode IslandNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
South DakotaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
UtahNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
VermontNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
West VirginiaNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
WisconsinNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04
WyomingNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmedNot confirmed yet2026-11-04

Statute links go to the state legislature site where we could find one, and to a public copy of the code where we could not. This table is general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

Recent law changes

  • Ohio, House Bill 210, effective October 6, 2026. It sets the proof of ownership a seller must show for a used converter and bars cash payment.
  • Georgia, SB 40, effective July 1, 2025, amended Ga. Code 10-1-351, the section that limits who may buy and sell a detached converter.
  • Kentucky, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 182, effective April 14, 2026, moved the converter purchase rules from KRS 433.890 to KRS 433.920.
  • Tennessee, 2025 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 439 amended Tenn. Code 62-9-115, which limits converter purchases to registered scrap metal dealers.
  • Illinois, Public Act 103-677, effective January 1, 2025, amended 815 ILCS 325/4.4, which limits converter purchases to licensed recyclable metal dealers.

Before you sell a converter

Read our catalytic converter recycling guide for what yards ask for, and the catalytic converter value estimator for a price range. Many states also apply their general scrap metal rules to converters, so check your state in our scrap copper selling laws by state table for ID and record rules.

If the converter was stolen, our guide to selling a car with a missing catalytic converter covers your options. If you are scrapping the whole car, the junk car value calculator estimates it with the converter included.

How we checked the statutes

For each state we looked for the section that covers used or detached catalytic converters and read the text on the state legislature site, a state agency's published copy of the law, or a public copy of the code. We filled a cell only when the text we read said it. We did not use trade group summaries or yard websites as a source for any cell. As of this update 23 states are confirmed: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington.

We will add states as we confirm them and run an extra check around January 1, when many new state laws take effect.

Update log

  • 2026-11-04 (afternoon): Added 14 states: Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. 23 states confirmed against the statute text.
  • 2026-11-04: First version. 9 states confirmed against the statute text (Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Washington). The rest were marked not confirmed.

Questions about selling a catalytic converter

Can I sell a catalytic converter I took off my own car?

In most of the states we confirmed, yes, if you can prove the car is yours. California, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon and Texas ask for the title or registration of the vehicle it came from. Georgia takes a repair receipt or work order plus a title or registration. Arizona and Indiana are different: Arizona bars scrap metal dealers from buying converters except from industrial accounts and other dealers, and Indiana dealers may buy only from used parts dealers and repair shops unless the seller brings a police affidavit.

Will a scrap yard pay cash for a catalytic converter?

Often not. California, Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Oregon do not allow a cash payout for a converter, and Michigan allows it only when the seller is a business such as an auto recycler or muffler shop. Illinois bans cash when the converter is worth $100 or more, South Carolina at $25 or more, and Colorado above $300 unless the yard photographs the seller when paying. Texas allows cash only to sellers who hold a state cash transaction card.

How long until I get paid for a catalytic converter?

It depends on the state. California and Oregon pay no earlier than the third business day, Minnesota no sooner than 5 days after the sale, and Florida sends the check or electronic payment within 3 days. Some states also make the yard hold the converter: 10 business days in Florida, 7 days in Minnesota, and 5 days in Texas not counting weekends and holidays. Kentucky yards keep the converter, or a photo of it, for 3 business days.

Who is allowed to buy a detached catalytic converter?

Usually only a licensed or registered scrap business. Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee limit buying to registered, licensed or permitted dealers. Louisiana requires a state catalytic converter dealer license to be in the business. In Washington, buying one without a scrap processor or vehicle wrecker license is a class C felony, and in Virginia an unlawful purchase is a Class 6 felony.

Do these rules apply if I sell the whole car?

In Florida, Georgia, Indiana and North Carolina, no. Their converter rules cover converters sold on their own, not ones still attached to a car you sell whole. Check your own state's row, since we have not confirmed this for every state.

Why is my state marked Not confirmed?

We have not read that state's converter law in the statute text yet, so we left the row blank instead of guessing. Ask the yard what it needs before you go, and check back, since we add states as we confirm them.

Last checked November 4, 2026. State laws change, so confirm with the yard or the state before relying on a row here. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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