Apply for a motor vehicle recycler licence

Introduction

You need a motor vehicle recycler licence if your business includes:

buying or obtaining, and demolishing or dismantling motor vehicles, or parts/accessories of motor vehicles
buying and selling:
- major body and mechanical components of motor vehicles
- major car accessories
- prescribed parts/accessories of motor vehicles.

You can apply for a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year licence, online.

You must:

be aged 18 or over
be considered fit and proper for the purposes of the licence (NSW Fair Trading checks and considers police records)
have sufficient financial resources to carry on your business in accordance with the requirements of Fair Trading
have approval from the relevant local council.

proof of identity
personal details (name, address and date of birth) of either the individual or business partners
business details, including the registered name of the business, address, and incorporation date
Australian Company Number (ACN) or Australian Business Number (ABN)
if you're employing a business manager, a completed Manager's Consent Form –PDF
Note: If there is more than one manager, a separate form must be completed for each manager
your fee payment.

If you're unable to apply online:

Download and complete the relevant PDF form:
- Individual application – PDF
  Complete this form if you operate your business in a self-employed capacity
- Corporation application – PDF
  Complete this form if you are an ASIC registered corporation (excluding trusts and partnerships) that operates as a company including if you are a sole director for the company.
Submit your application with payment at a Service NSW Centre.

Visit the NSW Fair Trading website for Licensing fees for motor vehicle recyclers.
To pay at a service centre, check the payment options available.
Some service centres do not accept cash payments.

A corporation must nominate an individual to be manager of the day-to-day business of the licensee. An individual may manage the business themselves or nominate another individual to manage the business.
You do not need a motor vehicle recycler licence for the following kinds of vehicles:
- vehicles not acquired for the transport of goods or passengers on public roads (such as agricultural equipment)
- vehicles that are not capable of being registered in NSW, such as quad bikes, Segways, motorised wheelchairs and battery powered bikes.
Visit NSW Fair Trading for information about working as a motor vehicle recycler.

Last updated: 10 September 2025