Apply for a motor vehicle recycler licence

Apply online to get a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year licence to buy or sell and demolish or dismantle motor vehicle parts or accessories in NSW.

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.

Eligibility

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.

What you need

  • 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
  • fee payment.

How to apply

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
  3. Log in or create an account.
  4. Follow the prompts to apply for a licence.

If you're unable to apply online:

  1. 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.
  2. Submit your application with payment at a Service NSW Centre.

Payment methods and fees

More information

  • 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: 23 June 2025