Motor Salvage Operator Registration and Advice

Opens in a new windowTo work as a motor salvage operator in Surrey Heath Borough Council, you need to register with us.

Do I need to register?
You will need to register as a motor salvage operator if you:

• 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

What are the conditions of registration?
Applications for registration must comply with our requirements.

We will refuse applications if we are not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to carry on business as a motor salvage operator.

We will take into account any relevant previous convictions. If an application or an application for a renewal is refused we do not have to consider any other applications by the person for three years from the date of refusal.

How do I register?

Application for an application to register as a motor salvage operator Opens in a new window

Application to make a change to a registration as a motor salvage operator Opens in a new window

Application to surrender a registration as a motor salvage operator

Application to renew a registration as a motor salvage operator

What does it cost?

Are there inspections/assessments?
There are no inspections or assessments for motor salvage operators.

How long will it take you to process my application?
Should I expect an acknowledgement, and if so, how soon?

How long does it take to make a decision and issue the registration?
A decision will be made and registration issued within 28 days.

If I don't hear from you for 28 days, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us using the details on the right of the page.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Firstly, please contact us to see if we can resolve the issue.

If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.

How long does the licence last, and what's the renewal procedure?
Registration lasts for three years. We will send you out a renewal form every three years.

How do I tell you about changes of circumstance?
You must tell us about changes to registered information within 28 days of the change. Please contact us using the details on the right of the page.

Cancellation of Registration
We may cancel a registration and do not have to consider any application for registration from the cancelled operator for three years from the date of the cancellation.

If we intend to refuse an application or cancel a registration we must serve a notice on the applicant or operator. The notice must give details of what we 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 our decision as to whether to grant an application, renew a registration or cancel a registration.

If a registration is cancelled the operator may appeal to the local Magistrates court. Applications must be made within 21 days of service of the local authority notice.

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would advise you first to contact the trader - preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. If you are outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre Opens in a new window

Where can I go for further information?
For further information please contact us using the details on the right of the page.

You must register as a motor salvage operator if your business is involved wholly or partly in the recovery for re-use or sale of salvagable parts from motor vehicles and the subsequent sale or other disposal for scrap of the remainder of the vehicles and/or wholly or mainly in the purchase of written-off vehicles and their subsequent repair re-sale, or wholly or mainly in the purchase of sale of vehicles in connection with these activities.

The authority will need to be satisfied that the applicant can pass a test of being a ¿fit and proper person. Registration of a motor salvage operation is 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 local Council before your existing registration period ends.

The authority will charge a fee of £ 62.00 that you will pay online to process your application. The fee is the same whether you apply online or by post (businesslink.gov.uk or UK Welcomes do not charge an additional fee for online applications).