South Carolina state law requires that anyone wanting to transport, buy or sell “nonferrous metals” (metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel, including copper wire, cooper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting, aluminum, a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper, catalytic converters, and stainless steel beer kegs or containers) must have a permit. This permit is free of charge and must be issued by your local Sheriff's Office in the County that you reside. The permit is valid statewide and expires on the person's birthday on the 2nd calendar year after the permit was issued. The permit must be in your possession while transporting and/or selling "nonferrous metals."
Listed below are the requirements for obtaining a permit:
Complete the permit form in black ink to submit to the Sheriff's Office along with the following:
(Click here to download copy of the form)
Do not fold or bend the document
- Driver’s License (original), South Carolina Identification Card (original) or Military Identification Card. (original)
- Original registration card for the vehicle you will be operating when transporting or buying the metals
For Renewals, bring in old permit and Driver's License, South Carolina Identification Card or Military Identification Card. If vehicle has changed, bring in new vehicle registration card for the vehicle you will be operating when transporting or buying the metals. Permit must be validated by the Sheriff's Office, otherwise you WILL NOT be able to transport, buy or sell metals.
Stolen Permit?
Report a lost or stolen permit to local law enforcement.