​​It is unlawful for a scrap metal dealer to purchase or acquire a used, detached catalytic converter unless both of the following criteria are met:

1. The converter is permanently marked with the date the converter was removed from the vehicle and the identification number of the vehicle from which the converter was removed or an alternative number. If an alternative number is used, it must be under a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement; and
2. The seller provides a copy of the vehicle's title or registration demonstrating ownership. See our frequently asked questions page for transactions with bona fide businesses and for transactions involving old vehicles that do not have titles.

The registered scrap metal dealer must keep the transaction record, along with the identity and signature of the employee completing the transaction.

A scrap metal dealer that purchases or acquires a used, detached catalytic converter must record the information received, including the vehicle identification number or alternative number and the method by which law enforcement can link the converter to the vehicle identification number. The scrap metal dealer must retain this information for three years; must make the information available to law enforcement upon request; and must enter the information into the LeadsOnline database at the end of each business day.

A scrap metal dealer is prohibited from processing, selling, or removing a catalytic converter from the dealer's premises for at least seven days after the catalytic converter purchase or acquisition.

Note: The preceding two paragraphs do not apply to a scrap metal dealer that purchases or acquires a catalytic converter directly from a different scrap metal dealer that has certified in writing that it has fully complied with the requirements in the preceding two paragraphs with respect to the catalytic converter.

Payment for catalytic converters

A payment for a catalytic converter must not be made until at least five days after sale to the scrap metal dealer. Payment must be sent by check to the seller's address or a bank account in the seller's name.  See our frequently asked questions page regarding payment to bona fide businesses.

It is a crime for a scrap metal dealer to possess, purchase, or acquire a used, detached catalytic converter in violation of Minnesota Statute 325E.21.

It is not a violation for a scrap metal dealer to purchase or acquire catalytic converters from a law enforcement agency and marked as recovered contraband.