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. 

When applying for a permit you will be required to acknowledge and understand that you must comply with all local, State, and Federal laws at all times.

Permit to Transport and Sell Non-ferrous Metals:

Complete the permit form, Transport and Sell-Application, and bring it to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, along with the following: 

• Driver’s License (original), Identification Card (original) or Military Identification Card (original).
• Proof of residence in Berkeley County if Identification is from out of State.
• Original registration card for the vehicle you will be operating when transporting or buying the metals.
• Social Security Number provided in person to the Sheriff’s Office.

Permit to Purchase Non-ferrous Metals (Secondary Metals Recycler Permit):

Complete the permit form, SMR Purchase-Application, and bring it to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, along with the following: 

• Driver’s License (original), Identification Card (original) or Military Identification Card (original).
• Proof of business location in Berkeley County.
• Social Security Number provided in person to the Sheriff’s Office.