What identification am I actually required to show when selling scrap metal in NSW?
Short answer: A compliant NSW scrap dealer will typically ask for government-issued photo identification — a driver licence or similar — particularly for larger transactions or cash payments, as part of their regulated secondhand dealer record-keeping obligations. This is a standard, expected part of a legitimate transaction, not an unusual request.
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List Free →What to expect at a compliant yard
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID — most commonly a driver licence — to any scrap sale of real volume in NSW. A compliant dealer needs this to meet their own record-keeping obligations under regulated secondhand dealer requirements.
Why this isn’t optional for the dealer
A licensed dealer generally can’t selectively skip ID checks for sellers they consider trustworthy — consistent application of the requirement is part of what keeps them compliant, so don’t take it personally if it feels like a formality every time.
What it might mean if a buyer never asks
A buyer who never asks for ID on any transaction, regardless of size, may not be operating a fully compliant regulated secondhand dealer business — this is worth being aware of, particularly for larger or recurring sales.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
ScrapTrade’s verified buyers operate on a properly documented basis, so the ID and record-keeping side of a sale is handled as standard practice rather than an inconsistent, ad hoc process.
Ready to sell your scrap to a properly verified NSW buyer? ScrapTrade connects verified buyers and sellers with escrow-protected payments and transparent weighing.
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