To apply for a copper seller license, you will first need to create an account at sircon.com (or sign into your account there if you already have one). After signing in to your account you will be able to complete the Copper Seller application.

1. The application requires you to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, street address, mailing address, telephone number, and an email address for business use. You will also need to enter answers to background questions regarding the following:

• criminal history
• administrative proceedings
• lawsuits, arbitrations, or mediation proceedings involving allegations of fraud, misappropriation or conversion of funds, misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty
• delinquent tax obligations
• child support obligations in arrearage

2. You will also need to acknowledge in the application that you obtained the copper by lawful means in the regular course of your business, trade, or authorized construction work.

3. The fee is $250.

4. The license is valid for one year.

Sign in to your Sircon account and complete the Copper Seller renewal application available at sircon.com.

1. The renewal fee is $250.

2. The fee for a renewal application submitted after the renewal deadline is $250 plus a nonrefundable late fee of $500.

Does someone selling scrap metal copper need to get a license?
Yes. Beginning January 1, 2025, a person is prohibited from engaging in the sale of scrap metal copper unless the person has a valid license issued by the Minnesota Department of Commerce or qualifies for a statutory exception.

How can my business get a copper seller license?
If your business intends to sell scrap metal copper, an individual affiliated with your business must either obtain a copper seller license or qualify for a statutory exception.

Who qualifies for a statutory exception from licensure?
A person is deemed to hold a license to sell scrap metal copper if the person holds one of the following:

1. a license to perform work pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 326B or Section 103I.501
2. a document, certificate, or card of competency issued by a municipality to perform work in a given trade or craft in the building trades. The document, certificate, or card must state that the individual is authorized to sell scrap metal copper; or
3. a Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For questions regarding licenses issued under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 326B, please contact the Department of Labor & Industry’s Construction Codes and Licensing Division at dli.license@state.mn.us, 651-284-5034. 

What is the license application process for a copper seller?

License applications are submitted through the Sircon system at sircon.com. Before submitting an application you will need to create an account at sircon.com (or sign into your account there if you already have one).

How long is my license good for?
One year.

How much does the license cost?
The license fee is $250. The fee to renew the license is also $250. If you renew the license after the renewal deadline, the fee is $250 plus an additional nonrefundable late fee of $500.

I have only a very small amount of scrap metal copper to sell. Do I still need a license?
In general, yes. But on the first Friday of the months of April and October of each calendar year, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a scrap metal dealer may purchase up to $25 of scrap metal copper from individuals who do not have an approved license to sell scrap metal copper.

Will a scrap metal dealer need to see my license? What if I qualify for an exception?
Yes. At the time of purchase, a scrap metal dealer must photocopy or electronically scan your current license to sell scrap metal copper issued by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, unless you qualify for an exception to licensure.

If you qualify for an exception to licensure, a scrap metal dealer must photocopy or electronically scan the documentation used to prove that you hold one of the following:

1. a license to perform work pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 326B or Section 103I.501; 
2. a document, certificate, or card of competency issued by a municipality to perform work in a given trade or craft in the building trades. The document, certificate, or card must state that the individual is authorized to sell scrap metal copper; or 
3. a Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.