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Catalytic Converter Rules When Selling a Junk Car
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The Short Answer
A catalytic converter is the exhaust component that reduces harmful emissions, and it contains precious metals that make it valuable as scrap. Because converter theft surged in the early 2020s, both Florida and New Jersey now restrict how a detached converter can be bought, documented and paid for. Selling a junk car with its converter still attached avoids those complications: the converter’s value is part of the vehicle offer, and the title documents the sale.
For an offer on a complete vehicle, call (561) 203-8970 in Florida or (732) 709-7989 in New Jersey.
Why the Rules Changed
The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Catalytic Converter Theft Model Law Update, presented to state insurance legislators in November 2023, reported that insurers paid $50 million on 23,570 converter theft claims in the first six months of 2022. In the first six months of 2023, payments fell to $41.7 million on 14,500 claims. States responded quickly, enacting 11 converter bills in 2021, 24 in 2022 and 25 in 2023.
Florida’s Rules
Florida treats catalytic converters as restricted regulated metals property under Chapter 538 of the Florida Statutes. Section 538.235 bars secondary metals recyclers from paying cash for restricted regulated metals property in any amount, and from paying cash over $1,000 for other regulated metals property. Payment for restricted items must go by check or electronic payment to the seller’s own account or street address. Section 538.26 requires proof of ownership for restricted items, requires a detached converter to be held for 10 business days before processing, and bars purchases before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Florida recyclers must also record the seller’s ID number, a photograph or video of the seller and a right thumbprint, and transmit the record to law enforcement by the next business day under Section 538.19.
New Jersey’s Rules
New Jersey’s 2023 amendment to its scrap metal business law, P.L.2023, Chapter 56, provides that a detached catalytic converter may be sold only to a scrap metal business. The purchase record must include the VIN of the vehicle it came from, along with a title, registration, repair receipt or bill of sale. Scrap metal businesses must copy the seller’s photo ID and keep records for five years. Violations start as disorderly persons offenses and become fourth-degree crimes for repeat offenses.
Why Selling the Whole Car Is Simpler
When the converter stays on the vehicle, it is part of a documented vehicle sale backed by the title, or in Florida by the derelict vehicle process described in our Florida no-title guide. There is no separate converter paperwork, no holding period for you to wait out, and the converter’s value is reflected in your offer. Removing the converter yourself to sell it separately usually lowers the offer on the rest of the car and adds paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a catalytic converter for cash in Florida?
Not to a secondary metals recycler. Section 538.235 of the Florida Statutes bars cash payment in any amount for restricted regulated metals property, which includes catalytic converters.
What do I need to sell a detached converter in New Jersey?
The buyer must be a scrap metal business, and the record must include the VIN plus a title, registration, repair receipt or bill of sale, along with a copy of your photo ID.
Is my offer lower if the converter is missing?
Usually, yes. The converter contains precious metals, so a car without it is generally worth less.
Are there catalytic converter theft statistics for Florida or New Jersey?
We found no government data specific to either state. The national figures on this page come from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Related Guides
- How to Verify a Junk Car Buyer in Florida
- New Jersey Junkyard Permits Explained
- What Is My Junk Car Worth? Scrap Prices and Vehicle Weight
See every topic on our Junk Car Selling Guides page, or find your town on Areas We Serve.
Sources
- NICB, Catalytic Converter Theft Model Law Update (November 2023)
- Florida Statutes, Section 538.235
- Florida Statutes, Section 538.26
- Florida Statutes, Section 538.19
- New Jersey Legislature, P.L.2023, Chapter 56
About the Data on This Page
Theft claim figures are national data for 2022 and the first half of 2023 from the National Insurance Crime Bureau; no government data specific to Florida or New Jersey was found. Florida statute references reflect the 2025 Florida Statutes. Information here is a plain-language summary for consumers, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.
