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New Jersey Junkyard Permits Explained
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The Short Answer
New Jersey junkyards are no longer licensed by the Motor Vehicle Commission. That license ended in 2010. Today, a New Jersey junkyard operates under approval from its municipality and, for most vehicle recyclers, a stormwater permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). A business that claims to be MVC-licensed as a junkyard is repeating outdated information.
This guide explains what applies now and what to ask a buyer. Our Perth Amboy yard is at 1027 State St.; call (732) 709-7989 with any questions.
The End of MVC Junkyard Licensing
In a March 2010 Junkyards Announcement, the MVC told operators that junkyards were no longer required to be licensed by the commission and that licenses expiring May 31, 2010 would not be renewed. The same notice explains that yards still need a permit or certificate from the municipal governing body or zoning commission.
Municipal Approval
Chapter 39:11 of the New Jersey Statutes governs junkyard approval at the local level. Before granting approval, the governing body or zoning commission holds a public hearing, with newspaper notice at least seven days in advance, and must find that the yard will not unreasonably depreciate nearby property and serves the community’s interests. As a result, a legitimate New Jersey yard can point to a local approval from the town where it operates.
NJDEP Stormwater Permits for Vehicle Recyclers
Vehicle recycling creates runoff risks from oil, coolant, fuel and battery acid. NJDEP addresses them through the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES), the state’s water pollution permit program. Facilities that dismantle vehicles and sell used parts are typically covered by the Vehicle Recycling General Permit, identified in state filings as No. NJ0163279. Facilities that also process scrap metal fall under separate scrap metal permits.
In October 2025, NJDEP issued Compliance Advisory 2025-11, a notice to scrap metal and vehicle recycling facilities. It requires covered facilities to:
- store fluids and oily parts on contained, covered, impervious surfaces
- drain vehicle fluids indoors or under cover
- keep processed vehicles with their hoods down
- conduct annual spill training and quarterly inspections
- keep a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan on site
The advisory also states that NJDEP’s Division of Water Enforcement will inspect permitted facilities.
Enforcement Is Real
The state does pursue yards that operate outside these rules. In a 2021 complaint, NJDEP v. Kaars, Inc., the Attorney General’s office cited the Vehicle Recycling General Permit and alleged violations of the Water Pollution Control Act, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Spill Compensation and Control Act. For a seller, the takeaway is simple: a permitted yard has an inspection history and a reason to handle your vehicle properly.
Scrap Metal Records and ID Requirements
New Jersey’s scrap metal business law, N.J.S.A. 45:28-1 and following, requires a scrap metal business to examine and copy a government photo ID before buying, keep purchase records for five years, and obtain the seller’s signature. A 2023 amendment, P.L.2023, Chapter 56, added rules for catalytic converters. Expect a legitimate buyer to ask for your ID and the title; see our New Jersey lost title guide if you need a duplicate.
Questions to Ask a New Jersey Buyer
Ask where the yard is located, whether it holds municipal approval, whether it has NJDEP stormwater permit coverage, and how it reports the vehicle to NMVTIS (the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System). A buyer that works from a truck with no yard address cannot answer these questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the New Jersey MVC license junkyards?
No. The MVC stopped licensing junkyards in 2010. Licenses expiring May 31, 2010 were not renewed, and yards now need municipal approval instead.
What environmental permit does a New Jersey auto recycler need?
Most vehicle dismantlers are covered by NJDEP’s Vehicle Recycling General Permit, a NJPDES stormwater permit. Facilities that also process scrap metal need separate scrap metal permits.
Will a New Jersey yard ask for my ID?
Yes. The state’s scrap metal business law requires the buyer to examine and copy a government photo ID and keep records for five years.
Is there a public list of permitted recyclers in New Jersey?
We found no public list or count of facilities covered by the Vehicle Recycling General Permit. Ask each yard directly for its permit coverage.
Related Guides
- Lost Car Title in New Jersey: Duplicate and Court-Ordered Titles
- Catalytic Converter Rules When Selling a Junk Car
- What Happens to Your Car After It Is Junked
See every topic on our Junk Car Selling Guides page, or find your town on Areas We Serve.
Sources
- NJ MVC, Junkyards Announcement (2010)
- NJDEP, Compliance Advisory 2025-11 (October 2025)
- NJ Attorney General, NJDEP v. Kaars, Inc. Complaint (2021)
- New Jersey Legislature, P.L.2023, Chapter 56
- NJ MVC, Junkyard information page
About the Data on This Page
The MVC notice ending junkyard licensing is dated 2010 and remains accurate. No public count or list of New Jersey facilities covered by the Vehicle Recycling General Permit exists; NJDEP does not publish one in a downloadable format. The NJDEP compliance advisory cited here was issued in October 2025. Information here is a plain-language summary for consumers, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.
