Nonferrous Metal Permits

South Carolina Code of Laws Section §16-11-523, requires an individual to have a permit in order to transport or sell any amount of nonferrous metal.  Nonferrous metals are metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel. They include copper wire, copper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting and aluminum; a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper; catalytic converters; and stainless steel beer kegs or containers.

To obtain a permit, free of charge, appear in person at the Sheriff's Office, located at 821 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, SC 29078.

Permits will be issued Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.  Office will be closed on county holidays. Permit will be valid for two years.

The Nonferrous Metal Permit application can be downloaded HERE.

Precious Metal Permits

According to South Carolina Code of Laws Section §40-54-20, no person, corporation, or partnership who buys precious metals from the general public, whether in bulk or in manufactured form, with an intent to obtain a monetary profit for himself or for a principal, shall operate in the State of South Carolina, unless he first obtains a permit to engage in the business of purchasing precious metals from the local law enforcement agency and operates only from a permanent place of business.  No dealer shall operate upon public property nor from a vehicle, flea market, hotel room, residential dwelling, similar temporary location, or subleased space with a lease term of less than one year.

Application should be typewritten or clearly printed in ink.  All questions must be answered.

The Precious Metal Permit application can be downloaded HERE.

Complete the application and return it to the Records Division of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office along with a check or money order in the amount of $50 made out to the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office.  Also include a copy of your lease or deed to establish permanency of the business.

*Allow 7 to 10 business days to process

Please note that your Precious Metal Permit must be renewed yearly and posted at your business site.

Permits will be issued Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.  Office will be closed on county holidays. Permit will be valid for two years.